People are born into structures of domination because other persons or groups have the unearned advantage to determine without reciprocation living conditions, either directly or by virtue of the structural consequences of their actions or inactions. Every American that experiences the unearned wages of whiteness is complicit in this structural oppression.  Join me in exploring what it might look like to examine our identities and abolish the myth of separateness at the root of inequity. I will embark on an inquiry of how we can together both transform the illusion of whiteness while at the same time taking personal responsibility for our position in it. This may be our greatest calling and surely will require great humility courage and compassion. Together we will begin to envision action and practice in our daily lives that will support our ongoing commitment to creating just world for all beings.

Additional notes can be found at Notes on Kaki’s Talk

Speaker Bio

Kaki Marshall obtained her Associates Degree in Behavioral Science, Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Specialist, and HIV Pre and Post Test Counselor. Working with these populations she learned how to analyze power dynamics and systems in institutions that reproduce disparate results for folks identifying ouside of white heteronormativity. Kaki obtained a Bachelors in Psychology, Portland State and a Masters in Public Policy at P.S.U. Since then she has been working in government to dismantle systems of oppression and create public policy for an equitable and just society. Most recently Kaki has worked for the City of Portland in the Office of Equity and Inclusion helping civic leaders address systemic issues related to institutional, and systemic racism.

Topics: Racism, Traditional Service, White Privilege