“The framing around racism has always been there. It's a white person who doesn't like people of color or a Klan member or someone, you know, who's making their hatred and ignorance very obvious. But what's actually been impacting our lives are systems that rely on subtle and not so subtle biases against people of color to disempower us and put us at risk. And do, we've been fighting for job opportunities, for safety from violence, for equal education, for freedom from medical racism. And that is upheld not by how you love or don't love people of color but by how you participate with our systems.”
- Ijeoma Olou
DAY ELEVEN
Structural Racism
 
After seeing how racism can be present in the workplace, we'll highlight racism's long-standing presence in societal structures and how they still affect people today. It is essential to acknowledge these barriers to dismantle them properly.
 
Structural Racism: A system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms work in various, often reinforcing ways to perpetuate racial group inequality. It is racial bias among institutions and across society. It involves the cumulative and compounding effects of societal factors including the history, culture, ideology and interactions of institutions and policies that systematically privilege white people and disadvantage people of color.
READ
Read this article to get a better understanding of systemic racism. There is also a video provided that explains the topic more in depth through the lens of drug arrests.
 
This article explains both systemic and institutional racism, and how the two are different.
LISTEN
A podcast interview with sociologist, David Embrick, about structural and institutional racism and diversity ideology.
 
Our recommended selection for today from UWPC's "Soundtrack 4 Justice" playlist
"This is America"* by Childish Gambino (3:46) *contains explicit content.
WATCH
KING 5 examines land ownership in Washington. Laws used to make it impossible for people of color to buy property, and that affects land equity and wealth today. Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, V.P. for Environmental Justice, Climate and Community Revitalization at the National Wildlife Federation, shares solutions for environmental racism, which is the disproportionate impact of environmental problems, like pollution, on communities of color.

Systemic racism affects every area of life in the U.S. From incarceration rates to predatory loans, and trying to solve these problems requires changes in major parts of our system. Here's a closer look at what systemic racism is and how we can solve it.
NOTICE
Notice structural racism in the workplace...
Three ways structural racism could be hurting people of color at work:
  • Stifled professional development & career advancement
  • Inequitable compensation practices
  • Inadequately staffed or underfunded diversity & inclusion initiatives
CONNECT
Who's in your feed?
Showing Up for Racial Justice - Showing Up for Racial Justice | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
PUT IT TO USE
Engage - Do the research! We must read and educate ourselves on how racism shows up in our own lives, neighborhoods, schools and communities. Research our city, county, and state's civil rights histories to be better informed about your community's legacy and racial roots.
 
Act - Vote! Political action is a vital component in fighting structural racism.
 
Reflect - Reflecting and journaling is a crucial piece of the challenge. Plan to take time every day to reflect on what you chose to do, what you're learning, and how you are feeling. Difficult emotions can guide you to deeper self-awareness about how power and privilege impact you and the people in your life.
United Way of Thurston County solves complicated issues by convening community stakeholders and collaborating to develop short and long-term strategies. United Way is an excellent steward of donor dollars and is committed to transparency, accountability and sound fiscal management. United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community. Learn more: https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/