United against
racism
Anti-racism/anti-discrimination statement
We acknowledge these inequities are the result of historical and current policies and practices that work to marginalize groups of people, preventing their voices from being heard and restricting or denying their access to educational, economic and other opportunities. We unequivocally denounce and seek to dismantle racism and all forms of discrimination. We further acknowledge that both implicit and explicit racism exists in our community and disproportionately impacts the quality of life for many members of our community.
We are committed to improving the lives of historically excluded people by addressing the systemic inequalities that oppress people of color. We will work with community partners in nonprofit, private and public sectors to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities and networks they need to thrive. We resolve to engage the entire community, especially those whose voices have been historically excluded, in support of the shared work for fortifying equity and empowerment.
Anti-racist resources
Are you ready to stand united against racism, but you’re not sure where to start?
You can start with learning the language and words that reflect the tremendous diversity that characterizes our society. It is essential to achieve some degree of shared understanding, particularly when using the most common terms. In this way, the quality of dialogue and discourse on race can be enhanced. Review this Racial Equity Glossary.
Another way you can change the narrative is to participate in the Unity Challenge. Learn how to have those uncomfortable conversations and support the challenge that explores our unconscious attitudes about race, power, privilege and leadership. Learn how to encompass alternative voices through activities designed to dismantle racism. Help us reduce barriers and create transformational change. United Way is proud to partner with Dismantling Racism Coalition of Stark County to create transformational change!
Articles to read
- "My Life as an undocumented Immigrant" by Jose Antonio Vargas | NYT Mag (June 22, 2011)
- Tips for Creating Effective White Caucus Groups developed by Craig Elliott PhD
- ”White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Knapsack Peggy McIntosh
- “Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi | Atlantic (May 12, 2020)
More anti-racism resources to check out
- Zinn Education Project’s teaching materials
- Awake to Woke to Work: Building a Race Equity Culture - Equity in the Center
- Implicit Bias Review - Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
Videos to watch
Films and tv series to watch
- 13th (Ava DuVernay)
- I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc)
- Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton)
- Selma (Ava DuVernay)
- The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.)
- When They See Us (Ava DuVernay)
- Many Rivers to Cross – PBS
Books to read
- How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
- Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, & Spirit by Dr. Mary Frances Winters
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin Banaji & Anthony Greenwald
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
- When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira Katznelson
- Stamped from the Beginning by Dr. Ibram Kendi
- The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the U.S. Racial Divide by Robles, Wright, and Brewer
- Caste by Isabel Wilkerson