Mercer’s Social Justice Book Club will host a panel presentation on Critical Race Theory as part of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives’ first Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) week on Sept. 27.
Attendees will discuss the book “Critical Race Theory: An Introduction” by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic.
The discussion will feature Mercer’s critical race theory (CRT) scholars: professors Alana Alvarez of the foreign languages and literature department, Laura Simon in sociology, Chinekwu Obidoa in international and global studies and africana studies and Chester Fontenot in English and Africana studies.
CRT originated in the 1970s and has been defined by the book being discussed at the panel. The concept centers around the idea that racism is a systemic issue that is embedded in legal systems and policies rather than being the product of individual prejudice.
The event, which is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, will be hosted virtually via Zoom at 6:30 p.m.
The Mercer Social Justice Book Club meets to discuss books, articles, podcasts and movies that help “take perspective and consider the role of race."
Some of the works discussed in 2020 include “So you Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo and “White Fragility” by Robin DeAngelo. To join the club, visit the group’s Facebook page.
The panel is the first event of J.E.D.I week, which will last until Oct.1.
Samantha Homcy ‘23 is a junior at Mercer majoring in journalism and criminal justice. She has been working at The Cluster since her freshman year and served as Social Media Co-Manager during the spring 2021 semester. She is currently a practicum intern with WMAZ-TV. In her free time she enjoys music, community service, watching TV and finding new ways to get involved on Mercer’s campus.
