The Experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers at Predominantly White Institutions with O’Juan Edwards

October 3, 2024

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“No matter what I do in life, I will probably always figure out how to have some type of pull as you climb type of program because why get all this success and don’t help the person who’s coming along the way?” –O’Juan Edwards

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.

We don’t get there alone, and O’Juan also shares gratitude to the people and programs who helped him along the way.

“I also want to remind the next generation. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. And in the words of John Lewis, start good trouble.

Know that you come from greatness. Know that you are more than enough and just go for it. The sky is the limit. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.” –O’Juan Edwards

Meet O’Juan

O’Juan Edwards, Ph.D. (he/him/his) has 20 years of experience as a higher education administrator. His work focused on student development, leadership, management, and supervision for staff and students. He was also responsible for staff recruiting and retention and responding to student needs. Most recently, Dr. Edwards completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education where he performed independent research.

He conducted quantitative and qualitative research of a quality required by higher education associations and academic publications. Dr. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development with minors in Labor & Work and Communication from Oakland University. He also holds a Master of Arts in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Florida State University. He has acquired in-depth knowledge of the literature on mentoring; faculty professional development; diversity, equity, and inclusion, and most recently anti-woke legislation. Dr. Edwards is a proud native of Detroit, Michigan.

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

What you’ll learn from O’Juan

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

Name Drops, References, and Resources from O’Juan

Dr. Tamara Bertrand Jones, Coretta Scott King, O’Juan’s Grandparents and mother, his friends and extended family, Dr. Damon Williams, George Floyd, Dr. Frances Cress Weling’s interview with Phil Donahue, the Pandemic.

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones