Interest Convergence in a "Postracial" Policy Era: Expanding on Bell's Concept to Address the Resurgence of White Racial Backlash

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 10

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

In this interactive symposium presenters look to Derrick Bell’s work to offer new insights and approaches to Bell’s seminal concept of Interest Convergence in a Trump-informed era of white racial backlash.. Authors present papers that build upon Bell’s thesis to question the rise of state sanctioned violence and dehumanization of people of color, the resurgence of pronounced colorblind racism alongside white backlash and the push towards race-neutral policy implementation. After the Session Chair introduction, the Moderator will facilitate discussion among the Discussant, panelists, and audience members to better understand the complexities of Bell’s theory while asking “what have the shifting times meant for Bell’s concept and its utility?”

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Educators for Social Justice

Chair

• Walter R. Allen, University of California - Los Angeles

Papers

• Interest Convergence Versus Power Preservation: Examining the Tension Between Institutional and Individual Interest Convergences - María C. Ledesma, San Jose State University

• Interest Convergence as Dynamic: Interest Convergence Constriction and Expansion Within the Affirmative Action Context - Uma Madhure Jayakumar, University of California - Riverside

• Racial Literacy Discourse in a Campaign for Ethnic Studies - Rican Vue, University of California - Riverside

Discussant

• Tara J. Yosso, University of California - Riverside