When talking about the challenges faced by people of color or of a non-autochthonous background, vocabularies are often conflated. There is talk of racism (systemic or otherwise), prejudice, discrimination, bigotry and stereotyping.

For some, these are many faces of a singular problem. For others, these are distinct kind of challenges faced, that merit a separate discussion.

Oftentimes, this question is broached from the perspective of the bystander. It is sometimes argued that without intent to discriminate based on race, an action or inaction should not be called racism that someone might be blamed for. In that vein, an emphasis is sometimes put on creating awareness, of the more implicit or insidious forms of racism, prejudice or bigotry that are face by people of color or by people of a different background.

In this panel discussion, we want to relinquish the point of view of the bystander, and ask the persons concerned. Ask in terms of what they think, but first, in terms of what they feel and experience.

We will welcome the following speakers:

• Hassan Al Hilou: a leader on radical diversity and inclusive innovative and society transformation;
• Sana Sellamni: head of NextGenity Research & Consultancy and a renowned expert in the field of diversity and coaching;
• Enga Kameni: a professor at Harvard Law School, teaching finance and banking law, manages Legal Services of the African Export-Import Bank;
• Sevda Karsikaya: a criminal lawyer running her own law firm. She’s active in the project DIApositief (initiative to promote socioeconomic diversity at the Brussels Bar);
• Dirk Van Gerven, Managing Partner of NautaDutilh Brussels.

NautaDutilh is a member of the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance (LDIA). More information on LDIA can be found here.