In Trumping the Race Card - A National Agenda: Moving Beyond Race and Racism, author and diversity consultant Rodney Patterson provides a thought provoking examination of race and racism in the United States, which invites us to consider several questions, including:
Are racism and prejudice the same or are they supporting ideologies?
If a person is prejudice, does that make them racist as well?
What makes a person a racist in the true sense of the word?
Mr. Patterson provides the Anatomy of an Ism to show how biases can evolve and transition into acts of racism by individuals, ultimately becoming institutionalized with systems. He encourages each of us to avoid the inclination to "look the other way" and provides 10 strategies aptly designed as action steps. He also covers a broad spectrum of concepts, each designed to move us beyond race and racism, and closer to the idea of living as a true community.
"In today's climate, filled with so much divisive communication about race and racism, we desperately need new motivation that brings new clarity on these topics. TRUMPING THE RACE CARD inspires me to have that difficult dialogue in a different and humane way. I encourage you to read it and join me in the conversation." - Eric Thomas, Ph.D. Global Motivational Speaker
"This is a fresh outlook on the definitions, origins, and implications of race, and the politicizing of race, which is in so many ways a political construct. I encourage all of my friends, all of my colleagues to pick up this book. If there's ever been a time, now is the time. " - Bishop Yvette Flunder, Founder of City of Refuge, United Church of Christ
TTRC FOR FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
Martin Luther King, Jr., once said that Sunday mornings were the most segregated hours of the week. That time when those who believe in a higher power gather to worship. We believe it is people of faith who are equipped to lead the conversations. Click here for more info.
Rodney S. Patterson, Author
Rodney Patterson has served as the primary diversity resource for a multi-billion dollar system serving agriculture for the past decade. Prior to serving in that capacity, Mr. Patterson supported a wide range of corporate clients as senior facilitator for the Boston-based consulting firm, Global Novations, and as director of consulting and talent management for Hudson Highland, a leading global provider of talent management solutions. Before entering the corporate world, he spent nearly 15 years in academia, leading diversity-related activities long before the title of chief diversity officer existed. He also served as President of Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago and as a Board member, teacher and coach for two Chicago-based educational institutions.
In addition to his academic work, Mr. Patterson has consulted with the NCAA and has worked directly with professional sports teams. He is an author and accomplished public speaker.
Mr. Patterson earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Michigan State University.