Day 1: Race & Equity

Welcome to Day 1 of our community’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! Together, family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are working to develop a deeper understanding of race, equity, and our collective goal of strengthening our community.

First, let us define racism and develop a mutual understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity:

• Racism – prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized
• Diversity – welcoming differences of race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious affiliation, age, ability status, and political perspective
• Inclusion – a commitment to ensuring that differences are welcomed, every person feels a sense of belonging and acceptance, and everyone has a voice that is heard and valued
• Equity – a commitment to fair and impartial opportunities for all, often through actively challenging and responding to bias, harassment, and discrimination

 This challenge is focused on racial equity. The Center for Social Inclusion defines racial equity as an outcome and a process. We are focused on the outcome of everyone having what they need to thrive, regardless of race or where they live. The process of equity requires breaking down beliefs, systems, policies, and practices that support systemic racism and racial inequity.

You may be familiar with the idea that race is a “social construct.” What does this mean? Race is not defined by genetics or DNA instead, society plays a major role in determining race and racial identity. With these views come social, economic, and political implications that have contributed to racial inequity in the United States for hundreds of years.