racial equity

Although instances of unconcealed and intentional intolerance have waned, the levels of disparity and institutional racism in Alabama continue to be a barrier to real economic and social advancement for vulnerable youth and families. Through this project, marginalized youth will promote racial equity by engaging stakeholders in Alabama communities, becoming empowered to engage their communities in constructive dialogue and actions that foster racial healing.

The Rx for Community Healing program will recruit, train, and support a diverse team of young people skilled in bias-awareness, cross-cultural communication, diversity training, research, and community building; increase knowledge of the historical and political context of race and ethnic relations; and promote youth-led efforts to increase respect for diversity, promote racial healing, and address structural racism in their communities. Through projects and peer education, these 40-50 youth will ultimately reach out to 600 peers via town hall dialogues, training tools and curricula that will be also implemented in other sites throughout the state, and potentially throughout the country.