Race Relations

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Understanding Race (5)
Race is among the most complicated issues in the United States. Learn about the concept of race, the difference between race and culture and how using an appropriate glossary of terms helps to foster racial sensitivity. Although race continues to play a factor in various issues and current events, major challenges to race relations remain.

History of Race Relations (5)
By looking back on the important events and milestones in American history, a lot can be learned about race relations in the U.S. Read about historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez. Learn from the past by studying the histories of a variety of ethnic and racial groups, including African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinos in the United States.

Trailblazers (5)
The leaders in U.S. race relations run the gamut—from actors to militants to poets. Activists as diverse as Harry Belafonte, Malcolm X and Langston Hughes, to name a few, each helped to broaden America’s perspectives on racial issues. Discover the contributions of those who built bridges between races or fostered dialogue about race in America.

Diversity Matters (5)
Diversity provides an assortment of benefits which can enhance any workplace, classroom or community. The viewpoints of individuals from different backgrounds lead to innovation, bridge building and much more. Discover how to create diversity in a variety of settings, even in the face of bigotry.

The Legal System (5)
Once used to enforce racial discrimination, the legal system went on to enforce equal rights for all Americans. Particularly, Supreme Court decisions involving desegregation in schools and interracial marriage helped to change the landscape of race in America. Today, the legality of issues such as affirmative action and racial profiling continue to be discussed both in and outside of court.

Race-Conscious Parenting (5)
Speaking to kids about race can be challenging for parents, but it’s not a topic to be avoided, especially in mixed-race families. Discover how to discuss race with children and even get them involved in anti-racism campaigns promoting racial sensitivity. Teach kids of various ethnic backgrounds to navigate race at school, home and in-between.

Interracial Relationships (5)
Interracial marriages used to be illegal throughout the U.S. Now, interracial relationships are no longer taboo in most circles but still come with a unique set of challenges. Learn how society views interracial couples and the barriers faced by those who date and marry cross culturally and racially.

The Workplace (5)
The fight for equal rights has long played out in the workplace. Debates rage about the need for affirmative action to create a level playing field in the employment base. While many companies value diversity in leadership and strive for racial sensitivity in the workplace, others have yet to make ground in this area and continue engaging in practices that amount to discrimination.

Hollywood (7)
The presentation of race in sports, media and entertainment can effectively make or break stereotypes. Some celebrities help to change society’s views on race by engaging in anti-racism campaigns or openly discussing their multiracial heritage. Others step out of the status quo simply by dating or marrying interracially.

Take Action (5)
Get involved in the fight against racism by taking part in letter-writing campaigns and rallies as well as building relationships with the media. Launch an organization of your own or get a job that will allow you to devote each day to improving race relations. Engaging in responsible activism involves several worthwhile steps.

Organizations (5)
A variety of organizations have left an indelible mark on race relations in the United States. Learn about the achievements of the groups which have done the most to end discrimination and make equal rights available to all Americans. Discover which activities such organizations are using to build bridges between races today.

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