ERASE Racism from its inception in 2001 has focused on education, research and advocacy in support of eliminating racism. The October forum with special guest john a. powell marked the first in a series of presentations, dialogues and nuanced public engagements on the topic of Race and Racism: Its Impact on Our Institutions and Daily Lives.

• What do we mean by diversity and racial inclusion? What happens when these values are incorporated into government and institutional policies? Whether looking at decisions of the United States Supreme Court or the structures of Long Island public schools, what is the relationship between valuing diversity and inclusion and achieving outcomes that reflect fairness, justice and equity?

• How are public programs and policies affected by color-consciousness and color-blindness? What role does each approach play in increasing or decreasing gaps in opportunity, services and key factors such as health status, educational achievement, wealth, and housing choice on Long Island?

• Why are discussions about race and racism emotionally charged and sometimes divisive? What influences our opinions and actions when it comes to understanding complex policies related to race and racism? How does personal identity and concepts like individualism, merit, and personal responsibility influence our understanding of institutional and structural racism?

• What are the implications for marginalized communities and the broader community at large of the public policies and behaviors we are addressing in the Race and Racism dialogues?

One suggestion is to engage in a conversation about the differences between integration and diversity and why it is important for our society as a whole to seek integration. Another suggestion is to engage in a deeper analysis about “framing” and to allow individuals to explore these concepts via role play. Perhaps we should provide an historical analysis on systemic issues and structures that perpetuate racial inequity, e.g. if people of color vote less, to what extent is this phenomenon solely a result of personal behaviors or structural impediments?

For more information call Rosemarie Walker at (516) 921-4863 or email her at rosemarie@eraseracismny.org.