In her article, Radical Change, the Quiet Way, Dr. Debra Meyerson highlights the work of “tempered radicals” – individuals whose actions are so subtle that immediate effects appear small while simultaneously inching the seemingly glacial move toward justice forward. She writes:
Tempered radicals bear no banners; they sound no trumpets. Their ends are sweeping, but their means are mundane. They are firm in their commitments, yet flexible in the ways they fulfill them. Their actions may be small but can spread like a virus. They yearn for rapid change but trust in patience. They often work individually yet pull people together. Instead of stridently pressing their agendas, they start conversations. Rather than battling powerful foes, they seek powerful friends. And in the face of setbacks, they keep going. To do all this, tempered radicals understand revolutionary change for what it is—a phenomenon that can occur suddenly but more often than not requires time, commitment, and the patience to endure. (Meyerson, 2001)
If you identify as an individual of color in a predominantly White institution (PWI), you’re likely already engaged in this work. Your success has depended upon your ability to navigate these spaces, speaking the language of power with more than just your voice in order to accomplish your many responsibilities. Success in PWIs requires whole-body awareness and engagement with our surroundings.
Advocating for and pushing toward equity and justice requires a vision of possibility, of what is not yet in existence, and what needs to become. As of now, visions of equity and justice for all people remain just that – thoughts or concepts created in our imaginations. We optimistically search for signs of progress, and we celebrate when landmark moments surface such as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s recent confirmation as our 116th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. However, while forward movement has occurred, there’s still much work to do.
Our most important work lies in our ability to provide love, facilitate self-discovery, develop resilience, creativity, curiosity, empathy, and voice within our children so they apply their many skills to navigate the existing culture of power and work to dismantle ever-present structures and systems of oppression. More importantly, however, radical change requires our presence and our intentional radical engagement with surrounding allies.
I am here to support you in your journey to discover the power that rests within you because you identify as a person of color, not in spite of it. Your power and potential is unique, and I want you to harness these strengths to create a more just world for everyone.
Partner with me to begin your journey of radical becoming.
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