New York Times Columnist Charles Blow Speaks at Hopkins

In his assembly presentation, Mr. Blow got right to the point—how do we begin to construct conversations about race? He recounted a story where another speaker, who was tasked with the same topic, asked the audience if there were any white person present who would be willing to trade his or her life with a black person. No one stood; a recognition that people understand there is a difference in white and black lives.

To start a conversation on race, Mr. Blow said, one needs to recognize that racial bias is real and also come to the conviction that racial bias is something you do not want for yourself or anyone else.

“How we group people by how they look has no basis in science–it is a product of our deep, cultural construct of anti-darkness. People around the globe,“ Mr. Blow continued, “believe that in terms of skin gradation, light is good, dark is bad.”

Before we can begin a conversation on race, Mr. Blow said, we have to uncover the data, examine and acknowledge racial bias, and understand the causes and mythologies that perpetuate racial bias. Then, and only then, can we be ready to do the hard work of listening and talking to one another.

For further information on Hopkins’ Conversation on Race program:

Conversation on Race Page
The Razor lead article by Sophie Cappello '16

Pictured above left to right:

Chloe Glass '17, Sophie Cappello '16, Charles Blow, and Head of School Barbara Riley