An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Alejandra Salemi
Project Description
I have been so deeply inspired by the commitment to liberation and justice that has been displayed by both the members of the FPI community and the historical leaders that we have learned about throughout our year with FPI. However, one of the things I have noticed through my own circle is that many students often navigate college, post-grad and their early careers with a commitment to justice and liberation yet that commitment can easily fall off once we enter the workforce and have to really put our morals on the line when we enter a capitalism-centered workforce.
I think this became even more pronounced to me after our Alabama pilgrimage in February when it became clear that there are many companies and their respective employees who might theoretically and ideologically align with visions of justice and liberation but are wrapped up in actions that harm.
Anna Del Castillo is one of my dear friends and soul sisters who I met during my time at Harvard Divinity School. She has been one of my greatest teachers in living a life and vocational calling that aligns with my values. I have watched her navigate through these very questions in her early career and I wanted to highlight her story. She was recently hired for the Biden administration where she was Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) at the White House. As she began her tenure there, the events of October 7th unfolded and she was once again left having to make difficult decisions about her career and her morals.
Earlier this year, she decided to step down from her role, noting discontent and disappointment with the response to the bombing of Gaza. As a first-gen Latina from Jackson, Mississippi, the decision to walk away from the White House was not an easy one but a necessary one. I hope to highlight her story and stir the hearts of my fellow colleagues as we come face to face with these similar moments where we are reminded that standing my our morals for liberation and justice means that it will more often than not, cost us something.
Oral History Interview with Anna Del Castillo - 06/19/2024
Presentation Recording