Speaking

Dr. Sheena Mason has a unique and compelling background story to share in addition to her expertise in nonprofit, business, academia, and K-12.

 
 
 

Dr. Sheena Mason, a seasoned expert, excels in creating engaging PowerPoint presentations that defy the conventional "death by PowerPoint" model. By skillfully weaving information and insights into a compelling storytelling format, she stands out as a speaker who goes beyond the ordinary. Drawing on her extensive teaching experience, Dr. Mason takes attendees on a transformative journey, guiding them toward self-discovery and knowledge acquisition.

The core message revolves around the belief that everything is possible, emphasizing the importance of dismantling systems of oppression. Despite the widespread commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, studies reveal a stark reality: unintentional reinforcement of oppressive systems persists in traditional approaches. Dr. Mason sheds light on how individuals, even with the best intentions, inadvertently contribute to the problem and provides actionable insights on changing course.

Her presentations go beyond merely identifying the issue; they actively demonstrate the means to transform activism and, specifically, antiracist efforts. Dr. Mason's unique style creates a safe and engaging space for exploration and openness, encouraging participants to reflect on their perspectives and consider alternative approaches.

By delivering high-quality, captivating content, Dr. Mason leaves no doubt about the necessity of transforming approaches to activism and antiracist efforts in the quest for a more equitable and inclusive society.

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Topics on which Dr. Sheena mason delivers talks & presentations:

Deconstructing "Race": Explore the foundational idea that "race" is not a biological or social construct, but rather a human-made concept driving systemic racism.

  1. Racelessness Translator in Action: Understand how the racelessness translator serves as a practical tool to reframe perceptions framed in terms of "race" and introduces more precise language for cultural, ethnic, economic, and social distinctions.

  2. Philosophical Concepts in Antiracism: Delve into key philosophical concepts introduced by the theory of racelessness, such as architecture, madness, twilight, the walking negative, rememory, invisible ink, consolation, maternal energy, diaspora, nation, and home, and their role as analytical instruments in navigating the complexities of racism.

  3. Socio-Structural Understanding of Racism: Examine the wayfinder’s perspective on racism as a socio-structural phenomenon rather than an inherent trait, empowering individuals to recognize and challenge systemic issues tied to the belief in "race" and the practice of racialization.

  4. Racelessness and Agency: Discuss the importance of recognizing the distinction between individuals and the structural forces of racism, empowering individuals to reclaim agency and reject the dehumanizing impact of racialization.

  5. Criticizing Prevailing Colorblind & Antiracist Approaches: Analyze the cyclical and regressive nature of traditional antiracist efforts rooted in outdated racial/st ideologies, and explore the theory's critique of these approaches, urging society to recognize and transcend limitations and adopt more effective strategies.

Transformative Potential of the Togetherness Wayfinder: Explore the wayfinder’s transformative potential in dismantling entrenched structures of racism and fostering a society that celebrates diverse identities free from the constraints of racial/st categorizations.

  1. Language and Communication in Antiracism: Discuss the crucial role of language in dismantling racism, emphasizing the need for precise communication and the rejection of essentialism and dehumanization to foster understanding and unity.

  2. Navigating the Complex Terrain of Racism: Provide practical insights and strategies for individuals to comprehend and navigate the intricate terrain of racism, drawing on the analytical tools and concepts introduced by the togetherness wayfinder.

  3. Towards an Inclusive and Equitable Future: Discuss the broader implications of adopting a perspective informed by the togetherness wayfinder, highlighting the potential for creating a more inclusive and equitable future that celebrates the richness of individual and collective identities unrestricted by racial/st boundaries.

These topics provide a comprehensive framework for Dr. Sheena Mason to engage with diverse audiences and facilitate meaningful discussions on the togetherness wayfinder and its implications for combating systemic racism.

 
 
 

Signature Talks

  • The togetherness wayfinder

  • Philosophy of race

  • The racelessness translator

  • Unification, healing, and reconciliation

  • Antirace/ism

  • Language and communication

  • Understanding race/ism

  • Dehumanization

  • And a variety of other topics

 
 
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SELECTED Past Events:

  • “Human Migration & DNA Analysis from The Raceless Antiracist.” Seminar at the Department of Geographical Sciences at the University of Maryland, November 2023.

  • “Let’s Talk About Race.” Keynote at the New Critics Literary Conference, SUNY Oneonta, Spring 2023.

  • “The Anti-Race Workshop Series.” Presented at the Centre for Pan African Thought, February 2023.

  • “Theory of Racelessness.” Presented at SUNY Oneonta as part of the Alden Scholars Series Lecture, November 2022. 

  • “Insurrectionist Ethics.” Panelist at the “Struggles Against Absence” conference by Philosophy Born of Struggle. PBOS, November 2022.

  •  “Alain Locke’s Philosophy of Race.” Panelist at the “Equity and Solidarity in Perilous Environments” conference by the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy 50th Annual Meeting. SAAP, March 2023.

  • “Resolving the Race(ism) Dilemma.” Facilitator and organizer with Carlos Hoyt, Ph.D. and LICSW, and Greg Thomas. Lexington, MA, September 24, 2022.

