We invited Hedreich Nichols to join us on Real Talk to have a conversation about authenticity around bias. She is an author, educator, and consultant who helps educators and districts amplify the voices of all students. Hedreich’s YouTube series and podcast, SmallBites, focuses on equity and helping educators to create more culturally responsive learning environments. 

Hedreich is the author of several books: “What is Antiracism?”, “What is the Black Lives Matter Movement?” and more to help students understand systemic inequities. Her Solution Tree title, Finding Your Blindspots, provides educators with guiding principles to help them create more inclusive, welcoming campuses for all students.

A few of the questions we asked Hedreich:

1. What does authenticity mean to you? 
2. Referring to Finding Your Blind Spots. How do we become aware of our bias(es)? 
3. What do we do if we’re struggling with our own biases?
4. How do the words that we choose and speak to each other reinforce bias? 
5. How do we navigate and deal with microaggressions in those conversations? 
6. How can we be intentionally inclusive even with people we don’t agree with?
7.  Let’s go back to your book, Finding Your Blind Spots. You ask readers to reflect on what strategies can be easily implemented to help you respond more empathetically when you encounter a trigger.

Some Gems Hedreich shared:
“Allow others to be where they are.”
“Don’t judge others’ journeys.”
“Be action oriented…put the energy into coming to a consensus.”
“Who are our ‘thems’ and who are our ‘others’ and why?”
“Bias is a natural outgrowth for safety.”
“Who are your others? Start there.” 

How to reach Hedreich
Website: https://hedreich.com
Twitter (X): @hedreich
Instagram: @hedreichnichols
Facebook: Hedreich Nichols
LinkedIn: Hedreich Nichols