Discussion: Why Racism Persists: An Uncomfortable Truth, with Dr. Walter V. Collier

Seeking solutions for some of America's major social problems has been a long-time passion of Dr. Walter V. Collier. His most recent book, Why Racism Persists: An Uncomfortable Truth, is a culmination of years of research on racism. The book's focuses on some under-explored reasons why many White Americans continue to exhibit racist behaviors and on the persistence of systemic racism in America. The aim of Dr. Collier’s investigation is to open up honest dialogue about this most difficult problem.

Dr. Collier has lived on Martha’s Vineyard for more than 39 years. He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in psychology from Brooklyn College and a doctorate in public policy analysis from New York University. He has worked as a social science researcher and strategic planner for numerous organizations, including the U.S. National Science Foundation, Princeton University, University of New Mexico, the American Cancer Society, the Lilly Endowment, Ford Foundation, New York State Division of Parole, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Howard University School of Divinity, and the U.S. departments of Health & Human Services and Education.  
 

He has authored many research articles and other publications dealing with an array of subjects, including health care, criminal justice, educational innovations, community-based psychiatry, racial discrimination, church administration, and diversity in the STEM fields. He also co-authored GOD = Creation = Evolution = Intelligent Design, with Melvin L. Riley and Deloris Riley Haywood. Dr. Collier is a co-founder and chair emeritus of the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition (www.mvdiversitycoalition.org) and is on the board of trustees for the WMVY Radio.