Rebuilding Trust and Dismantling Supremacy Culture
Today’s session was transformative. As we continue our 100 Days of Community, I am constantly reminded of the courage and vulnerability it takes to show up for this work. Today, we unpacked How Supremacy Culture Disconnects Us—and How to Rebuild Trust.
Supremacy culture thrives on disconnection. It isolates us, teaches us to distrust ourselves and each other, and erodes the bonds that make community possible. But here’s the beautiful thing: trust can be rebuilt. Together, we explored how we can move beyond the systems that oppress us to create something more intentional, more liberated, and more loving.
Key Takeaways
Supremacy Culture Thrives on Disconnection
Supremacy culture is rooted in separation—us vs. them, worthy vs. unworthy, powerful vs. powerless. It uses tools like fear, competition, and distrust to keep us from building solidarity and genuine connection.Trust is Undermined by Supremacy Culture
These systems teach us to fear vulnerability, doubt ourselves, and mistrust others. For marginalized communities, this erosion of trust is compounded by the trauma of betrayal by systems of power.Rebuilding Trust as a Tool for Liberation
Trust can be rebuilt through intentional action, accountability, and consistent care. Practices like restorative justice, mutual aid, and community agreements help create environments where people feel seen, valued, and safe.
Highlights From Our Conversation
Today, we grounded our discussion in the 15 Pillars of Supremacy Culture—frameworks that reveal how these systems operate in our lives and communities. We talked about how fear, competition, and perfectionism keep us isolated and unable to connect.
Some of you shared how disconnection shows up in your relationships and workplaces, from avoiding hard conversations to feeling the need to "do it all alone." We explored the roots of this disconnection and how supremacy culture actively thrives on it.
One powerful insight was the importance of decolonizing whiteness as a system—not just to dismantle white supremacy but to create a culture of solidarity where everyone’s humanity is honored. We also reflected on the role of family dynamics, upbringing, and personal struggles in shaping how we navigate trust and connection.
A key lesson from today’s conversation was this:
Rebuilding trust begins with ourselves. We must first unlearn the belief that vulnerability is weakness and lean into the idea that connection is our greatest strength.
Reflection Points
Where have you seen disconnection show up in your life?
How has a lack of trust—whether in yourself or others—impacted your relationships and community?
What steps can you take to rebuild trust in your life?
Journal Prompts
Reflect on a moment when you felt truly connected to a community or group. What made that experience feel safe and supportive?
Write about a time when you struggled to trust yourself or someone else. What fears or beliefs held you back?
Envision what a community built on trust, accountability, and care looks like. What does it feel like to live in that space?
Actionable Steps
Practice Vulnerability: Reach out to someone you trust and share something you’ve been holding back. Notice how it feels to allow someone to show up for you.
Build Accountability: Create or join a group with clear community agreements. Use these agreements to foster a sense of trust and safety.
Engage in Mutual Aid: Find ways to support your community, whether through sharing resources, offering your time, or participating in collective care efforts.
Looking Ahead: Day 4 Preview
Tomorrow, we’ll explore Understanding the 15 Pillars of Supremacy Culture. These pillars provide a powerful framework for recognizing and dismantling the systems that keep us disconnected.
To deepen your understanding, I invite you to download my ebook: Dismantling Supremacy Culture: Understanding and Overcoming Its 15 Pillars.
Reminder
These first 10 days of 100 Days of Community are free to everyone. After that, the series will be exclusively for paid subscribers. If you subscribe now, you’ll receive 20% off the yearly subscription ($80).
I also believe in equitable access. If financial barriers exist, please email scholarships@desireebstephens.com to request a comped subscription. This work is for all of us.
Thank you for showing up for yourself and for this work. Together, we’re not just imagining a new way of being—we’re building it. One day at a time, we’re creating the systems we need to thrive, even as the old systems fall away.
In solidarity and liberation,
Desireé B. Stephens CSP-P
Educator | Counselor | Community Builder
Founder, Make Shi(f)t Happen
Join me tomorrow at 9:30 am EST for my next live video in the app
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