Event Details

The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee explores how racism harms not only people of color but society as a whole. Through stories and research, McGhee shows how policies and decisions driven by racial division often result in lost opportunities and resources for everyone. Her central message is that when people work together across racial and cultural differences, communities become stronger and everyone benefits.

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October 2 - Meeting 1 – Foundations of the Zero‑Sum Paradigm

Chapters: 1–3

Focus: Introduce the core argument — the “zero‑sum hierarchy” and its roots in slavery, and how it shapes U.S. inequality

Discussion items:

• How zero‑sum thinking is used in politics today.
•  The “racial bargain” and its current state.
•  Examples of public goods being drained due to racism.