Just belonging: finding the courage to interrupt bias | Kori Carew | TEDxYouth@KC

A moment of racial tension presents a choice. Will we be silent about implicit and unconscious bias, or will we interrupt bias for ourselves and others? Justice, belonging, and community are at stake.

Kori Carew is a community builder who generates awareness and understanding of critical human issues by creating the space and climate for open dialogue that is meaningful, enables people to expand their perspective and drive positive change.

With grace and truth, she is a disruptor, womanist and social justice advocate. With a multi-national, multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual family background she brings a keen sensitivity to belonging and inclusion across differences and creating space for the under-represented. Kori pushes against the paradigms that divide communities and hold back individual potential, and at the center of her perspectives and passion is her faith. Kori Carew is a feminist and social justice advocate who was born in Canada, grew up as a Sierra Leonean, raised in Nigeria pushing against paradigms that attempt to dictate the direction of individual choices and -isms that divide communities.

Using advocacy and organizational strategy to address structural barriers to diversity in the workplace, she brings an incisive voice unapologetic questioning of the status quo, and a lifelong fascination of human potential to empowering women and marginalized people and improving inclusion.

[isatousarr]

Belonging is essential for creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and respected. However, fostering a true sense of belonging requires more than just welcoming diverse perspectives it requires the courage to interrupt bias whenever it arises. Bias, whether unconscious or overt, can subtly undermine efforts to create inclusive environments and make individuals feel excluded, even in spaces that promote diversity.

Interrupting bias means recognizing and challenging the assumptions and stereotypes that contribute to unequal treatment. It requires awareness, empathy, and the willingness to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult. This can be particularly challenging in workplaces and schools where social dynamics, power structures, or long-standing cultural norms may reinforce biased behavior. Yet, it is precisely this courage to confront bias that leads to authentic belonging. When individuals take a stand against bias, they create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same, fostering an environment where all members feel safe to express themselves and be accepted for who they truly are.

Cultivating the courage to interrupt bias starts with education and self-reflection. Individuals must develop an understanding of their own biases and recognize how these can impact their interactions and decisions. Institutions can support this by providing training that goes beyond awareness to equip people with tools to respond constructively when they witness or experience bias. Encouraging open dialogue, promoting allyship, and establishing clear protocols for addressing discriminatory behavior are also critical steps.

Ultimately, fostering a culture of belonging means that interrupting bias becomes a shared responsibility. It requires individuals to act with intention and organizations to build systems that reinforce the value of empathy, respect, and inclusivity. When bias is consistently challenged, belonging is not just an ideal—it becomes the foundation of the community.

[johnbrink]

This is an excellent and refreshing perspective piece. I am very surprised this has gotten < 5k views. Space needs to be made for ALL experiences at the table, shifting away from a dynamic where only the person with the most powerful and painful life experiences gets to talk. Kori nailed it.

[liberty-matrix]

"The problem isn't that Johnny can't read. The problem isn't even that Johnny can't think. The problem is that Johnny doesn't know what thinking is. He confuses it with feeling." ~Thomas Sowell

[korirae]

These things need to be heard and repeated. I am listening. I am sharing and I am acting.

[brigidcannon]

Thank you, Kori for giving voice to your life experience and sharing the TRUTH that we all need to hear.
Blessings and keep helping us all to eliminate Racism. Peace and prayer, Sr. Brigid Cannon, OP

[JarrettMeek]

Finding the courage to interrupt bias helps create belonging when people are marginalized. The examples and insights here are so helpful.

[claireholden]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, for challenging us to share our own and for giving us guidelines on how to engage in these important conversations. My cultural mentor and I have grown so much together. It's amazing what happens when we create safe spaces where there is no judgement and where we're willing to show up with humble curiosity and vulnerability. Such an inspiring talk.

[noelgarrett]

This is such an amazing...and extremely important...TED Talk. Take 20 minutes and listen to this amazing person!

[essentialmichele]

Thank you for speaking on this important topic. You are making a better future for us and for our children. I am going to listen to it again! If only we would all make space for each other and truly listen to others experiences the world would be a better place.

[bespokenvoicespeech]

Thank you so much. I love your start and end line. So true. I will do courage more as a result of your courage and eloquence in this talk.

[temiyk]

Excellent talk. Thanks for the courage and inspiration. I like that you provide concrete alternatives to the current discourse.

[mackieme]

Courage doing the thing you don’t want to do! ❤

[hostingmaster]

There is not Your Truths and My Truth, There is Only Truth

[michellemartinbonner]

Thank you for being courageous and doing the work that must be done.

[arlinegeorge]

How messy, how pain full we will go on n on. Beautiful impressive amazing soul. Very inspiring. Pray more n more amazing souls like you multiply and create humanity where love and hope exist. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true. So rightly said courage is a practice,

[dominikaXOX]

This was so powerful, important and poetic. Well said, thank you for your vulnerability and courage. <3

[dogloverlcp]

Though I've never been made to feel less than because of the color of my skin (I don't use the word race), I have been marginalized because of my gender or economic status. You have spoken to me here, loudly. Thank you.

[doscal]

Thank you for your vulnerability and challenge!!!! Many important points, esp love the discussion of listening w/out telling others how they SHOULD feel

[manuelaguilar-nhun]

In this kind of oproblems, we need to be patience, happen to mant times, thanks, we need to teach good behave

[daniel]

White denial of racism only makes the issues and harm of racism work.

People need to take responsibility and heal their white shame and guilt. People with dark skin have other healing to do -- related to the system of racism and injustice.

Yes, many people have areas where they have some privilege and many people have areas where they are disadvantaged or marginalised. Acknowledging these things honestly and opening starts to change the dynamic to one of mutual respect, understanding and empathetic. It's not always easy to start with listening and observing ourselves and others, yet it's vital.

As Kori Carew said, we need to "Cultivate curiosity" -- especially for people who do not come from the social groups we identify with.