Exclusive Interview: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
Dyson's Dynamic Discussion
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has been known to have legends grace its campus,
and WMDT had a chance to grab an exclusive interview with prominent philanthropist Dr. Michael Eric Dyson in honor of Black History Month.
College Connection
From struggles or successes, Author activist, preacher, and philanthropist Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has much to say when it comes to the progression of Black People.
“It’s important to take people to where they need to be at least where you think they need to be by starting where they are.” And that’s exactly what Dr. Michael Eric Dyson did with the students at The University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
He addresses controversial but relevant topics on a college level Like the Kendrick and Drake music beef, insisting it has ties to colorism. “Linking a kind of principle of political differentiation- I’m not like you to an existential one, to a psychological one. I’m better than you, you’re not who I am, and as a result of that, I can look down on you.”
He goes on to say, “That’s a colonial impulse; to say you’re not like me. That’s to make a Manichaean of distinction between us and them that has underwritten a whole lot of racist belief.”
Progress through Politics
Elected officials are never perfect says Dr. Dyson, but the future of democracy is held in the hands of the youth. “As antiquated as it may seem, we fought hard for that ability to vote. And I know it’s not the be all and end all, I’m not saying it’s the only thing, but it’s a critical thing, it a key. It’s a significant passport to the future… Voters have abilities and elections have consequences.”
Eliminating Ethnic Erasure
“This ain’t the worst we done been through” words of Dr. Dyson states over and over as he addresses what he calls current political ethnic erasure. He says now is not the time to let D.E.I.- DIE.
“Black people didn’t fight for DEI, we fought for justice, but DEI is a way to get there. We didn’t fight for affirmative action we fought for justice but it’s a way to get there. We didn’t fight for reparations, but it’s a way to get there those are bridges to a larger end… Now they use race conscious policies to get where we are today, but now they don’t want to use race conscious remedies for the same problems.”
Dr. Dyson spent time afterwards speaking with students and answering questions concerning pressing issues in the Black community. If you want to read any of his work, feel free to visit his website, and get educated!
