Decisions made during the policy-making process are often informed by biases, perceptions and assumptions regarding the targets of a given policy. The existing narratives about African American youth, families and communities can result in disproportionately harsh, punitive or disadvantageous social and economic policies. It is critical that we understand these narratives so that we can more effectively counteract them.
Our Race and Equity initiative has three main operational goals:
- Frame and lead conversations about race, structural racism, and racial equity
- Accurately describe the lives of African American families and communities and dispel inaccurate histories, stories, myths and assumptions
- Provide educational activities, workshops and technical assistance to help change narratives and advance understanding and equity
