<![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nKYN!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12bec6da-ff11-477e-aca7-4970ac05c248_953x953.pngConfronting Whitenesshttps://confrontingwhiteness.substack.comSubstackSun, 21 Jun 2026 14:56:24 GMT<![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 6]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-4c4https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-4c4Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:29:29 GMTIn this episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell speaks with Rev. Dr. Dick Hester, a retired professor and therapist with a rich history of activism and opposition to racial oppression. Hester shares his journey of racial awakening from his segregated upbringing in Fort Worth, Texas, to his confrontations with white supremacy and racial injustice throughout his career. Highlighting his experiences as a pastor in racially turbulent times, Hester discusses his involvement in civil rights advocacy and his eventual realization of his own deep-seated racial biases. This transformative journey was further amplified by his participation in the ‘Confronting Whiteness’ course. The episode offers profound insights into understanding whiteness, fostering racial justice, and the continuous work of unlearning ingrained racial prejudices.

00:00 The Hidden History of Racial Oppression
00:46 Introduction to Confronting Whiteness
01:41 Meet Dick Hester: A Journey Through Academia and Ministry
03:01 Early Life and Racial Formation
10:53 Facing Racial Realities in Gainesville
12:49 Challenges and Changes in the Church
16:23 The Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination
17:33 Confronting Racial Discrimination at Sunland Training Center
22:36 Interracial Pulpit Exchange Controversy
25:32 Reflections on Whiteness and Missed Opportunities
30:54 Introduction to the ‘What Does It Mean to Be White?’ Program
31:37 Immersion in Black Authors and Films
33:15 Rewriting the Book: A Confessional Journey
35:47 Reflecting on Personal and Societal Whiteness
38:01 A Childhood Memory and Its Impact
42:06 The Inner Textbook Concept
47:00 Resistance Against Trump and White Supremacy
51:53 Historical Deficiency in Education
56:33 Final Reflections and Words of Hope
58:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club

https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCv...

]]><![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 5]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-f32https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-f32Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:49:24 GMTIn this episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Ben Boswell converses with Gail Perry, a Cleveland, Ohio native and daughter of the first black mayor in Ohio. Gail shares her experiences growing up in the 1960s amid racial tensions, attending Kent State during the tragic National Guard shooting, and her lifelong journey in civil rights activism. Gail reflects on her religious upbringing in the United Church of Christ, blending faith and civil rights, and acknowledges the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces in her spiritual and professional life. Through her extensive anti-racist work, Gail highlights the importance of understanding and confronting whiteness, the impact of systemic racism, and the need for truth and reconciliation in American society. This episode is a profound exploration of identity, transformation, and the continuous fight for racial justice.

00:00 Introduction and Family Background
00:32 Experiencing Racial Tensions
00:46 Kent State Shooting Recollections
01:37 Podcast Introduction
02:28 Guest Introduction: Gail Perry
03:31 Religious and Racial Formation
04:29 Church Involvement and Civil Rights
06:25 Challenges in Church Leadership
07:15 Reflections on Civil Rights and Christianity
11:11 National Guard and School Shootings
16:53 Confronting Whiteness and Anti-Racism Work
19:09 White Supremacy and Historical Context
30:13 Challenges in Anti-Racism Efforts
32:10 Wealth and Ancestry
33:14 Racism in America
36:39 Whiteness and Racial Hierarchy
38:55 Church and Racial Diversity
42:27 Housing and Segregation
43:52 Impact of Confronting Whiteness
50:10 Hope and Reconciliation
56:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Subscribe to Rev Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack...

Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com

Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCv...

]]><![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 4]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-481https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-481Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:35:21 GMTIn this episode of Confronting Whiteness, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell interviews Rev. Dr. Mel Williams, a seasoned pastor with over 40 years of service. The conversation explores Williams’ upbringing in a segregated North Carolina, the impact of his spiritual mentor Denny Spear’s resignation over racial integration, and the lifelong influence of his mother’s childhood friendship with an African American girl. Williams reflects on his experiences with racial and religious formation, his efforts to foster racial reconciliation through church partnerships, and his work in anti-poverty and anti-violence initiatives. He emphasizes the need for white individuals to engage in deep emotional and spiritual work to address the legacy of racism and the importance of contemplative practices in sustaining social justice efforts. The episode offers a moving testimony of transformation and a call to action for redistributing resources and fostering genuine relationships across racial divides.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation

