YOU! HOLD THE KEY TO CHANGE | People get ready: Where are we on critical race theory?

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

Sixty years ago, a song by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions came out. It sent a message of what was happening in the United States through the power of Black music. Music has long been the release — particularly during times of strife, but also in times of happiness. “People Get Ready” is one of countless songs chronicling the challenges faced by Black people, particularly during the Civil Rights Era. We are all familiar with the stories and the outcome of this movement. 

Back in February, Donald Trump signed an order prohibiting K-12 schools from using federal funding on “the indoctrination” of children, which includes gender ideology and Critical Race Theory (CRT). CRT accepts that racism exists. It is reflected in laws, as well as policies and institutions. Its framework acknowledges that racism is deeply connected to the way laws, policies, and institutions exercise their power. At its academic foundation, CRT is a significant theory that, when shared and discussed, reveals the truth about racism. This was obviously too much to grasp for the President of the United States. 

According to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, CRT was developed in the 1970s and 1980s to challenge the ideology that society and institutions were (legitimately) color-blind. CRT demonstrates that racism was never eradicated, even to this day. It was the Trump administration that imposed a ban on training and discussion related to the theory. The intended result was to silence the conversation about CRT and discussions about bias. 

Now, in 2025, what is the meaning of CRT today and what is its significance to me? 

There are several elements of CRT that we should look out for. Here is a sampling: 

• Race is a social construct 
• Racism is a norm, socially constructed and deeply embedded 
• Racism can be an unconscious bias 
• CRT applies to and affects the entire human race 

These represent a part of CRT; more thought and discussion will bring a deeper understanding of the meaning and consequences of this theory. A social construct is not a fact, expectation, or even common. It is to be approached as intentional or unaware. The behavior or interaction results do not give anyone a pass. Ignorance does not excuse us from the consequences of the law. 

As we go forward with prayer and hope — people, get ready! Pay close attention to what is being discussed in the media, as well as in our workplaces, and, yes, churches. “Street corner” conversations are more legitimate than you may think. They can represent the nitty-gritty meanings, but more importantly, the consequences to be aware of as we stand steadfast with eyes and ears wide open. 

I welcome your input, questions, and ideas for topics; feel free to send them to me at ebrown.nci@gmail.com