Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535167
12 B M & T ••• May/June 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com HOW TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE RACIALLY INSENSITIVE An Inspiring Conversation with Dr. Monica Larson In an inspiring conversation with Dr. Monica Larson, she offers valuable insights into confronting systemic barriers with grace and resilience. In November 2024, she made his- tory by becoming the first Black Council Member in Henderson, Nevada, defeating a longtime incumbent by over 5,000 votes in a city whose demographics were 65% white and 6% Black. A clinical and forensic psychol- ogist by training, Larson's passion for criminal justice began with volunteer work on a police task force while a student researching violent crimes. Her commitment to public safety and unifying community propelled her unexpectedly into politics just after retiring where she now serves as a voice for transparency and equitable change in her city. Understanding Racial Insensitivity vs. Experiencing Racism & The Emotional Toll It Takes Drawing from her personal experience, Dr. Larson asks us to first make a distinction between experiencing racial insensitivity and racism. Racial insensitivity refers to behaviors or unsympathetic comments that communicate derogatory, hostile, negative insults, often unintentionally, that disregard or belittle the experiences and identities of people of color. These can include stereotyping, dismissive remarks, or even cultural appropriation. While these actions may not stem from malicious intent, they can still perpetuate harmful narratives and contribute to a culture of exclusion in the workplace or office. On the other hand, experiencing racism involves overt discrimination or prejudice based on race, such as being denied opportunities, facing violence, and or enduring systemic inequities. Both forms are harmful, and recognizing the nuances between them can oftentimes be difficult, especially in the moment. Understated, is the cumulative effect of daily microaggressions can lead to "racial battle fatigue," a term I n today's world, navigating racial insensitivity—espe- cially in professional or business settings—requires a strategic balance between self-preservation and advocacy. As the saying goes, "You don't want to cut off your nose to spite your face." This delicate balance is something many Black folks and people of color must navigate daily. BY TONI WALKER