Archive from Feburary 2021
21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge
Week 1 What is Racism?
Day 1: What is Racism? Today we take a look at what it means to be anti-racist and how we can take actionable steps to become anti-racist. Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes.
Day 2: What is Racism Part 2? Today we’re taking a look at why it’s so hard for many people to talk about race. You may experience discomfort when the topics arise, and as a result, may avoid it altogether. Having conversations about race is a critical part of racial justice and social equity work, and such conversations require individuals to make intentional efforts despite the discomfort they feel. Coming to terms with why you may be uncomfortable is an important step. Today’s challenge activities offer a closer look.
Day 3: What is it like to experience racism? Today we’re turning our focus to gaining a deeper understanding of what it is like to experience racism. This challenge will walk you through the experiences of others to help gain a better understanding of racism in America.
Day 4: Implicit Bias. Becoming aware of one’s implicit biases is a lifelong process, but the following activities are great starting points. We carry preconceived judgments of those around us, but we can begin to deconstruct them once we are aware of them.
Day 5: A Call to Action. Engaging in conversations on race, racism, diversity, and inclusion with loved ones is critical to building understanding from a young age. It’s also important to note that for many families with children of color, discussing racism with their children is inevitable rather than optional. The following activities provide guidance on how we can discuss these topics in manageable ways with loved ones of all ages.
Week 2 Racism In Education
Day 6: Teaching Racism? Education is essential to the future of every child. But how does racism effect the education of children of color?
Day 7: Teaching Racism Part 2. Education is essential to the future of every child. But how does racism effect the education of children of color?
Day 8: The Native Experience. Today we give a little historical perspective of Native education and explore the question; what does education look like for Native Americans in the 21st century?
Day 9: Native Education Today. Way before “no child left behind” we had seriously dangerous ideas about education for cultures that deviated from the norm, even if those cultures where truly original to the United States. What does education for Native students look like today?
Day 10: Education and Law Enforcement. School Resource Officers and other forms of Law Enforcement have become a staple sight in most schools across the United States. But how does racism effect the interactions and outcomes with students?
Week 3 Racism In Healthcare
Day 11: Racism & Public Health. Today we will explore racism and bias in our healthcare systems. Additionally, the current COVID-19 pandemic has brought systemic inequities to the forefront of many conversations around healthcare, as the racial disparities in diagnosed COVID-19 cases have been well documented.
Day 12: Racism & Public Health Part 2. Today we’re focusing on how racism impacts healthcare with a quick look at the history of eugenics in California and the distressing and often tragic consequences of racism in healthcare, ranging from differences in treatment to a high mortality rate in Black infants.
Day 13: Public Health & COVID-19. Today we explore the current COVID-19 pandemic. This world wide pandemic has brought systemic inequities to the forefront of many conversations around healthcare, as the racial disparities in diagnosed COVID-19 cases have been well documented.
Day 14: Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a crime, but it’s also a serious public health problem. Those who experience it are at a higher risk of mental health disorders, chronic diseases and infections. They’re also more likely to die. Today we discuss the intersection of race, health and gendered violence.
Day 15: Domestic Violence Part 2. Domestic violence is a crime, but it’s also a serious public health problem. Those who experience it are at a higher risk of mental health disorders, chronic diseases and infections. They’re also more likely to die. Today we dive deeper into the intersection of race, health and gendered violence
Week 4 Social Justice
Day 16: Social Justice & Race. Social Justice is key to equality. How does race affect social justice in the United States?
Day 17: History of Race & Social Justice. Today we’re taking a look at some of the historical aspects of race including slavery and institutional racism and their effect on today’s environment
Day 18: Social Justice in Action. How is social justice connected to healing the past? Today we challenge you to look at how others have helped changed the mindsets of members of racists organizations, and how you can help teach social justice to others.
Day 19: Justice for Native Americans. Today we’re taking a look at the Native American experience of injustice.
Day 20: Justice for Native Americans Part 2. Today we’re taking a closer look Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) and the effects on communities, safety and justice.
Day 21: Where do we go from here? At this point you have possibly read, watched and listened to over 60 different voices sharing the relaity of racism. There is still so much to do and we are still learning everyday how to be better and do better. We ask you to think about your next step. We encourage you to share your voice on our facebook discussion page, continue to engage in diologue with family and friends, but above all, we ask that everyone continues the work of making the world a better place!