“All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk”: A Discussion on Racial Monolith Myths, and Counterstories in LIS through the Lens of Critical Race Theory
Discussion | Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 1:45pm – 2:45pm EST
The saying “All skinfolk ain’t kinfolk” by the author Zora Neal Hurston has explicit and implicit meanings in society. In the profession, we may see this phrase in application when library and archival workers of color experience a lack of solidarity or support from their colleagues and supervisors of color, and in the profession at large. This may result in them feeling demoralized and leaving the profession. This is further complicated because this profession is inherently white dominant. Working in a white-dominant environment may result in “internalized oppression or racism,” which is when an oppressed group accepts and applies methods of the oppressor and against their own best interests. In addition, the dominant group may adopt a “racial monolith” myth that does not differentiate an individual’s lived experiences and perspective, and simply groups everyone in the same category based on similar racial and ethnic backgrounds. These harmful tactics are integral parts of upholding a system of colonialism, white supremacy, and institutional racism. How do we understand this phrase in the profession and apply counterstories—a tenet of critical race theory—to dismantle “racial monolith” myths? How do we build solidarity, allyship, and support for library and archival workers of color meaningfully in a profession that is predominantly white? When we understand how these tactics operate in our profession, we can strive to work together to dismantle oppressive systems collectively. These questions among others will be shared out and discussed in this session. This session will be moderated by facilitators to offer opportunities for discussion on these nuanced and complicated topics.
[This discussion will not be recorded.]
Facilitators: Dr. Africa S. Hands, Loida Garcia-Febo, & Raymond Pun / Presenter slides & Resources and links
Dr. Africa S. Hands is an assistant professor in the Department of Information Science at University at Buffalo. Dr. Hands graduated from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia and holds an MLIS degree from San Jose State University. Dr. Hands is the Principal Investigator for Project CLiA, an IMLS-funded project examining public libraries as an information resource to college bound patrons. Her work also explores the experiences of first-generation students – both as users of academic libraries and students and professionals in the LIS field.
Loida Garcia-Febo is a Puerto Rican American librarian and International Library Consultant expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. Garcia-Febo is worldwide known for her passion about diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness for library workers, and new librarians about which she has taught in 44 countries. In her job, she helps libraries, companies and organizations strategize programs, services and strategies in areas related to these topics and many others. Garcia-Febo has a Bachelors in Business Education, Masters in Library and Information Sciences. Born, raised, educated in Puerto Rico.
Raymond Pun (he/him) is the academic and research librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education. Ray holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master of Library Science, and a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies.