On Racelessness and Advocacy Featuring Dr. Sheena Mason and Mark Talley
On this episode, Dr. Sheena Mason, author of Theory of Racelessness, discusses her work in moving American society from the binding thoughts of "race" and racism. Also, Mark Talley, son of Geraldine Talley, talks about the advocacy work he's involved in since the May 14, 2022 Terrorist Attack at Tops Grocery Store in Buffalo, NY.
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Mark Talley
Mark Talley is an accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to society. After experiencing a personal tragedy with the loss of his mother in a racist domestic terrorist attack, he channeled his grief into positive action. He founded a highly successful socioeconomic nonprofit Agents for Advocacy aimed at addressing the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities & authored the book “5/14-The day the devil came to Buffalo”. Through his nonprofit, he has implemented various initiatives to uplift and empower individuals, fostering positive change on a large scale. In addition to their impactful work, they also authored a book that sheds light on their personal journey and serves as a source of inspiration to others. Through his resilience, determination, and commitment to social justice, Mark Talley continues to make a lasting impact in the fight against injustice and inequality.
Dr. Sheena Mason
Dr. Mason earned her Ph.D. in English literature from Howard University, her M.A. from the University of Houston, and her B.A. from SUNY Plattsburgh. Before coming to SUNY Oneonta, she taught at the College of William and Mary, California Lutheran University, and Howard University. Her book, Theory of Racelessness: A Case For Antirace(ism), was published in early 2022. Additionally, she co-authored “The Harlem Renaissance,” a chapter of the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Ethics and Art; “‘A WHITE SLAVE:’ Albinism in Barbara Chase-Riboud’s Sally Hemings” from Cosmopolitanisms, Race, and Ethnicity (2019), and “No Malcolm X in My History Text” (2018). In her teaching, scholarship, and service, Dr. Mason consistently and unwaveringly promotes anti-racism, though her “anti-racism” necessarily differs from traditional thought and practices. Her sustained interest in understanding systemic racism and being a change agent for social justice resulted in her primary specialization in African American literature. Her secondary specializations are American and Caribbean literature. One of her mantras is “freeing ourselves together,” which she aims to cultivate: healing, unification, and recognition of shared humanity.
