On May 10th, Matthew Reynolds and Trena Fields hosted a Liberated Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility (LEDIA) Let’s Talk on Clubhouse with Claudia Alick. The topic of discussion was “Defining ourselves for ourselves.” They shared a quote by Lorde, “If I didn’t define myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive”. This podcast is 65 minutes in length.
LISTEN Liberated Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility (LEDIA) Let’s Talk s “Defining ourselves for ourselves.” Click here to listen.
The conversation explored internalized racism, the impact of societal expectations on personal definitions of success, and the importance of being anchored in love, self-respect, and personal power. Participants shared their experiences of maladaptive coping and the need for community and resources to be able to define oneself authentically. The group reflected on Detroit as a model for resilience and survival and the challenge of defining oneself in a world shaped by systemic oppression. They also talked about how cities can act from a insecurity called “second city syndrome”. The conversation also touched on the importance of representation and the need to create spaces for empowerment.