The Uncomfortable Truth: What Does Real Cross-Racial Friendship Demand?

In this episode of the Inclusive Minds Podcast, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is joined by two remarkable authors, Dr. Janie Victoria Ward and Dr. Becky Thompson. They've co-authored a poignant chapter in the book "Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies: Lived Experiences in the Fight Against Institutionalized Racism," which Dr. Ross proudly co-edited.

Janie and Becky delve into their unique, decades-long cross-racial friendship and professional collaboration. They share the profound insights gained from co-teaching a groundbreaking course at Simmons University, where their openness about racial experiences became the most impactful lesson for their students.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Origins of a Deep Friendship: Discover how a moment of shared vulnerability during a campus incident became the catalyst for Janie and Becky's profound connection, transforming a professional acquaintance into a deep bond.
• The "Cost" of True Allyship: Becky sheds light on the often-unseen sacrifices and challenges White allies may face when truly committing to anti-racism work, and why choosing this path ultimately leads to a richer life.
• Understanding Trust and Accountability: Learn what it genuinely means to "have each other's backs" in an interracial friendship, and how identifying and confronting difficult truths—like homophobia or racism—strengthens the bond.