Disrupting Racism™

Weaponized culture

At the institutional level, racism takes the form of dominant cultures and norms that perpetuate white supremacist ways of operating. These norms often reflect an emphasis on individualism, the belief that it’s up to each person to thrive—or fail. To gain power in institutions, we balance the need to assimilate to survive and the desire to disrupt the system we are working to navigate.

Weaponized culture can look like:

• Oppressive cultural norms and unspoken expectations enforcing assimilation
• Power-hoarding strengthening the status quo
• The system reinforcing its idea that it is the responsibility of the individual to make it, not for the system to change

“Impact investment funds focus on Black and Brown founders, but with investments that reflect the same extractive venture capital structures that folks have historically been left out of.” – Design team member

Collectively building visions of liberation and success

Shared narratives impact institutions by shifting culture. These stories paint alternative pictures of what could be, should be and is. They are constructed collectively, not held by one person alone, and put people of color at the heart of liberated futures. Our shared narratives celebrate successes and share joy. 

This can look like:

• Visions of alternative models
• Narratives built collaboratively
• Stories and examples of success
• Recognizing that Black and Brown people hold the origins of innovation, arts and culture

Consider:

• What is our liberated vision? 
• Does our vision of liberation hold ourselves next to a white norm or does it dream freely?

Sharing data to drive accountability

Transparency and accountability impact institutions by holding up a mirror. Data sharing reveals how institutional practices and norms come to life on the ground. By making the invisible visible, institutions become accountable for the impact of these cultural elements.

This can look like:

• Data sharing as reality check on conflicting institutional and industry practice
• Making unspoken norms explicit (so they might also be dismantled)
• Applying sunlight to toxic cultures

Consider:

• How do we name the cultural forces at play in our work?
• How do we use data to hold institutions accountable?

Supporting communities to drive solutions

Empowered communities impact institutions by creating solutions by, with and for community members. This practice honors the self-determination of the communities they impact, rather than imposing a paternalistic view of what should be. Centering communities shifts institutions' views of good outcomes by questioning white-dominant, capitalist definitions of success.

This can look like:

• Mutuality
• Shared power
• Lived experience acknowledged as meaningful input

Consider:

• How do we create spaces for community members to build with us?
• Are we doing to or doing with?