Case Study - From Antiracism to Black Empowerment

The Transformation Network™

InflexionPoint Podcast | Episode 92 | September 17, 2025
2025 Theme: Community Engagement & the Grassroots of Change
Introduction Welcome to another episode of InflexionPoint Podcast, where we are dedicated to antiracism activation and the art of listening in authentic conversation, engagement, action, and accountability. Featuring creator/host Anita D. Russell, joined by co-hosts Mavis Bauman and Gail Hunter. Throughout the year, we’ve been lifting up stories, strategies, and successes of community-driven movements. This conversation is a throwback to a previous episode in April 2025 where we explored the evolution of Dr. Robert Livingston, Social Psychologist at Harvard University. He is the author of The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth about Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations, published in 2021. In this episode we dig deeper into a whole new revelation based on his recently released book.
Revelation in 2025: The Paradox of Antiracism within White Supremacy A Radical Idea. Robert Livingston's new book, Play the Game, Change the Game, Leave the Game: Pathways to Black Empowerment, Prosperity, and Joy presents a radical idea, an intriguing departure of the premise of The Conversation. Racism does not require hatred, cruelty, fear, violence, or avoidance. Abraham Lincoln is an example of someone who is sympathetic towards the Black community (Emancipation was a monumental antiracist campaign), while simultaneously believing Black people to be inferior to White people (a state of dissonance and lack of empathy). By modern standards, that’s an example of taking an antiracism stance within the context of White supremacy: Challenging one form of racism (enslavement)— while simultaneously affirming another (White supremacy in social and political life)
The Addiction Metaphor. White supremacy is like an addiction of the mind and body: it promises comfort, denies harm, escalates over time, and resists withdrawal—yet true freedom requires a courageous break and deep healing. Where does racism’s stubborn, addiction-like persistence leave Black people? “If White people are addicted to White supremacy, then this changes how we as Black people, must move forward in our journey toward racial equity.”—Dr. Robert Livingston
A New Approach In the wake of this new revelation, Dr. Livingston decided to switch things up a bit for the 2023 Men of Color Leadership Conference in Boston. Instead of focusing on White-centered antiracism he decided to focus on Black-centered empowerment: We can’t wait for White people to change. That day many never come so we have to empower ourselves.
Central Questions. What do I have to do to survive and prosper in a game that was not created nor intended for me? How do I navigate?
Our Obligation to Live a Good Life. “The fact that I was able to write this book is a testament to the power of my ancestors. I experience both awe and gratitude when I think of their strength and resilience. From their resolute determination to survive the unimaginable horror of the Middle Passage, to their tireless tenacity in abiding the indignities of slavery, to their unrelenting fight for full citizenship and representation—our ancestors have endured and overcome so much. It is incumbent upon us to continue their struggle by utilizing the pathways explored in this book to achieve the equality and prosperity that we deserve. Above all, as we honor our obligation to carry on with their fight, we must never lose sight of our forebears’ ultimate desire for future generations: to have a good life. It is our duty to live well.” —Dr. Robert Livingston