When Book Lists Match: Two Deans Discuss Anti-Racism in Book Club

In a year punctuated by racially motivated violence, deepening one’s understanding of race and racial injustice has felt ever more imperative—a feeling shared by Elizabeth Kronk Warner, dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, and Martell Teasley, dean of the College of Social Work.  Last June, they led “A Conversation on Race & Racism,” a U Alumni virtual event in which the deans discussed the books The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, and it’s contemporary successor, The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward.

Something about their conversation … worked.  So much, that they did it again.  And again.  And will again next week (when they’ll discuss Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, examining the origins and current manifestations of systemic racism).  With almost 3,000 YouTube views so far, this series has far and away been U Alumni’s most watched this year. 

“In general, I love chatting about racism and anti-racist work, as I always learn new things and think of ways to challenge my own learning and growth,” said Dean Kronk-Warner.  “Over the course of the past year, the nation has seized upon the importance of anti-racism and the work of undoing systemic racism.  Our conversations are particularly important given the national movement in this space.”

Dean Teasley thinks part of the series’ success is thanks to the dynamic he and Dean Kronk Warner have cultivated in the dialogues.  “We don’t really plan how the discussions unfold, which makes each conversation easy, challenging, and pretty fun.  Most importantly, we hope people get something meaningful out of it.”

Dean Kronk Warner agreed, saying, “We really enjoy each other’s company and respect each other’s opinions.  Given we also come from different backgrounds and academic disciplines, we also have much to learn from each other.”