The Cultural, Historical, & Political Foundations of Racism | 2024 Foundations of Racial Equity: Session 1

In order to undo systems of oppression, it is crucial that we begin by understanding the foundations of systemic racism in our country.

This introductory session to the Foundations of Racial Equity Series will offer two modules that explore the historical, cultural, and political roots of race and racism in the U.S. Over the course of these two modules, trainers will help participants understand the origins and applications of racial hierarchies, the four interconnected levels of racism – individual, interpersonal, institutional and structural – and how to begin recognizing and addressing structural racism in the philanthropic field, using practical applications. Our trainers will also help participants explore and understand intersectionality as a form of praxis that helps us to understand and collectively address the common threads between racism and other inequalities.

The information you will learn during this session is essential to understanding the topics covered during the remainder of the series. We highly recommend attending the two modules in this session if you plan to attend the full series or any other individual sessions.

Join us to:

• Understand the historical, cultural, and political roots of race and racism within the context and frame of white supremacy and anti-Blackness
• Understand that intersectionality is a lens for seeing the connectedness of race, capitalism, and patriarchy.
• Begin learning how to normalize conversations and practices of racial equity in institutions/organizations.
• Learn and discuss relevant language, definitions, and terms.
• Learn and discuss the four levels of equity: individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural.