It is a space for education, healing, and anti-racist organizing. In the St. Louis area, people are coming together outside of school to organize for systemic change. As these efforts grow, participants are implementing campaigns to challenge racism in a non-violent way.
But what is anti-racism? Generally, racial prejudice refers to the belief that some racial groups are better or worse than others. Structural racism describes the ways in which our institutions and structures create and maintain racial inequalities. Anti-racism goes beyond simply preventing racism, and is an effort to oppose and dismantle racism and promote racial equity. For example, grant managers from organizations that have received federal funding say they spend more time on onerous compliance activities than on supporting program results. The St.
Louis Peacebuilding Program is collaborating with young people to empower them to create institutional and systemic change. The racial equity auditing team recommended that Generate Health clarify and transmit an intentional anti-racist identity that gives priority to black women and people who give birth in St. Louis. So who is responsible for implementing the anti-racism program in St. Louis? The answer is that it takes a collective effort from all members of the community. Everyone has a role to play in creating a more equitable society.
This includes individuals, organizations, businesses, and government entities. Individuals can start by educating themselves on the history of racism and its effects on society today. They can also support anti-racist organizations by donating money or volunteering their time. Organizations can create anti-racist policies and practices that promote racial equity in their workplace. Businesses can also take steps to become more inclusive by diversifying their workforce and providing resources for employees of color. Government entities can create policies that address systemic racism and provide resources for communities of color. Ultimately, it takes everyone working together to create a more equitable society.
By taking action at the individual, organizational, business, and government levels, we can make progress towards eliminating racism in St. Louis.