01:20 Welcome to Confronting Whiteness

02:14 Meet Reverend Mel Williams

03:16 Childhood and Early Influences

04:01 Pivotal Moments in Racial Awareness

04:51 Stories of Friendship and Segregation

08:19 College Years and Anti-Racism Efforts

10:45 Impact of Confronting Whiteness Course

13:35 Emotional Journey and Reflections

21:21 Contemplative Practices and Social Justice

22:55 Exploring Contemplative Traditions in Black Culture

23:29 Howard Thurman and the Importance of Spiritual Practice

24:10 Integrating Anti-Racism Training with Spirituality

25:11 The Role of Lament in Social Movements

27:58 Addressing the Racial Wealth Gap

32:05 The Intersection of Race, Class, and Economic Justice

38:07 Transforming Trauma Through Spiritual Practice

42:00 Final Reflections and Call to Action

Subscribe to Rev Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com

Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com

Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?group=8e39806a-8e06-4c86-a77f-970fe120d103

]]><![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 4]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-e8ahttps://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-e8aWed, 05 Nov 2025 14:45:35 GMTIn this episode of Confronting Whiteness, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell interviews Rev. Dr. Mel Williams, a seasoned pastor with over 40 years of service. The conversation explores Williams’ upbringing in a s…

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]]><![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast - Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 3]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-6abhttps://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-6abMon, 27 Oct 2025 17:36:21 GMTIn the third episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Ben Boswell engages in a compelling conversation with Kim Bohannon, a dedicated educator and community leader. Kim, affectionately known as ‘Kimbo,’ shares her transformative journey through the Confronting Whiteness course and its profound impact on her life. They explore her religious and racial background, the role of spirituality in anti-racist work, and her commitment to facilitating conversations about whiteness.

Kim reflects on her experiences with systemic racism, personal growth, and the importance of creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue. Her testimony highlights the power of embracing uncomfortable truths, continuous learning, and using one’s sphere of influence to enact change. This episode is a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual and emotional transformation when engaging deeply in anti-racist practice.

00:00 Introduction: The Lie of Whiteness

00:41 Personal Testimonies and Transformations

01:37 Welcome to Confronting Whiteness

02:34 Meet Kimbo: A Journey of Education and Mentorship

03:18 Kimbo’s Spiritual and Anti-Racist Awakening

04:17 Childhood and Racial Formation

07:49 The Impact of Confronting Whiteness

09:39 Emotional and Spiritual Transformation

11:08 The Power of Safe Spaces

19:15 The Role of Faith and Forgiveness

23:05 Renouncing Whiteness

25:25 Spiritual Transformation

26:48 Navigating Identity and Oppression

31:36 Impact and Influence

37:21 Continued Engagement and Reunions

39:22 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Subscribe to Rev Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack

Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com

Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club

https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?group=8e39806a-8e06-4c86-a77f-970fe120d103

Confronting Whiteness
Continuing education and spiritual formation on anti-racism, whiteness, and the ongoing work of the Confronting Whiteness community.

]]><![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep 2]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-626https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonies-626Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:28:30 GMTIn the second episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell engages in a profound conversation with Tracy Onze, who leads the middle school division at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte. Tracy, originally from New York, shares her journey and experiences over her 22-year tenure at the school. They delve into her religious background, early experiences with race, and the transformational impact of the Confronting Whiteness course on her perspective.

In addition, they discuss the challenges and successes of striving for a diverse educational environment that mirrors the city’s diversity. Tracy reflects on the critical roles of anti-racism training, participating in a white affinity book club, and the systemic challenges she witnessed in North Carolina’s education system. Her testimony underscores the importance of vulnerability, continuous learning, and actionable commitments in the journey toward racial justice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:08 Tracy’s Religious and Racial Background

03:07 Experiences Moving to the South

06:54 Educational Challenges and Changes

13:33 Training and Professional Development

17:25 Impact of Confronting Whiteness

25:54 Exploring Emotional Journeys

27:21 Navigating Multiracial Spaces

30:19 The Feeling of Betrayal

31:34 Interpreting Spirituality and Betrayal

37:50 Defining Whiteness and Power

44:15 Impact of Confronting Whiteness

Subscribe to Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com

Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com

Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?...

