Be Color Brave, Not Color Blind™
“I am Color Blind.” “All Lives Matter.” “Everyone is Equal.”
These are perceptions and phrases often heard across the country. But are they true or myths? What are some hidden nuances or agendas these phrases might provoke? Raising awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of cultural competency starts with challenging these perceptions, and in some cases, debunking myths.
Be Color Brave, Not Color Blind™ is an interactive, engaging virtual live educational experience that presents historical narrative, compelling examples, and thought-provoking dialogues through multimedia and objective framework. It is inclusive and allows the audience to engage and be part of the dialogue.
Participants are empowered with insight and strategy to look at diversity, equity and inclusion in a new light, understand '101' DEI concepts, the intersectionality with American history, and how these concepts are part of their history and story. Participants leave with a basic framework for assessing how they and their communities can proactively address challenging issues operationally, structurally and culturally.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
■ Learners will be able to identify and articulate their own identities, specifically those most salient to them
■ Learners will understand the difference between equity and equality.
■ Learners will identify and understand a variety of oppressive actions and beliefs, understand why these are hurtful, and learn how to constructively address these actions when they experience them.
AUDIENCE - College Students
FORMAT - On Campus or Virtual Live Presentation
LENGTH - 45 - 60 minutes with Q&A
PRESENTER Rasheed Ali Cromwell, Esq.
ABOUT
As a proud 4th generation graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Rasheed Ali Cromwell, Esq. utilizes his rich family history and cultural heritage to bridge gaps, increase understanding to promote positive change. His authentic, passionate and supportive style connects with audiences nationwide as he empowers them to have courageous conversations around difficult topics relating to race and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
As founder and President of Harbor Institute™ for the last twelve years, and president of the Harbor Group of Companies, Rasheed manages operations and has grown the Harbor brand into a group of successful companies. As a practicing attorney, speaker, trainer and consultant he presents dynamic keynote speeches, interactive and engaging training sessions for thousands of students and administrators at more than 300 colleges around the country.
Rasheed utilizes his legal, academic and entrepreneurial expertise to focus on the following topics: cultural competency, empowerment, student success, hazing prevention, intervention and leadership development.
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Be Color Brave, Not Color Blind - Testimonials
“What makes the program different is Rasheed. Rasheed keeps it real, using an approach that validates marginalized students and challenges others without feat and defensiveness. This is the only way to have a transparent conversation where students are open to learn and challenge themselves. Even more difficult to do in a virtual format, Rasheed kept students actively engaged throughout the program.”
Hear from the students themselves:
“I’ve attended tons of DEI presentations and I must say this was the most engaging one I have ever seen! It was amazing!” – Texas A&M University
“I feel like it opened my eyes to what color-blind means and how I can change my perspective.” – Arkansas State University
“Really learned a lot and gained different perspective about Context and Culture. I really enjoyed the sessions.” – Mississippi State University
“Amazing, attended a speech yesterday and it had me super excited for today! Did not disappoint, want to see what else is planned!” – University of Buffalo, NY
“This program is very informative and some of the information gave me chills and inspires me to be a better member in my chapter and in society.”- Tennessee Tech University
“The session was great! Rasheed was engaging, funny, and super real and honest.” – Miami University, OH
“I have been to multiple diversity seminars and none of them have ever touched on the systemic racism we face in our organizations. This was really eye opening to me… This seminar created a safe space for conversations where I really felt like I learned something and opened my eyes to a lot of problems on campus I was unaware of before. I really enjoyed this seminar and have a lot to think about.” – West Chester University,, PA
“This has been the best session of DEI since being a queer man; it made it feel like I have been seen!” – Middle Tennessee State University
“Engaging and interesting. Was an excellent speaker and truly cared about the greater good of the students of NSU.” – Northwestern State University
“Amazing speaker!! makes the session exciting and easy to listen to.” – Illinois State University
