Structural Racism

Are you familiar with examples of structural racism in the North Coast? Structural racism is racial bias among institutions and across society, geography and time. In Humboldt County the life expectancy for Native Americans and people of color is approximately twelve years earlier than for their white counterparts ( 2013 DHHS Community Health Assessment). This is just one local example of how structural/systemic racism leads to significant health disparities that transcend individuals and institutions.

Want to learn about or share information about structural racism in a digestible format? Race Forward created an eight-part video series entitled, What is Systemic Racism? to explore in minute-long clips how racism manifests in large numbers of peoples' lives. The series covers: the Wealth Gap, Employment, Housing Discrimination, Government Surveillance, and Incarceration. The videos are a great introduction and companion to facilitated discussions about racism. Follow the link below to watch.



We believe it is crucial to have a big-picture understanding to both address the roots of racism and investigate how larger systems are often unintentionally continuing to harm. Questions? Please contact us at [email protected]

Having a brain predisposes us to bias. It's one of many ways our brains try to conserve energy. And since our brains use up to 20% of our energy, more than any other organ, these mental shortcuts are something to be aware of as we move through our lives. Divided States of Women produces a video series, hosted by Liz Plank, designed to question the idea that there is one set of perspectives held by all women. The video linked below features Vernā Myers, a diversity consultant and Dr. Corey Williams, a physician in psychiatry, who are both working to spread awareness about the pervasiveness of bias and its potential for causing harm. Included are some tips for reducing and disrupting bias.

Have you struggled to find a space to deepen your understanding and conversations about race and racial inequities? The Equity Alliance of the North Coast will sponsor a Racial Equity Roundtable the first Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m., offering an opportunity to discuss race in an open and brave space of learning and dialogue for both the newcomer to such conversations and the experienced. 

If you’re interested in gaining knowledge and dialoguing with others, we hope you’ll join us this Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. as we delve into dialogue about the scientific exploration of DNA, and how recent discoveries have toppled the concept of biological race. Using Episode 1 of the PBS series Race: the Power of an Illusion as a springboard for conversation, we will learn how science is challenging our common sense notions that human beings can be classified into distinct groups based on physical traits, and consider the impacts of the "myths of race" on ourselves and society. Facilitated by Melissa Meiris and Ron White. Register in advance below, the event is nearly full so sign up soon! Low cost options and scholarships are available.

Have you seen the "We Are Your Community" posters around Arcata? The project is a media campaign created by Humboldt State University Social Work graduate students Erin Youngblood Smith and Amy Mathieson to share the stories of HSU African American students. The campaign's goal is to promote diversity and equity in our community. Take a look at their Facebook page for more information. We Are Your Community is hosting Diversity Day at the Arcata Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 5 . There will be music, cultural demonstrations, a children’s area for learning and play, and organizations tabling that represent people of color in our community.

Protecting Water & Salmon in Northern California

Thursday, April 26 (4:00-6:00 p.m.)

Regina Chichizola has been a key organizer in the campaign to remove the dams beleaguering the Klamath's anadromous fish. She was the Communications Coordinator for the Hoopa Valley Tribe in 2012 and 2013, and has been a policy analyst for the Institute for Fisheries Resources since 2015. Her presentation is this evening, Thursday, April 26 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Native Forum (BSS 162) at Humboldt State University.

Townhall Update on Adverse Childhood Experiences

Friday, April 27 (6:00-8:00 p.m.)

Senator Mike McGuire and First 5 are coming back together for a Townhall Update on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to discuss the community response and initiatives that have been launched to positively change the lives of some of Humboldt’s most vulnerable kids. While there is a lot more work ahead, much has been accomplished in the 18 months since Senator McGuire, First 5 Humboldt and state and local leaders gathered for a town hall to discuss reports detailing the impacts that ACEs have on Humboldt County’s children. Since then, First 5 Humboldt has partnered with community organizations and local leaders to tackle the issue. The town hall will feature presentations from community leaders on trauma informed care programs and community action teams, as well as an update from the county on reforms taking place following the Attorney General’s report on Humboldt County Child Welfare. The event is at the Adorni Center in Eureka. Please see link below for more information.

Klamath River Clean Up

Saturday, April 28 (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)

Help remove the litter and invasive plants from the banks of the beautiful river at the 17th Annual Klamath River Clean Up! T-shirt give away, morning snacks, water, salmon lunch and raffle. Work gloves, tools, and water provided; please bring work boots, sunscreen and work clothes. See event flyer below for contact information.

Families as Complex Cultural Systems Training

Monday, May 1 (1:00-4:00 p.m.)

This training at the HCOE Annex will examine culture as it influences social ways of being, informs parenting, and shapes our developmental expectations for children: difference between culture and ethnicity; culture as a social or interpersonal style; definition of culturally responsive care; and current research defines both helpful and harmful responses. The presenter, Barbara Stroud, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with over three decades worth of culturally informed clinical practice in early childhood development and mental health. She is a founding organizer and inaugural president of the California Association for Infant Mental Health, a member of the Academy of ZERO TO THREE Fellows and holds prestigious endorsements such as an Infant and Family Mental Health Specialist/Reflective Practice Facilitator Mentor. Cost of the training is $30. Please see flyer for more information and to register.

Eureka NAACP Soul Food Dinner

Saturday, May 5 (4:00-7:00 p.m.)

The Eureka branch of the NAACP is hosting their 48th Annual Charles Washington Soul Food Dinner at the Eureka Women's Club. Dinner includes fried chicken, greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, macaroni & cheese, dessert and a beverage. The dinner benefits the Eureka branch of the NAACP. Tickets are $20 per person. Additional donations will go towards tickets for College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State university students. Please see the link below for more information.

Flipping the Script: Using Power for Good

Thursday, May 24 & Friday, May 25 (9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)

Whether we notice it or not, power impacts nearly every professional and social interaction. In this two-day intensive, participants will understand and re-imagine how power works in different spaces where nonprofits operate, and gain tools for analysis, with a goal of developing constructive strategies and effective responses for addressing power and harnessing it to create social change. The event will be facilitated by Melissa Meiris and Erin Youngblood-Smith at the Humboldt Area Foundation. Space is limited, register soon. NorCAN Members $60 & Non-Members $75.

Racial Equity for Nonprofits

Friday, June 22 & Friday, June 29 (9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)

Does your organization wish to serve more diverse clients but you’re unsure of how to broaden your reach? Have you been trying to diversify your staff and board but are yet to see significant change? Are you noticing a revolving door in your staffing for people of color who are leaving your organization shortly after coming on? If your answer to any of these questions is Yes, this workshop is a helpful start. Over two days we will foster a deeper understanding of race as a social construct and its unseen role in each participant’s life; explore the role of implicit bias in determining our behaviors despite our best intentions; and help participants understand the four dimensions of racism and bias and their impacts on nonprofits while introducing best practices & approaches to common problems surrounding race. The event will be facilitated by Ron White and Iva Dubyak at the Humboldt Area Foundation. NorCAN Members $50 & Non-Members $60.

  Email [email protected] to share upcoming events you know about related to racial equity and we will post it on our website!

~       Donations Appreciated    ~