Room at the Table

What Was Your First Memory of Race? This opening question is the heart and soul of "Room at the Table." The word equity is thrown around in multiple media outlets, corporations, and non-profits. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion… Many shy away from these terms, convinced that they already understand. In truth, these concepts are a mystery to most. It's more important than ever to grasp the vital, far-reaching aim of the equity lens. What does this work look like? What does it sound like? What actions must equity leaders take to turn the future of leadership into a reality? With public health injustices on the rise, grounded equity leadership can forge the path to a more healthy, understanding, and effective outlook for all of our futures. In her groundbreaking work, Dr. Renee Branch Canady, CEO of the Michigan Public Health Institute, shares through research and candid stories what it's like to be on the front lines as an equity public health leader. In a culture centered on optics, Dr. Canady brings to light the true act of doing for the sake of change. Points of focus include: • The innovative concept of "Leadering" • Using our outrage to enact change • Seeing, saying, and doing differently • Acting courageously in the face of institutional racism • Leading with authenticity • Harboring the conviction to move equity work forward, one step at a time In Dr. Canady's words, "Health equity leadership is a new leadership in this space that's predicated by what's happening at this moment. It hasn't happened before. Focusing on others, a willingness to be courageous, and a willingness to do something that hasn't been done before is a grey space in health equity leadership." "Room at the Table" addresses this grey space with unflinching honestly and hope.

DR. RENEE BRANCH CANADY is the CEO of MPHI, a Michigan-based non-profit public health institute dedicated to working together to center equity, promote health, and advance well-being for all. Dr. Canady is recognized as a groundbreaking leader and researcher in health inequities and disparities, cultural competence, and social justice. She serves on numerous national boards, review panels, and advisory groups for institutions hoping to better understand, internalize, and activate equity justice and change.

Introduction 1. Leadering—Equity in Motion 2. Productive Outrage 3. Thinking Differently 4. Making the Invisible Visible 5. Authentic Communication 6. The Power of Words and Words of Power 7. Building Relationship for Equity 8. The Courageous Change 9. When Truth and Facts Collide 10. Continuation over Conclusion 11. Akoben—A Call to Arms A Selah Moment to Reflect: The Iniquity of Inequity About the Author Acknowledgments