Dr. Akilah Cadet, the founder and CEO of Change Cadet, joined Hard Knock Radio to discuss her book, White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. The conversation with Davey D explored the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the rise of anti-Black sentiment, and the broader implications of white supremacy in everyday life.
The Decline of DEI and Rise of Anti-Blackness
Dr. Cadet and Davey D began by discussing the backlash against DEI initiatives. While originally intended to promote equity, DEI has increasingly been weaponized as a term to mask anti-Black policies. Dr. Cadet noted that efforts to foster awareness and inclusion have been met with hostility, with ‘woke’ becoming a pejorative term rather than a celebration of social awareness.
White Supremacy: A System That Benefits from Oppression
According to Dr. Cadet, white supremacy thrives on oppression. She highlighted how historical injustices, such as Jim Crow laws and lynching, have evolved into modern policies that continue to marginalize Black communities. She cited the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, which was only passed in 2022, as an example of delayed justice and the enduring impact of systemic racism.
The Role of White Women in White Supremacy
Dr. Cadet’s book includes a chapter titled White Women Are Exhausting, which delves into how white women often choose whiteness over gender solidarity. She shared an experience in Bordeaux, France, where a white woman repeatedly used the N-word despite being asked to stop. This incident, she explained, reflects a broader issue of white entitlement and the power dynamics at play in racial discussions.
Navigating Oppression as a Black Disabled Woman
As someone living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Dr. Cadet discussed the unique challenges of being both Black and disabled. She highlighted the ignorance and ableism she faces daily, even from within the disabled community. She recounted how social media reactions to her disability reveal society’s deeply ingrained biases.
The Illusion of Power and the Role of Accomplices
Dr. Cadet stressed that white supremacy manipulates people into believing they must uphold the status quo to maintain their own stability. She differentiated between allies, who support from a distance, and accomplices, who take active risks to dismantle oppressive structures. She praised figures like journalist Eric Asimov, who uses his privilege to challenge racism and amplify marginalized voices.
Combating White Supremacy and Moving Forward
Dr. Cadet emphasized the importance of self-reflection. She urged listeners to ask themselves, Why am I bothered by someone else’s existence? By interrogating biases and committing to action, people can move beyond allyship toward real systemic change.
She also encouraged readers to support her book, not just for its content but as a step toward engaging with these critical conversations.
Conclusion
Dr. Akilah Cadet’s conversation with Davey D was a powerful examination of white supremacy, DEI, and intersectional oppression. As the political landscape continues to shift, she remains committed to advocating for equity and urging individuals to take an active role in dismantling systemic racism.
For those looking to deepen their understanding, White Supremacy Is All Around provides both personal narratives and historical context that shed light on the pervasive nature of racial injustice.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.