  • “Centering Love and Inclusion in our Equity Work and Practice.” Presenting at the District Flex Day, Foothill-De Anza Colleges, September 2022. 

  • “TOGETHER.” Presented at the Stella Adler Acting Studio, New York City, August 

    2022.

  • “How People Unintentional Uphold Racism.” From Reflection to Imagination: Making Excellence the “New Normal,” Association of American Colleges and Universities, February 2022.

  • “Dismantling Raci(al/st) Ideology.” Speaker. Human Resources Professionals Association, February 2022. 

  • “Identifying Race(ism).” Speaker. International Conference on “Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations,” University of Auckland, January 2022.

  • “Undoing Race to Undo Racism.” Presenter. Diversity Symposium, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021.

  • “Combating Racism and Antisemitism Together: Shaping an Omni-American Future.” Keynote speaker. Jazz Leadership Project, the American Sephardi Federation, and the Combat Antisemitism Movement, October 2021. 

  • “Race, Ethnicity, and Culture: How We See Ourselves vs. How We Are Perceived by Others.” Panelist at Prospanica’s “The Only Constant Conference and Career Expo.” Prospanica, September 2021.

  • “How to Identify & Define Race(ism),” Speaker at “CONNECT Virtual HR Leadership Summit,” Quartz Events, July 2021.

  • “What is the Theory of Racelessness?,” Guest on Envision RISE podcast, June 2021.

  • “A Theory of Racelessness: Tracy K. Smith’s Wade in the Water.” Speaker at California Lutheran University’s “Voices of the Nation,” CLU, February 2021.

  • “‘A WHITE SLAVE:’ Albinism in Barbara Chase-Riboud’s Sally Hemings.” Paper presented at the 2018 Johns Hopkins University Graduate Conference, “Anti-Conference: Resisting the Production of Privilege,” JHU, December 2018.

  • “Redefining What It Means to be Black in America’s Public Sphere.” Paper presented at the 2012 University of Texas San Antonio Graduate Symposium, “Transformations: Gender and Engendering Change,” UTSA, March 2012.

  • “No Malcolm X in my History Text.” Paper presented at the Annual Conference of New York African Studies Association 37th Anniversary, “Africans in the Americas and African Americans in Africa: The Shifting Boundaries of Citizenship in the 21st Century,” Pennsylvania State University, February 2012.

  • “Oh, I Think They Like Me: Staggerlee’s Transition to Earning Unpunished Immorality.” Paper presented at the 23rdAnnual National Undergraduate Literature Conference, Weber State University, Utah, April 2008.

  • “Institutionalized Erasure: Percival Everett’s Erasure.” Paper presented at the Annual Conference of New York African Studies Association 32nd Anniversary, Plattsburgh State University of New York, February 2007.

 
 
 

What Past Attendees Have Said

Speaking Testimonials

“I think that Dr. Mason excelled in pushing students to be open–minded and think about race and racism in a way that most of us had not prior to this class. I have certainly learned more from this class than any other that I have ever taken, and I appreciate that the pursuit of knowledge seemed to come before grades. I think class discussion was imperative to that journey, as we were all able to talk through these new ideas and process that together. Overall, this was a transformative class, and Dr. Mason made herself available to us and gave us both the space and guidance to work through some really important, life–altering concepts.”

-Student, College of William & Mary

“Wow––I don't think I've never learned so much in any semester. Taking Civil Rights Lit. with Professor Mason changed my life. The exploration of race(ism) and racecraft in such a variety of literature was fascinating. I think the syllabus was very well organized; I appreciated the separation of readings into different genres. I thought class discussion was fruitful, and when students weren't participating, Professor Mason would quickly step in to make us think. She is a shockingly open, honest, and friendly person, and that was extremely beneficial in helping me absorb the material.”

-Student, College of William & Mary

“Dr. Mason's greatest strength is creating a classroom where students feel comfortable to participate. This includes guiding us when we reach conclusions about a work that are harmful or otherwise betray the intent of the content, in turn preventing ourselves from understanding the full scope of the work. She encouraged us to push our limits, consider our processes when reviewing literature, and try to see the bigger picture through our class discussions. In larger classes, student participation can be stunted, normally conducted by a handful of students. However, almost everyone had the opportunity to speak or participate after engaging with the material, which allowed the class to have very rich discussions.”

-Student, College of William & Mary

“Dr. Mason's communication and openness to questions and concerns from students is absolutely fantastic, and her teaching style fits the complex nature of the material we were studying and all of the other things it relates to. The balance of socratic–style discussion and lecturing was perfect and helped to facilitate really deep and meaningful discussions. Overall 15/10, would absolutely take another class with her if I had the opportunity.”

-Student, College of William & Mary

“Dr. Mason is, above all else, extremely adept at leading her students to think outside the box and step outside of their respective ideological comfort zones. We hid from nothing in this class, and instead engaged with centuries of history and radical thought. Despite the course's "radical" tenets, though, Professor Mason never once strong–armed students into blindly accepting her assertions or parroting her individual points of view. Instead, disagreement and thoughtful debate were front and center throughout the semester. I can say with complete sincerity that this class has had a significant impact on my thinking and led me to consider viewpoints that I had never even been introduced to, much less understood.”

-Student