In this episode of the Inclusive Minds Podcast, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is joined by two remarkable authors, Dr. Janie Victoria Ward and Dr. Becky Thompson. They’ve co-authored a poignant chapter in the book “Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies: Lived Experiences in the Fight Against Institutionalized Racism,” which Dr. Ross proudly co-edited.

Janie and Becky delve into their unique, decades-long cross-racial friendship and professional collaboration. They share the profound insights gained from co-teaching a groundbreaking course at Simmons University, where their openness about racial experiences became the most impactful lesson for their students.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Origins of a Deep Friendship: Discover how a moment of shared vulnerability during a campus incident became the catalyst for Janie and Becky’s profound connection, transforming a professional acquaintance into a deep bond.
• The “Cost” of True Allyship: Becky sheds light on the often-unseen sacrifices and challenges White allies may face when truly committing to anti-racism work, and why choosing this path ultimately leads to a richer life.
• Understanding Trust and Accountability: Learn what it genuinely means to “have each other’s backs” in an interracial friendship, and how identifying and confronting difficult truths—like homophobia or racism—strengthens the bond.