Episode Details

In this episode, Relando is joined by longtime friend, Dr. O'Juan Edwards, who, in describing his journey to complete his Ph.D, shares a heartfelt memory of how a chance meeting with Coretta Scott King profoundly influenced his social justice journey.

In his storytelling, Dr. Edwards weaves connections to how her life and the legacy of the King family continue to inspire and inform his approach to equity leadership, including the creation of his new business, The Outstanding One Solutions, LLC. He also discusses how that chance encounter influenced his decision to complete his dissertation research, which focused on the experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers at predominantly white institutions during the anti-Critical Race Theory movement.

O'Juan shares more about the systemic challenges faced by equity officers in higher education, including defunded DEI initiatives and other legislative actions aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

He addresses common misconceptions about Critical Race Theory, pointing to root causes behind the pushback, and shares findings from his research on the emotional and professional toll the anti-DEI backlash has on practitioners in institutions while affirming the need for consistent and structural support and ongoing engagement.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:22 Understanding Critical Race Theory

00:38 The Basics of Critical Race Theory

03:08 Key Tenets of Critical Race Theory

04:52 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

06:07 Guest Introduction: Dr. O'Juan Edwards

07:37 Dr. Edwards' Educational Journey

11:23 Activating Moments and Influences

14:35 Meeting Coretta Scott King

23:00 Dissertation Focus and Research

29:48 Challenges and Insights in Research

00:22 The Importance of Critical Race Theory

02:45 Introduction to Critical Race Theory

45:57 Understanding Racism and Social Construction

46:25 Interest Convergence and Counter Storytelling

48:44 Misconceptions About CRT

50:53 Legislation and Education

52:09 Personal Reflections and Experiences

53:09 The Importance of Historical Education

58:13 Theories on Racism and Genetic Survival

01:02:12 Challenges Faced by Diversity Officers

01:25:40 The Role of Empathy and Support

01:32:56 CRT and Diversity in Higher Education

01:33:45 Connecting with NADOHE

01:34:50 The Year of the Woman and Leadership

01:35:32 The Importance of Conferences and Local Organizations

01:37:30 Mentorship and Support Systems

01:40:01 Family Influence and Personal Journey

01:41:35 Expressing Gratitude to Supporters

01:51:10 The McKnight Fellowship and Academic Support

01:56:13 Inspiring Future Generations

02:05:19 Final Reflections and Acknowledgements

To learn more about The Outstanding One Solutions, visit the website: https://theoutstandingonesolutions.com/ and follow on Instagram @theoutstandingonesolutions.

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Other Important Links:

• Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialJusticeOriginStories
• Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/
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