Ep. 27 - How Leaders Can Make Space for Racial Literacy: Insights from Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson
On this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we’re thrilled to sit down with Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson—clinical psychologist, Columbia professor, and founder of RACE Space Inc.. If you’re someone who leads, teaches, mentors, or parents, this conversation is for you.
We talk about something most leadership books skip over: racial literacy. What it is, why it matters, and how to actually build it.
Dr. Anderson breaks it all down—how racial literacy goes far beyond “awareness” and becomes a powerful skill set that supports better communication, stronger relationships, and healthier teams. She shares how this work starts early—with our families, our language, and how we prepare young people to navigate a world where race isn’t just a side conversation, but part of everyday life.
You’ll hear us explore:
How racial literacy can—and should—be taught and practiced, not assumed
How leaders and teams benefit from understanding racial stress and how to address it constructively
What the EMBRace intervention is and how it helps families manage racial stress together
Why racial socialization is a key protective factor for Black youth
What inspired Dr. Anderson to launch RACE Space Inc. and what kinds of spaces she believes leaders should be creating today
Practical ways we can all lead with more clarity, confidence, and cultural fluency
This episode is packed with insights, stories, and strategies that connect the dots between emotional intelligence, racial awareness, and strong leadership.
Want to learn more about Dr. Anderson’s work? Check out:
RACE Space Inc. – Creating reflective, healing spaces around race and identity
EMBRace Intervention – Supporting families through race-based stress
Her personal site and media features – Talks, blogs, and public scholarship
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