]]><![CDATA[Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 1]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimonieshttps://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/confronting-whiteness-podcast-testimoniesWed, 15 Oct 2025 17:50:00 GMThttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRS055nLVkE

In the inaugural episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Ben Boswell sits down with Wes Fryer, a media literacy and computer science teacher from Charlotte, North Carolina. Friar discusses his religious upbringing, his awareness of racial dynamics, and how participating in the Confronting Whiteness course was a catalyst for significant personal transformation. He shares insights on the lasting impacts of his education, including the importance of proximity to diverse communities and the responsibility that comes with newfound awareness. The conversation delves into Friar’s experiences in predominantly white spaces, his reflections on privilege, and the inspiration he draws from figures like James Baldwin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This episode underscores the ongoing journey of anti-racism work and the power of storytelling in fostering cultural healing and community resilience.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Change and Hope

01:16 Welcome to Confronting Whiteness

02:03 Meet Wes Fryer: A Journey of Transformation

03:01 Reflecting on Religious and Racial Background

04:19 Awakening to Racial Realities

06:31 The Role of the Church in Racial Awareness

11:28 Mission Trips and Cultural Immersion

19:07 Impact of Confronting Whiteness Course

21:22 Media Literacy and Anti-Racism

28:07 The Power of Storytelling and Education

30:07 Community Contributions and Media Integration

31:01 Emotional Impact of Media

32:03 Personal Reflections and Vulnerability

34:07 Awareness and Privilege

37:38 Lifelong Learning and Hope

42:33 Defining Whiteness

50:23 Cultural Healing and Community Building

55:34 Podcast Purpose and Transformation Stories

58:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

Subscribe to Rev Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com

Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?...

]]><![CDATA[A Tranformative Anti-Racism Journey with Wes Fryer]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/a-tranformative-anti-racism-journey-c27https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/a-tranformative-anti-racism-journey-c27Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:04 GMTIn the inaugural episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Ben Boswell sits down with Wes Fryer, a media literacy and computer science teacher from Charlotte, North Carolina. Friar discusses his religious upbringing, his awareness of racial dynamics, and how participating in the Confronting Whiteness course was a catalyst for significant personal transformation. He shares insights on the lasting impacts of his education, including the importance of proximity to diverse communities and the responsibility that comes with newfound awareness. The conversation delves into Friar’s experiences in predominantly white spaces, his reflections on privilege, and the inspiration he draws from figures like James Baldwin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This episode underscores the ongoing journey of anti-racism work and the power of storytelling in fostering cultural healing and community resilience.00:00 Introduction: Embracing Change and Hope01:16 Welcome to Confronting Whiteness02:03 Meet Wes Friar: A Journey of Transformation03:01 Reflecting on Religious and Racial Background04:19 Awakening to Racial Realities06:31 The Role of Church in Racial Awareness11:28 Mission Trips and Cultural Immersion19:07 Impact of Confronting Whiteness Course21:22 Media Literacy and Anti-Racism28:07 The Power of Storytelling and Education30:07 Community Contributions and Media Integration31:01 Emotional Impact of Media32:03 Personal Reflections and Vulnerability34:07 Awareness and Privilege37:38 Lifelong Learning and Hope42:33 Defining Whiteness50:23 Cultural Healing and Community Building55:34 Podcast Purpose and Transformation Stories58:11 Conclusion and Call to ActionSubscribe to Rev Ben Boswell's Confronting Whiteness Substack:https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.comLearn more about Confronting Whiteness:https://confrontingwhiteness.comMusic: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Clubhttps://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?group=8e39806a-8e06-4c86-a77f-970fe120d103

]]><![CDATA[Exposing White Terrorism]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/exposing-white-terrorismhttps://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/exposing-white-terrorismFri, 22 Aug 2025 15:50:19 GMT

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In a clip that is going viral on TikTok, Confronting Whiteness graduate, Dr. Katherine Godby, speaks truth to power to county commissioners about the violence of voter suppression in Texas and connects it to the long history of white terrorism toward black people in America.

“I’m so tired of these racist policies, racist actions by my county government. Voter suppression is an act of violence. It’s in the long tradition of what Ben Boswell calls ‘White Terrorism’ as in ‘the middle passage, chattel slavery, police brutality, redlining, mass incarceration, gerrymandering, sundown towns, lynching, urban renewal, Jim Crow laws…white people have been terrorizing Black people for over 400 years’ and we’ve got to stop it.” - Dr. Katherine Godby

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]]><![CDATA[Coming soon]]>https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/coming-soonhttps://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/p/coming-soonMon, 03 Feb 2025 16:52:00 GMTThis is Confronting Whiteness.

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