June 5th - 10th
Together for Change: A Week of Inclusivity and Anti-Racism
What is Anti-Racism?
Anti-racism is an active and conscious effort to challenge and counteract racism in all its forms. It involves recognizing and opposing racism, discrimination, and prejudice based on race or ethnicity, and working to dismantle the systemic inequalities and biases that disadvantage certain racial and ethnic groups.
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Anti-racism goes beyond simply being "not racist" by actively seeking to identify and confront racism in society, institutions, and individual behavior. It requires continuous self-reflection, education, and a commitment to change.
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Anti-racist actions may include advocating for policy changes, promoting racial equity, educating oneself and others about the history and impact of racism, and supporting organizations and initiatives that address racial injustice.
In essence, anti-racism is the active commitment to fighting racism and promoting fairness, equality, and justice for all racial and ethnic groups.
What Even is Race?
Race is a social construct that categorizes humans into distinct groups based on various physical characteristics, such as skin color, facial features, and hair type. Although these physical attributes may have genetic roots, the concept of race itself has no consistent biological or genetic basis.
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Throughout history, the classification of people into different races has been used to justify social, economic, and political inequalities, often leading to discrimination, marginalization, and oppression of certain racial groups. In reality, genetic differences between individuals within the same racial group can be greater than those between different racial groups.
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It is essential to recognize that race is a social and historical concept, rather than a biological one. Acknowledging this can help to deconstruct harmful racial stereotypes and challenge the systemic racism that has resulted from the false belief in inherent racial differences.
When Was This Concept Invented?
The concept of race as we understand it today has evolved over several centuries, with its origins dating back to the Age of Exploration (15th to 17th centuries). As Europeans began exploring and colonizing different parts of the world, they encountered diverse populations and cultures, which led to the development of various systems to classify people based on their physical appearance and perceived differences.
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Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the concept of race became more ingrained in society as various European and American scientists attempted to provide a scientific basis for racial hierarchies, often using pseudo-scientific methods such as phrenology and eugenics. These flawed theories were used to justify colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination.
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In recent decades, advancements in genetics and anthropology have debunked the notion that races have distinct biological foundations. Today, race is widely recognized as a social construct rather than a scientifically valid classification. However, the historical development and persistence of racial categorization continue to shape social, economic, and political realities, making it essential to address and dismantle racism and racial inequality.
Why is this Important?
Anti-racism is crucial in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity by acknowledging and addressing historical injustices, challenging systemic racism, and fostering empathy and understanding among diverse populations. By working towards dismantling barriers and biases within various social, economic, and political systems, anti-racism ensures equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. In essence, anti-racism serves as a powerful force against hate, discrimination, and prejudice, creating a safer and more inclusive society that values and celebrates the contributions of all its members.
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Attend events: Participate in workshops, seminars, discussions, or cultural performances organized during Together for Change: A Week of Inclusivity and Anti-Racism to learn about different perspectives and experiences related to race, racism, and inclusion.
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Educate yourself: Read books, articles, or watch documentaries and films that provide insights into the history, impact, and complexities of racism and racial injustice. Educate yourself on the experiences of marginalized communities and learn from their stories.
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Engage in conversations: Discuss the topics of race, racism, and anti-racism with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage open and honest dialogue that fosters understanding and empathy.
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Use social media: Share relevant content, resources, or events related to Together for Change: A Week of Inclusivity and Anti-Racism on social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
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Support local organizations: Donate to or volunteer with local organizations working to combat racism and promote diversity and inclusion in your community.
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Advocate for change: Encourage your school, workplace, or local government to adopt anti-racist policies and practices that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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Practice allyship: Listen to and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, stand up against racism when you witness it, and be open to learning and growing in your understanding of anti-racism.
By actively engaging in these actions, you can show your support for Together for Change: A Week of Inclusivity and Anti-Racism and contribute to creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and just society.
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Organize and sponsor events: As a decision-maker, you can facilitate and fund events during Together for Change: A Week of Inclusivity and Anti-Racism, such as workshops, seminars, panel discussions, or cultural performances that promote awareness, education, and dialogue around racism and inclusion.
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Develop and implement inclusive policies: Review existing policies in your organization or community to identify areas where improvements can be made. Implement changes that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and establish measures to hold stakeholders accountable for their actions.
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Support local organizations and initiatives: Partner with or provide funding to local organizations working to combat racism and promote diversity and inclusion. Collaborate on initiatives that address systemic barriers and create positive change in your community.
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Provide training and resources: Offer training opportunities and resources for staff, community members, or students on topics related to anti-racism, unconscious bias, and cultural sensitivity. Encourage ongoing learning and development in these areas.
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Establish inclusive representation: Ensure that decision-making bodies, committees, and boards within your organization or community are representative of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, fostering an environment that values and respects all perspectives.
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Communicate openly: Share your commitment to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion with your community, organization, or institution. Encourage feedback and dialogue to foster a sense of collective responsibility and accountability.
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Monitor progress and impact: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your organization's or community's anti-racism efforts by collecting data and evaluating the impact of implemented policies and initiatives. Use this information to make continuous improvements and hold stakeholders accountable.
By taking these proactive steps, decision-makers can play a significant role in creating a more inclusive and equitable community, demonstrating their support for Together for Change: A Week of Inclusivity and Anti-Racism and contributing to long-term positive change.
It is important that as a community we understand the devastating effects that racism can have on people. If you feel comfortable sharing your own experiences with racism please email mystory@portagecrc.com. The stories will not contain any personal information, and nothing will be displayed publicly without your permission.
