TL/DR –
Kim Dabbs, an author and speaker, was the final guest speaker for the GRCC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s 29th annual Diversity Lecture series, where she discussed belonging and inclusion. She shared her personal experiences and struggles with identity and belonging, which inspired her to write her book “You Belong Here”. In her lecture, Dabbs outlined the process detailed in her book to establish a sense of belonging – “see, claim, edit, own” – which involves recognizing one’s lived identity, embracing chosen identity, editing aspects of identity that create feelings of exclusion, and finally owning and loving one’s authentic self.
Kim Dabbs: Discussing Inclusion & Belonging at GRCC 29th Diversity Lecture
Kim Dabbs, a leading thinker, speaker, and author, concluded the 29th annual GRCC Diversity Lecture series on March 21, discussing belonging and inclusion. The event was held by the GRCC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Born in Korea and adopted by an American family, Dabbs felt excluded and misunderstood in various settings throughout her life. These experiences inspired her to address her own struggles and offer guidance to others dealing with similar issues of identity and belonging.
During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020-2021, Dabbs wrote her book, “You Belong Here”. The book encourages readers to identify, claim, edit, and accept their identities, empowering them to feel accepted in their own skin. This four-step process formed the main topic of her lecture.
The process begins by acknowledging one’s inherent traits (race, nationality, origin), followed by claiming chosen identities (marital status, residence, profession). The “edit” phase tackles the challenging situations where the need for acceptance might lead to self-alteration. The final “own” stage is about embracing and loving your authentic self.
Dabbs believes this self-awareness process not only creates personal belonging but can also influence broader inclusion. She emphasizes that leaders’ self-understanding is crucial in shaping policies and experiences that affect others every day.
According to Dabbs, embracing our authentic identities can help us find a sense of belonging in any situation. Check out the virtual lecture here, learn more about Kim Dabbs’ movement here, and order the book, “You Belong Here,” here.
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