"An Ideological and Organizational Analysis of the Black Lives Matter Movement"

Kia Heryadi, Fabio Rojas

Abstract

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began in 2013 and reached a new peak in the summer of 2020. This project focuses on ideological and organizational differences between the BLM movement and the classical civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. I use data collected from Twitter and documents such as statements and books from the discussion leaders of the BLM movement to illustrate these differences. I argue that the focal point of Black politics has shifted since the classical civil rights movement from the church to fields such as the arts, academia, and journalism. I also explore the unique role of women in the BLM movement compared to past social movements.

"Loving and the Spectacle of Interrace"

Mofe Koya, Clark Barwick

Abstract

Dr. Clark Barwick’s chapter for Rupturing Post-Racial Fantasies will examine the landmark supreme court case Loving v. Virginia and its role in establishing and conceptualizing a fantastical post-racial America. Since Richard and Mildred Loving won their court case in 1967, their story has been retold many times. I collaborated with Dr. Barwick to analyze how the Loving story has been portrayed in the media by watching films, collecting archived newspaper articles, and reviewing photographs. Throughout our research process, Dr. Barwick and I paid close attention to how the media portrays Richard and Mildred Loving. It became evident that the characterized versions of the Lovings in each source were slightly different depending on the most pressing social issues present during the period in which they were released.

"Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Black Lives Matter Movement on Hiring Discrimination: A Natural Experiment"

Maria Martinez, Koji Chavez

Abstract

Studies suggest that hiring is a critical site for racial and gender discrimination in job mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a dramatic shift in the labor market. Additionally, the pandemic also arose during the height of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement which raised awareness of systemic racism in the United States. This study investigates whether the COVID-19 pandemic and/or the Black Lives Matter movement have impacted the levels of racial and gender discrimination in hiring. A previous audit study conducted serves as a point of comparison for this natural experiment. The results show that white men and black women benefited in hiring decisions pre-pandemic, while white women benefited over white men mid-pandemic. Preference for black men remained consistent between pre- and mid-pandemic. There were no significant changes in hiring found with the BLM movement. Ultimately, the study showed that even though macro level processes introduce dramatic shifts in the labor market as a whole, it still disproportionately impacts racial and gender groups.

"Adaptations and Augmentations: How Black-owned businesses in Detroit handled struggles"

Jordan Plunkett, Candace Miller

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about several challenges to small businesses, especially those owned by Black people. It has also, however, presented opportunities for adaptations. Understanding both gives us a picture of how these businesses will move forward in the future. In order to get to that point, we collected the information for businesses in certain zip codes around Detroit. I reached out via email, social media, and phone to schedule and conduct 90-minute interviews. Using the collected data, there were several ways in which the business adapted and augmented their offerings to circumvent regulations and maintain safety: by creating new space either physically, digitally, or within a new market. They made these changes in order to dodge financial and operational distress with the help of community resources that teach basic skills like running an online shop to maintain a connection with existing customers and filling out paperwork for grants and loans. Such tactics used to stay in business were employed by businesses in both “traditional” industries like food and retail and “unique” industries. Results varied, though, even across similar types of businesses.

"Composing a Sustainable, Engaging, and Inclusive Performing Arts Organization"

Paula Wilson, Dr. Alisha Jones

Abstract

During the Summer of 2020, performing arts leaders were charged to implement effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies within their organizations. The performing arts field has a history of exclusionary practices and gatekeeping that prevents diverse representation onstage and offstage. This research explores effective and replicable changes that must be made by performing arts executives to create a sustainable, engaging, and inclusive arts organization. Interviews were conducted individually with Aubrey Bergauer, former Executive Director of the California Symphony and arts consultant; Tehvon Fowler-Chapman, Executive Director of Washington Concert Opera; Alex Poots, CEO of The Shed; and Afa Dworkin, President and Artistic Director of Sphinx. The interviews and literature review investigates effective marketing, fundraising, and programming methods within performing arts organizations. The compilation of the experience, insight, and creativity of these arts professionals will make this project an accessible and valuable resource for arts administrators, seeking to revive their organization and arts community.