Foundations of Antiracism: Understanding Race and Systemic Equity

Navigating discussions about race, privilege, and systemic inequality can feel overwhelming if you do not know where to start. This course offers a welcoming, jargon-free space to build your core knowledge from the ground up. By reading through these structured lessons, you will transition from holding basic assumptions to possessing a thoughtful, historically grounded understanding of how race shapes society. You will develop the language and analytical tools necessary to participate in meaningful conversations and recognize systemic patterns in everyday life. What you'll learn: - Understand key terminology, including race as a social construct and the distinction between individual prejudice and systemic racism. - Explore the historical foundations of racial categories and how past policies continue to influence modern disparities. - Identify institutional biases and microaggressions within workplaces and community spaces. - Apply intersectional frameworks to analyze how race overlaps with gender, class, and other social identities. - Practice active allyship and constructive communication using written scenarios and self-reflection exercises. This course begins with essential definitions and historical contexts before moving into modern frameworks of equity and inclusion. Through clear written explanations and guided self-reflections, you will steadily build your awareness and confidence. This course is designed specifically for complete beginners who have never taken an ethnic studies class or participated in formal diversity training. No prior knowledge or background is required. Begin your journey toward a deeper, more informed understanding of racial equity today.