Understanding Racism and Inequity

The following resources are intended to provide a foundational understanding of structural and institutional racism, inequity, and discrimination as well as insight into the emotional responses and experiences at the crux of the racial divide. The goal is that they will build empathy, change perspectives, prompt personal introspection, and stimulate dialogue.

• A Class Divided (full film) | FRONTLINE: School teacher/activist Jane Elliott’s famous Blue/Eyes Brown Eyes experiment with Iowa third-graders assessing the power of discrimination (53 minutes) 

• P&G: The Look | (video) Proctor and Gamble: Highlights the bias experienced by Black men in America; one in a series of two-minute #TalkAboutBias videos redefining what it means to be Black (approx. 2 min.) 

• How Company Leaders Can Promote Racial Justice in the Workplace | (article - August 27, 2020): Four principles to turn today’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives into sustained progress 

• PBS News Hour: Answering Your Questions on Race in the Workplace | (article, video clips approx. 5 min. ea. - June 5, 2020): Interviews, Q&A, and advice on how to support people of color and discuss race at work 

• Taking Steps to Eliminate Racism in the Workplace | (article – October 22, 2018): Examines the impact of stereotypes and the manifestation of microaggressions in the workplace; provides examples and tips using Starbucks’ bias training model

• Creating a Safe Space at Work for Discussing Social Justice Topics | (article - August 20, 2020): A look at the importance of and steps for creating a safe space and a culture of trust