Events from the past week have showcased that while some progress has been made, we still have a long way to go towards ending implicit bias, and systemic and structural racism in our communities. Black people have long endured police brutality, workplace injustices, and health, housing, and socio-economic disparities which persist to this day. Archbishop Desmond Tutu said the following words that are unfortunately still relevant, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”
We all have a responsibility, especially our White colleagues, to do everything we can to address racial inequities
As members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, and as individuals, we share the concern, sadness, and anger at what has transpired over the last week and deeply sympathize with the pain felt by our Black colleagues and communities. And in echoing Lesley’s previous comment, we fully agree that diversity is our strength.
We are working to creating long-lasting departmental strategies to eliminate microaggressions and discrimination and make DPHS a safe and welcoming environment for everyone regardless of race. We are also committed to moving this conversation towards actions that can be taken immediately and are developing strategies that will be deployed in the coming months. While words can temporarily soothe the soul, it really is time to consider taking action. To learn more or to work with the committee, please visit our website and send a comment
Here are some resources we have compiled to help with self-education and working with local and national organizations
Educate Yourself on Systemic Racism
- Watch a 1-Minute video on being black by Jane Elliott
- Read How to be Anti-Racist, by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
- Take Harvard’s Implicit Bias Test to learn your level of conscious and unconscious bias
- Listen to “Seeing White” made in collaboration with the Racial Equity Institute
- Listen to “1619” a history of slavery and American colonization and the impact on current policy
Start (or Continue) Your Anti-Racism Work
- Why White Silence is Deafening—and Deadly
- Anti-Racist Parenting During COVID-19 and Beyond
- 20+ Allyship Actions for Asians to Show Up for the Black Community Right Now
- Anti-Racism Resources
Donate to Organizations Working to End Systemic Racism
- NAACP ‘We are Done Dying' Campaign
- Minnesota Freedom Fund
- Color of Change
- Therapy and Mental Health Care for Black Women and Girls
- Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People
- Bull City United
- We Are NC (Anti-Racism Education for Children)
Take Care of Yourself