Misty Nickoli to TEDTalk on Beyond Microaggression
Beyond Microaggression:
Shattering the Glass to Build Bridges
This TEDTalk will discuss the effects of institutional racism from a personal perspective and suggest several ways in which we can curb microaggressions. Microaggressions are defined as 'the brief and everyday slights, insults, indignities and denigrating messages sent to people of color by an individual in the racial majority.' It is only by looking past our assumptions can we see each other as truly human, Nickoli argues.
Nickoli's thesis is that systematic ideologies shape people's perceptions and that those perceptions rely on false narratives and ignore situational factors. She argues that to get beyond microagression, we must courageously engage in conversations regarding racism and inequity, stand in solidarity with victims, become influences and allies for positive change in the aggressors and most of all be aware of our own prejudice and bias to address and change them.
Nickoli will draw on her recent activism in support of the Fairbanks Four. She was drawn to join the movement to free the men when her sons were nearing the age that the Fairbanks Four were arrested. She says it’s not just an issue for her family and community though. “It’s also an issue for all of Alaska, not just indigenous people. These Fairbanks Four are all Native American, Native Alaskan, However it could have been any power minority. So this is a human issue, an issue for all of Alaska and it affects all of our citizens.”
Nickoli is a social justice advocate, Fairbanks Four organizer and a mother of three teenage boys.
The event will be held at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center at 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks on February 21, 2016 from 11 AM to 4 PM.
The few remaining seats to the live performance can be had via a corporate donation. The event will be LIVEstreamed at the NSCF Website for personal veiwing.
