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Ijeoma Oluo: ‘Now that we’re all in the room, how do we start this discussion?’

Seattle-based writer Ijeoma Oluo has been widely recognized for some time now as a person who speaks sometimes uncomfortable truths about racism in America. That recognition reached a crescendo in recent days with the release of her first book, “So You Want to Talk About Race.”

Her work clarifies and amplifies the importance of this moment in which many Americans are reflecting upon historic and present-day racism. She approaches the subject with passion, sharpness and humor. The themes include race, privilege, systematic discrimination and intersectionality.

Oluo’s writing has been featured in The Guardian, New York magazine and Jezebel. She is an editor-at-large at The Establishment.

She read from her new book and spoke with writer Lola E. Peters at Benaroya Hall on January 25. Seattle Arts & Lectures presented this conversation as part of their "Women You Need to Know" series. Jennie Cecil Moore recorded the event.

Please note: This recording contains unedited language of an adult nature.

Listen to the full version below:

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