Professor to Discuss Critical Race Theory at Alkebulan Cultural Center

Dr. James Thomas will join James Farr, host of the local Conversation Live talk show, in a conversation on critical race theory.

Thomas is a distinguished Professor at California State University Los Angeles and President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People San Fernando Valley Branch.

The event will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Alkebulan Cultural Center, 1435 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Critical race theory is an academic and legal framework that denotes that systemic racism is part of American society — from education and housing to employment and healthcare. Critical race theory holds that racism is more than the result of individual bias and prejudice.

The theory is essentially an academic response to the notion that American society and institutions are “colorblind.”

“The event’s topic, ‘Critical Race Theory (CRT): Shaping Perspectives on Race, Justice, and Equity,’ promises a thought-provoking exploration of the foundations and principles shaping critical race theory,” according to the press release.

Critical race theory has become a focal point of intense debate, reflecting broader national conversations about race, equity, and justice.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s legal defense team said the term has been co-opted by opponents as a catch-all and rallying cry to silence any discussions about systemic racism, ban the teaching of American history, and reverse progress toward racial justice.

The legal defense team said the term has been used to include all diversity and inclusion efforts, race-conscious policies, and education about racism, whether or not they draw from critical race theory.

Critics of critical race theory argue that its focus on systemic racism divides rather than unites and raises concerns about its implications for education and public policy. They advocate for other methods of addressing racial disparities.