ISFiT presents: Race and Prejudice

Racial discrimination is a problem prevalent in all societies. According to the United Nations, “racial discrimination” means any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. But what are the psychological mechanisms driving discrimination and prejudice? What is implicit and explicit bias? And how can racism be prevented and combated?

To discuss these and many more questions, as well as share their personal stories and experiences, we have invited Kofi Ademola (US), ShiShi Rose (US), Øystein Mortensen (NO) and Lisa Cooper (US/NO).

More on the speakers

Lisa Cooper is the founder and CEO of several social enterprises in Norway that are focused on creating social change with a focus on diversity and inclusion, arts and culture and youth. Her project portfolio has Nordic footprint. Lisa has a passion for designing and implementing projects with high social impact. Formerly an Executive in both the private and public sector, Lisa has lived in six countries, has over 35 years of international experience, sits on several boards in the private, public and humanitarian sectors. Lisa is a sought-after speaker, mentor, coach and collaboration partner.

Øystein Mortensen is a psychologist with a PhD in family psychology. He is currently working in a startup in Bergen kommune focusing on helping families with children and youth with complex and persistent mental health issues. For years, Øystein has lectured at the University in Bergen in social psychology and other fields. Moreover, he regularly attends events to speak about different issues within psychology.

ShiShi Rose is a writer, activist for black liberation, and women's rights advocate. Although ShiShi's activism is geared towards black liberation, it is centered on uplifting black women and all women of color as a whole. Specifically, she wants black women to have their voices heard and be included in all the conversations and fights for equality of race and gender.

Kofi Ademola is a Pan-African activist, community organizer and leader in the Black Lives Matter movement who has dedicated his life to the struggle for Black liberation, and against systematically and intentionally targeted discrimination. At age 18, Kofi started his life long career in social services, working in homeless shelters, advocating for LGBTQIA rights, doing gang intervention and conflict resolution. More recently, Kofi has oriented his work towards combatting racism and ending state violence and criminalization of Black communities, reimagining new egalitarian systems that center the most marginalized.