Welcome to day 2

Topic: Structural Racism

Challenge yourself to see the world from a new perspective.

Reminder, no matter who you are or where you are on the journey, you will not be perfect. Try to digest the information slowly and go at your own pace. Allow time for reflection and avoid feeling pressured to tackle everything.

Racism Goes Beyond Personal Interactions

Talking about racism can be an uncomfortable topic. Structures and policies that lead to racial inequities can be even harder to discuss. Learning how racism operates in the groundwater will deepen our understanding and shift our perspective, helping us identify ways in which we can work together to improve the lives of children and families regardless of race or zip code.

What first comes to mind when you hear the word “racism”? Do you think of crosses burning, vile language, and offensive jokes?

You may picture personal biases or racist interactions between people. While this is one form of racism, organizations and social systems can also take actions that uphold the reality of racism. Dr. Camara Jones, Senior Fellow at the Morehouse School of Medicine, says that in order to address racism effectively, we have to understand how it operates at multiple levels.

Another way to think about it is to understand that racism is in the groundwater. It is poisoning multiple sectors, across multiple issues. Read more.

Additional Resources

Challenge Menu

Can We Talk About Race — and Racism? Yes.

Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, licensed psychologist and director of the Center for Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE) at Georgia Tech offers suggestions and resources for starting conversations about race.

Allegories on race and racism | Camara Jones | TEDxEmory

Dr. Camara Jones shares four allegories on “race” and racism. She hopes that these “telling stories” empower you to do something different, and that you will remember them and pass them on. (20 minutes)

What are structural, institutional and systemic racism?

Definition of institutional racism and examples. (3 minutes)

Social Justice Music

Bob your head and find inspiration by listening to the Social Justice Playlist by kteann on Spotify.

Bias, Prejudice, Bigotry, Racism, What’s the Difference?

Join Carol François and Kourtney Square, the aunt and niece duo, as they kick off Episode 1 of “Why Are They So Angry?” Learn the differences among the terms bias, prejudice, bigotry, and racism as an introduction to understanding how systemic racism permeates every institution in America. (29 minutes)

‘Not Racist’ Is Not Enough: Putting In The Work To Be Anti-Racist

“Even white supremacists don’t want to be called racist.” Eric Deggans looks at why it is important to be intentionally anti-racist and offers simple and accessible actions to get started on the journey today. (21 minutes)

For Reflection

Take Action

Today in Greater Atlanta nearly 500,000 children live in communities lacking the basic opportunities and resources needed to thrive. Lives born with pure potential are too often offset by the disparities that a zip code or race produces, holding us back for an equitable Greater Atlanta.

United Way of Greater Atlanta
40 Courtland St., N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30303

404-527-7200
unitedwayatlanta.org

Thank You

The following organizations have provided funds to support the United Way Racial Equity and Healing Fund.

Anthem
Assurant
Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation
Gas South

Genuine Parts Company
Global Payments Inc
Printpack
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
Southern Company Gas

Target HQ
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Coca-Cola Company
Truist

"What’s the problem with being ‘not racist?’ It is a claim that signifies neutrality: ‘I am not a racist, but neither am I aggressively against racism.’ Racism is about power and policy, not people."

– Ibram X. Kendi

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