This week on Radiant Mix, we are so excited to feature Dr. Zaire Dinzey-Flores, Associate Professor of Sociology and Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies at Rutgers University.   Zaire has dedicated her life to studying and teaching about race.  This interview is a glimpse of two friends in deep conversations about race, class, family, parenting, fashion, life as a Dominican Black Latina growing up in Puerto Rico, identity, structural racism and so much more.  Zaire’s story really resonated to Hope’s mixed experience. Their lives..so different, yet so similar.

Dr. Zaire Dinzey-Flores’ scholarship focuses precisely on how the built environment reproduces and archives race, class, and gender inequality. She is an author of her book "Locked In, Locked Out: Gated Communities in a Puerto Rican City" . In addition, she is one of the founding members of Black Latinas Know Collective, which an impressive collective of Black Latina Scholars. Get ready to be inspired.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

• What life is like for Zaire as a “Native Outsider” - one who always feels out of place, in their own community
• Unique experiences navigating injustice and fairness among racial lines
• One woman’s experience being a Black Latina
• The complexities of identity and conformity 
• What is structural racism and structural inequality?
• A professor’s thoughts on Colorblindedness - “I don’t see race, therefore everything is good.”
• Expert tips on talking to kids about race
• Advice on how to practice anti-racism work in one’s individual life
• The importance of self-care, fun and personal style for those that study, fight against or live with racism every day

Links:

Instagram: @Zaire.Zenit

Black Latinas Know

Book: "Locked In, Locked Out: Gated Communities in a Puerto Rican City"