Understanding Racial Inequity: A Groundwater Approach Virtual Webinar
Understanding Racial Inequity: A Groundwater Approach Virtual Webinar
Presented by the Racial Equity Institute
The State Library of North Carolina is excited to offer Racial Equity Institute’s Virtual Groundwater Approach Workshop on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, from 9 am – 12 pm. This virtual workshop is open to all library staff in North Carolina. Attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants, so register today at slnc.info/REI-GW.
The Groundwater Approach
The Groundwater Presentation is a three-hour introduction to Racial Equity. REI organizers will use stories and data to present a perspective that racism is fundamentally structural in nature. By examining characteristics of modern-day racial inequity, the presentation introduces participants to an analysis that most find immediately helpful and relevant.
The Groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations:
- racial inequity looks the same across systems,
- socio-economic difference does not explain the racial inequity; and,
- inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior.
Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.
Have Questions?
Please contact Susan Forbes, Assistant State Librarian
susan.forbes@ncdcr.gov
This program is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-246155-OLS-20).