Confronting Racism in America

Racism continues to inflict deep harm on minority communities across the United States, holding back individuals from realizing their full potential and perpetuating inequality at every level of society. Its effects are not just personal; they are structural, woven into the very systems that govern education, healthcare, criminal justice, and economic opportunities. In order to create a truly just society, it is essential to confront and uproot racism wherever it exists—whether in the laws, in social practices, or in our collective understanding of history.

This is not merely a call for awareness, but for urgent and sustained action. We must teach and learn the full truth about Black history as part of our broader understanding of U.S. history, address the systemic structures that perpetuate racial disparities, and establish programs that actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These efforts are not just moral imperatives—they are vital to healing historical wounds and ensuring a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Friends United 2025 is committed to stopping this cycle of hatred. We believe that change begins with understanding, solidarity, and action. To dismantle racism, we must not only challenge harmful policies but also confront our own biases and actively support one another in the fight for equality. This is not just about responding to injustice—it's about building a world where all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, can live with dignity, respect, and freedom.

Together, we can create a society where unity and compassion prevail. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and build a future where no one is left behind. By supporting each other, sharing resources, and educating ourselves, we can collectively end the cycle of hate and discrimination.

The Deep and Widespread Harm of Racism

Racism continues to harm minority communities in ways that are deeply ingrained in the systems of our society. The effects are visible in almost every aspect of life. From disproportionate rates of incarceration and unemployment to unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and housing, racism casts a shadow over the lives of millions of people. These disparities are not just the result of individual actions or attitudes; they are built into the systems and structures that govern our society.

The impact of racism is also felt in the psychological toll it takes on those who experience it. The constant pressure to navigate a world that devalues you because of your race erodes confidence and can impact an individual's mental health. It also limits opportunities and diminishes the potential for individual and collective progress. This harms not only the individuals who directly face these challenges but also undermines our broader social fabric, highlighting our nations lack of equability and integrity.  Racism perpetuates false narratives and stereotypes that harm both individuals and communities. It breeds divisions, fosters fear, and promotes policies and practices that prioritize the wants of some people over the needs of others. It limits the potential of all members of society by perpetuating injustice and exclusion. This is why we must stand firm in our resolve to eliminate racism and discrimination, not just in words, but in deeds. A society that tolerates inequality cannot be considered truly free.

For too long, aspects of American history related to race have been minimized or ignored. This creates a distorted picture of the past, one that leads to misconceptions about the present. To fully understand our society, we must engage with all its histories, including those that have been marginalized or suppressed. The education of future generations must include a full understanding of how racial injustice was embedded in the foundations of this country and how it continues to shape our lives today.  Only through a truthful, comprehensive education can we begin to break down the barriers of ignorance and misunderstanding that perpetuate racism. By teaching Black history as part of the American narrative, we can foster a more inclusive, empathetic society, and empower individuals to advocate for a more just world.

The Legacy of Historical Practices and the Persistence of Wealth Gaps

The wealth gap between Black and white Americans is staggering, and it is rooted in historical practices like redlining, discriminatory lending, and exclusion from key economic opportunities. The criminal justice system, for instance, disproportionately affects Black Americans, with higher rates of arrest, incarceration, and police violence. Similarly, wealth gaps persist due to historical practices such as redlining and unequal access to education and healthcare. These inequities are not accidental—they are the result of policies and practices designed to maintain a system of racial hierarchy.

Redlining, a policy in which banks and insurance companies refused to provide services to Black neighborhoods or individuals, was a deliberate effort to prevent Black Americans from accessing home loans, insurance, and credit. This practice left entire communities of Black Americans in poverty, with limited access to resources that could generate wealth, such as homeownership. Even after redlining was outlawed, its effects lingered for generations, as entire neighborhoods were left without the ability to build wealth or access opportunities that could help lift families out of poverty. The wealth gap between Black and white families today is a direct result of these historical practices. A report by the Federal Reserve found that the median net worth of white households is nearly ten times greater than that of Black households. This disparity is not a result of individual choices or laziness; it is the result of deliberate policies that excluded Black people from opportunities for economic advancement. The same systemic forces that once denied Black Americans the ability to buy homes or accumulate savings continue to impact their ability to access education, healthcare, and high-paying jobs.

Black Americans have historically been excluded from quality educational opportunities. For decades, schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods have been underfunded, with fewer resources, lower-quality facilities, and overcrowded classrooms. This has created an unequal playing field for students of color, leaving them with fewer opportunities to succeed academically and, in turn, to achieve economic stability. Even today, students in predominantly Black schools are more likely to experience disciplinary action, school closures, and lower graduation rates. The disparities in education create a cycle of inequality that is difficult to break, as access to education is a key factor in determining future success. Similarly, the healthcare system also reflects and perpetuates racial disparities. Black Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, experience lower life expectancies, and receive lower-quality care compared to white Americans. These disparities are the result of a combination of factors, including limited access to healthcare, the effects of environmental racism, and implicit bias within the healthcare system itself.

The tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have come to symbolize the ongoing and devastating effects of systemic racism, particularly in policing. George Floyd’s death, after a police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes, became a global rallying cry against police brutality and racial injustice. Floyd’s final moments, captured on video, left an indelible mark on the world, igniting mass protests and sparking an international movement calling for justice, accountability, and reform. His death highlighted how Black Americans, simply due to the color of their skin, are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement and subjected to excessive force and violence.

Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was killed by police in her own home during a botched drug raid. Despite no drugs being found, Taylor’s death was a tragic reminder of the dangerous and often violent practices that disproportionately affect Black communities. Both of these cases are emblematic of broader trends in which Black Americans are subject to police violence at higher rates than their white counterparts. These deaths are not isolated incidents—they are the result of a criminal justice system that often fails to protect Black lives and, instead, criminalizes their existence.

This system, which too often perpetuates racial violence and oppression, is rooted in a history of policies and practices designed to maintain a racial hierarchy. The criminal justice system, from law enforcement to the courts, disproportionately impacts Black Americans. Studies consistently show that Black individuals are more likely to be arrested, charged, and incarcerated than white individuals, even for similar offenses. Once incarcerated, Black Americans face harsher sentences, fewer opportunities for parole, and higher rates of violence within the prison system. These inequities in the criminal justice system are not accidental; they are part of a broader, systemic pattern that has been reinforced by decades of policy decisions, cultural attitudes, and social structures that have sought to control and marginalize Black communities.

Uprooting Systemic Racism

Racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice; it is systemic. This means that it is embedded in the very structures that govern our society: in laws, institutions, and cultural practices. Systemic racism manifests in everything from discriminatory hiring practices and unequal policing to disparities in wealth and educational attainment. It’s not enough to address individual acts of racism—we must work to make real change to the systems that uphold it. This includes changes to policies and practices that perpetuate inequality, such as revising sentencing laws, promoting policies that reduce economic disparity, and ensuring equal access to quality education and healthcare for all. But reform must also involve a broader cultural shift—one that acknowledges the legacy of racial injustice and actively works to create a more equitable society.