April 17, 2025

Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman: Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence

Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman: Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence

We welcome back Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman to discuss his new book, "Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence." In this episode, he breaks down how traditional approaches to cultural competence often centre whiteness and view other cultures through a colonial lens. Instead, he offers a transformative framework that begins with self-reflection about our own biases.

We're talking:Why traditional cultural competence models can perpetuate racism by viewing other cultures as exotic or "other"How anti-racist cultural competence starts with examining our own biases and recognizing our role in the same "fishbowl"The concept of "politicized identities" and how human rights issues are often mislabeled as political issuesWhy the "celebrate everything" initiative could help redefine community and shift cultural perceptionsHow cognitive flexibility and building social connections contribute to psychological resilience


Dr. Abdulrehman reminds us that this work isn't just for white people – it's for everyone. He challenges the common excuse "I'm not racist, but..." by explaining how claiming to be "colorblind" actually erases and ignores the real harm experienced by racialized people.

Whether you're a leader looking to implement meaningful change in your organization or an individual seeking to better understand anti-racism, this conversation offers practical insights on moving from awareness to action right here in Winnipeg.

Find out more:

Read "Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence"

Test your own bias with Bias Outside the Box

Learn more about the "Celebrate Everything" initiative

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome back Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman to discuss his new book, "Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence." In this episode, he breaks down how traditional approaches to cultural competence often centre whiteness and view other cultures through a colonial lens. Instead, he offers a transformative framework that begins with self-reflection about our own biases.

We're talking:

  • Why traditional cultural competence models can perpetuate racism by viewing other cultures as exotic or "other"
  • How anti-racist cultural competence starts with examining our own biases and recognizing our role in the same "fishbowl"
  • The concept of "politicized identities" and how human rights issues are often mislabeled as political issues
  • Why the "celebrate everything" initiative could help redefine community and shift cultural perceptions
  • How cognitive flexibility and building social connections contribute to psychological resilience


Dr. Abdulrehman reminds us that this work isn't just for white people – it's for everyone. He challenges the common excuse "I'm not racist, but..." by explaining how claiming to be "colorblind" actually erases and ignores the real harm experienced by racialized people.

Whether you're a leader looking to implement meaningful change in your organization or an individual seeking to better understand anti-racism, this conversation offers practical insights on moving from awareness to action right here in Winnipeg.

Find out more:

Read "Developing Anti-Racist Cultural Competence"

Test your own bias with Bias Outside the Box

Learn more about the "Celebrate Everything" initiative

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.