Episode 75: White Supremacists, the Military & the Capitol Riots
In this Conversation on Race, I’m joined by Greg Jenkin, a white man who spent over 28 years in the military. We talk about white supremacy in the military, and the riots at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Greg, is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader who continues to coach and mentor veterans who are transitioning out of the service.
This show is a little different in that Greg and Simma are both white. Stephon Williams who is African- American had to cancel at the last minute. We decided to do this episode anyway because of the topic.
Greg shares his perspective on the white riots/insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, where there seemed to be a disproportionate amount of people who had been in the military.
Key topics:
- The numbers of people who had been in the military who participated in the white riot.
- Although there were a few Jewish, Black and Latinx people at the riot, a great majority were there representing white supremacy.
- Greg’s reason for going into the military; not out of patriotism but because of the recession when he joined
- How Greg found a deep patriotism once he was in the military
- How some people come into the military who are already indoctrinated in white supremacy and other people let go of many of their biases as a result of being around people who are different
- The military itself does not support white supremacy and impresses on people the importance of supporting freedom and the constitution for everybody
- Consequences when someone in the military is discovered to be a white supremacist
- The military also provides opportunities for people to engage and interact with people who are different
- Greg talks about why he thinks it’s difficult for white supremacists to get into the military
- How Greg learned about racism and sexism and self-awareness from being in the military. It was a place of self-discovery and growth around diversity for him
- The responsibility that military leaders have to educate, and create environments where people can learn about each other to serve everyone in the country
- What makes a good leader in the military
About Greg Jenkins
Greg Jenkins is a dedicated and passionate consultant, practitioner and life-long learner of Diversity & Inclusion, Equal Opportunity and Leadership. He recently completed a successful US Army career that ranged from overseas duties in Germany, South Korea and combat duty in Iraq to include a number of stateside assignments culminating in Washington D.C. His performance in Military Equal Opportunity efforts resulted in developing a model program for other Army Equal Opportunity and human relations efforts. He served as the senior commander’s liaison with state and local organizations, along with educational and community leaders resulting in improved civic relationships.
Greg was hand-selected by the Director of the Army’s Diversity Task Force to help establish the Army’s Diversity program, policy and products. He was instrumental in the planning and execution the Army’s Diversity marketing campaign achieving world-wide coverage for the Army’s 1.4M Soldiers, Civilians, and their family members. He’s an experienced instructor who has provided training, facilitation and oversight for thousands of personnel ensuring quality and relevant Military Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Leadership training and education for mid, senior and executive level managers and leaders.
Most recently, he was appointed as; Chair or Board, Diversity Certification Institute, Global Diversity & Inclusion Foundation. He volunteers for the Missouri committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He’s a published author and graduate of Webster University, where recently attained my Master’s degree in Human Resources Development. He enjoys helping people, spending time with my friends, family and staying physically fit while volunteering for organizations within my community.