Racism: Challenging Perceptions

What role does systemic racism play in continuing long-standing inequities within Virginia’s Black and Afriacn American communities? In this panel discussion, local experts explore the historic roots of these inequities and how they persist today. Featured: Adrienne Cole Johnson, Elvatrice Belsches, Dr. Mignonne Guy, Ph.D, Trey Hartt and Christopher Rashad Green.

Providing equitable and fair access to education is a way to close achievement gaps between students. However, due to the historic policies rooted in systemic racism, Black and African American families are faced with disparities in education for their children. In this discussion, we will explore how structural racism has influenced the K-12 education system.

Black & African American families have a far lower percentage of wealth than white families in America--even as the percentage of college graduates increase, this wealth gap still persists. In this discussion, we will explore how systemic and racist policies have affected wealth building in Black communities for generations and still affect the financial growth and stability of communities today.

Safe housing is a cornerstone to healthy living and home ownership has been a cornerstone for wealth building in America. In this discussion, we will explore how systemic policies rooted in racist agendas have limited Black and African American access to safe and affordable housing as well as home ownership.