337: How to Use History and Personal Gifts to Rise and Resist with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare
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In this powerful episode of *Allyship in Action*, host Julie welcomes back Dr. Janice Gassam Asare to discuss her new book, *Rise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice*. Drawing from historical resilience and personal experience, Janice explores how marginalized communities—particularly Black women—have long resisted systemic oppression through quiet, strategic acts of courage. She shares her own targeting after the release of her book *Decentering Whiteness*, including political backlash from figures like JD Vance and media scrutiny, which led her to pause her advocacy during pregnancy. Yet, she emerged with renewed purpose, using stories of lesser-known figures like Georgia Gilmore, Ida B. Wells, and Toni Morrison to illustrate practical resistance strategies such as storytelling, exiting toxic environments, and leveraging personal gifts. The episode emphasizes that resistance isn’t only for leaders—it’s accessible to everyone through small, meaningful actions. Janice stresses the importance of recognizing interconnected oppressions and using one’s power, privilege, and talents to build coalitions and sustain equity work, even in times of retreat or fear.
Resistance is not just about loud protests—it can be quiet, personal, and rooted in everyday gifts like baking, design, or writing.
Historical figures like Georgia Gilmore and Ida B. Wells show that impactful resistance often comes from ordinary people using their unique skills and courage.
When targeted for equity work, it’s okay to pause and protect your well-being—but don’t abandon the mission.
Power is often invisible to those who have it; allies in dominant groups must recognize and use their privilege to amplify marginalized voices.
Interconnected oppressions mean that justice for one group benefits all—coalition-building across racial, cultural, and political lines is essential.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Janice Gassam Asare and Her New Book
Julie welcomes Dr. Janice Gassam Asare back to the podcast to discuss her new book, *Rise and Resist*, which draws on historical resistance and personal experience to guide equity work in challenging times.
Why Now? The Urgency of Resistance in 2024
“We've been here before. This is not everything is cyclical. This is not the first time that people have been opposed to justice and equity and civil rights, and this is not going to be the last time.”
Historical Inspiration: Ida B. Wells and the Power of Storytelling
“She wrote and her office building that she was working in at one point ended up being blown up and she was targeted for the writing that she did and how she was able to still endure.”
Personal Targeting and the Cost of Equity Work
“It was just a lot. And I just was like, let me focus on being pregnant and having this child.”
Choosing Resistance Strategies from History
Janice discusses how she selected historical figures based on personal resonance rather than exhaustiveness, focusing on lesser-known women of color like Toni Morrison and Georgia Gilmore.
“You don’t need a platform to resist; you just need your gifts, your voice, and your willingness to act.”
“It's somebody that used their gifts and used the tools that they had to resist, right? And so I think that if you're somebody who's maybe good at graphic design... you can create flyers for a local protest.”
“We've been here before. This is not everything is cyclical. This is not the first time that people have been opposed to justice and equity and civil rights, and this is not going to be the last time.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Janice Gassam Asare
person
Julie
person
Ida B. Wells
person
Georgia Gilmore
person
JD Vance
person
Minnesota
place
Toni Morrison
person
Derek Bell
person
The 1619 Project
media
Forbes
media
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