Colorism is defined in the Oxford dictionary as “prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.” 

It’s one facet of discrimination that often goes without proper acknowledgment, and one that Professor Rogerio Pinto aims to shine a light on through his work.

Rogerio Pinto is a University Diversity Social Transformation Professor. He is a Berit Ingersoll-Dayton Collegiate Professor of Social Work and he’s a Professor of Theatre and Drama, School of Music, Theatre & Dance at The University of Michigan. 

Born in Brazil, Professor Pinto has dedicated his life to breaking the social constructs of colorism and other “-isms” that divide people. 

Earlier this year, Professor Pinto curated and hosted “Colorism,” a mixed-media installation that used video, photography, tactile elements and a montage to explore colorism. “Colorism” took a look at the term from its roots to where we are today in society.

Professor Pinto also curated a Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers live event on colorism.

Professor Pinto stopped by The Metro to explore the complexities of colorism and its impact on people immigrating to the U.S., and how to tackle identity in times of division.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

During WDET’s on-air fundraiser, we continue to bring you the news and conversations that inform you, enrich your life, and connect you to the community. 

In this conversation, The Metro’s Tia Graham spoke with Satori Shakoor, host of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers. Satori talked about the importance of storytelling and the importance of strong public media. 

This particular conversation also included information about an upcoming show at The Wright on the theme of colorism. It explored the effects of colorism across cultures and how people process related experiences. 

Hosted in front of a live audience, Satori helps create a space of vulnerability, honesty and compassion. 

Take a listen to the conversation and learn more about The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers and the impact of sharing intimate life experiences. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Detroit has long been known as a place with grit – where residents face tough times with resilience.  That’s the idea behind a new series of stories at Bridge Detroit called Resilience in the D.  The publication is reporting on folks who have made it through hard times by helping others. 

Bridge Detroit’s Engagement Editor Bryce Huffman says the series started when the publication wanted to celebrate five years. They considered throwing a party, but instead decided to double down on the work they’re known for.

“We wanted to highlight five Detroiters.  Detroiters we’ve never had a chance to interview or highlight specifically in stories.” 

Huffman says Bridge Detroit asked people in the community who should be on the list of featured residents.  The publication whittled the large list of submitted names down to five by asking a few simple questions. 

“We thought, who best exemplifies the theme “resilience”?  Who has stuck out through hard times? Who has kept doing this work with no recognition?” 

Huffman says many of the people in the final five have lived in Detroit for a very long time.  And he says a lot of the work they’re doing is geared towards seniors or the homeless community. 

The next article in the series will appear sometime in September.