Equity Challenge: Week 7
Week 7 of the Challenge concludes our focus on internalized racism and bias by taking time to reflect.

This section of the Challenge has called for deep introspection – and we know it is not easy. You may have discovered implicit biases that you were not aware of previously. Or maybe you’ve started to examine the source of a long-held standard of beauty or cultural norm only to discover racism had a role in setting that cultural standard long ago. There are many layers to unpack as we work toward deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and communities.

If you weren’t able to review some of last week’s longer videos or podcasts, this may be a good week to revisit those resources.
Week 7: Reflect


  • What have you learned? Were there any new ideas or insights you explored?

  • What connections did you make from week to week? How do internalized racism and internal bias relate to one another?

  • Has the Challenge taken you outside of your comfort zone? What are benefits of being outside of your comfort zone?

  •  What new ideas for noticing and addressing internalized racism and internal bias have you learned?
Over the past few weeks, we transitioned from general concepts and definitions to how racism manifests - starting with internalized racism. As shared in week 5, internalized racism is a legacy of systemic and structural racism that has become present in how we think, act and perceive ourselves and others, reinforced by generations of cultural messaging. Last week, we delved into internal bias – the unconscious stereotypes deeply embedded in our subconscious. Internalized racism can be a source of unconscious bias.
 
Our next section will delve into interpersonal racism, examining how internalized racism permeates person-to-person interactions. Today, we challenge you to take action that will help you continue the work of recognizing and addressing internalize racism and internal bias.
Week 7 Challenge
Think about the previous weeks’ topics and connections you’ve made with the materials and do one or more of the following:
ACT:

Write down a question or quote that helps remind you that internal bias can impact your views or reactions. Post it somewhere you see each day as a reminder to reflect and examine your thoughts and impressions throughout the day.
 
Take time to notice this week – how often do you use generalizations? If you catch yourself when you use them, ask yourself if the statement is true. Write down the generalizations you use this week and your reflections.
READ:

Start to engage in the work of personal healing. See this short article from Anneliese Singh, author of The Racial Healing Handbook for some first steps.

Share your reflections or additional resources about today’s topic on social media using #EquityChallenge - or send us a note at unitedway@unitedwayracine.org
 
Learn more about the Challenge and review weekly topics by visiting
Local Resources
A weekly book discussion group reading books on race and racism.

A yearlong, faith-based series of interactive and multidimensional public events. The series goal is to increase our understanding of how we think and feel about racism, resulting in actions that can help to transform us as individuals and the systems of racism in our country. 

The YWCA of SEW Wisconsin offers a variety of trainings about different facets of equity, such as structural racism, cultural differences, social transformation and more.

Higher Expectations engages community partners, aligns efforts, and maximizes resources to promote excellence and equity in education and employment outcomes in Racine County.
Hear from Deanna Singh, Founder/Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant and her husband Justin on how to talk to your children about race to help children develop a healthy understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Events

Community Safe Zone Trainings are public events that provide education on the LGBTQ+ community. Register here.
Monday, March 29 at 5 p.m.


March 17 @ 6:00 PM

NAMI of Racine County is continuing their Virtual Speaker Series in 2021. If you have topics you would like to see covered, please feel free to submit suggestions to nsmart@namiracine.org or mgehring@namiracine.org.
Make your commitment to inclusion—the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity—official by signing our Declaration of Inclusion Pledge. This pledge is to respect and appreciate all aspects of any person, including race, religion, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, physical abilities, age, parental status, work and behavioral styles, and the perspectives of each individual as shaped by their nation, culture and experiences. You will also receive our quarterly diversity newsletter to build your "equity muscle."