Understanding racial equity and other race-related terms and concepts is critical to be able to talk about race in a meaningful way—a way that has the potential to shift attitudes and behaviors. The definitions, comparisons, and examples provided below explain how some common race-related terms and concepts relate to, and differ, from one another.
You can also attend one of our training sessions to deepen your understanding and learn how to apply this knowledge.
Racial Justice
Racial Justice is a vision of a society where racial hierarchies no longer exist. In this society, all people (Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and whites), have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive.
Racial Equity
Racial Equity is a process of eliminating racial disparities so everyone can have the same outcomes. It is the intentional and continual practice of changing policies, procedures, systems, and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of people of color and other marginalized populations.
Testing
Racial equity is moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity focuses on measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is, therefore, necessary but not sufficient for racial justice.
Gallery:
Testing 2
Racial equity is moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity focuses on measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is, therefore, necessary but not sufficient for racial justice.
Testing!
Racial equity is moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity focuses on measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is, therefore, necessary but not sufficient for racial justice.
Testing 3
Racial equity is moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity focuses on measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is, therefore, necessary but not sufficient for racial justice.
Testing!
Racial equity is moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity focuses on measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is, therefore, necessary but not sufficient for racial justice.
Testing 4
Racial equity is moving towards the vision of racial justice. Racial equity focuses on measurable milestones and outcomes that can be achieved on the road to racial justice. Racial equity is, therefore, necessary but not sufficient for racial justice.
Just Multiracial
Democratic society
Grow Power
We need connected and aligned networks of people, organizations, and movements to build the collective power (economic, social, political, etc.) necessary to counter structural racism and steward transformative solutions for racial justice.
Transform Policy
We must position communities of color and other historically oppressed communities as leaders and decision-makers in the policy-making process to create racially equitable policies at all levels.
Transform institutions and sectors
Institutions across multiple sectors of society must operationalize racial equity into their policies, practices, programs, and products.for racial justice.
Transform
Culture
We must leverage the power of narrative, arts, and culture to assert the full humanity of communities of color, challenge racist ideologies that fuel structural racism, and envision a more just and equitable future.
Our Theory of Change directs us to continually examine our work within a racial justice ecosystem.
Specifically, the ecosystem
- Demands that we first learn from the people we work with and the environments we work in.
- Insists that we continually think about our role as a national intermediary, so we are positioned to contribute to and multiply efforts towards racial justice in a particular place.
- Informs how we think about collaboration across our organization and with organizations outside of Race Forward.
Our Mission
Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture.
Our Vision
Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture.
Our Values
Organizational values play a crucial role in social justice organizations as they clarify the organization’s core beliefs, help support the vision, and shape the culture. Race Forward has adopted the following organizational values:
People of Color
We value the voices, experiences, cultures, intellect, talent, and multi-dimensionality of Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander peoples.
