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Cook: Bias training and the reconstruction of the mind

Robert Jackson speaks at the Hamilton County Opportunity Zone's second Urban Teacher Institute at Brainerd High School on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Robert Jackson speaks at the Hamilton County Opportunity Zone's second Urban Teacher Institute at Brainerd High School on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Robert Jackson speaks at the Hamilton County Opportunity Zone's second Urban Teacher Institute at Brainerd High School on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

By David Cook 5 min read

photo David Cook

Not long ago, I was driving home and passed by a construction crew working in the front yard of a neighborhood home. Six of the crewmen stood in the yard. Five were white. One was black.

Here’s the thought that arose in my mind as I drove by:

“That black guy isn’t in charge.”

I am not proud of this thought. Ashamed, actually. But I am not surprised. Sadly, I have seen such thoughts in my mind before.

Sure, you might say, it could have been the man’s body language. Or dress. Or the fact there are so few African-American contractors in this city.