Systemic Racism is shorthand for discriminatory policies in education, employment, housing, politics, and the judicial system. We have less institutional racism in governing than we used to, but recent threats to the Voting Rights Act show that it is a continuing battle.

The range of people of color now includes not only African Americans, but also Asian Americans, Latinos and Native Americans. Each of these groups has its own cultural identity that is suppressed by the majority Caucasians. White Supremacy has become a flag for bigots who fear a loss of power, who also respond with bitterness, anger, and violence.

America remains a deeply divided country. Our urban areas self-segregate for protection into ghettos. People of color living in low-income areas are left behind due to lack of opportunity in many areas. Poor schools, unsafe neighborhoods due to the drug trade, lack of good jobs, and access to public transportation combine to hold people of color back. Public housing was abandoned because it became breeding areas for crime, but there was no replacement with affordable housing. The voucher system is a weak band-aid.

People of color are disproportionately housed in prisons and jails because they have few alternatives to crime as a means of survival. The judicial system serves as a method of revenge and punishment rather than a route of rehabilitation. The rich can afford a good lawyer who knows how to play the game.

But what about those who rise to prominence in business, politics, and athletics? They are the precious few who have been able to beat the system. They were not beaten down by adversity or found a mentor to help find a way up and out.

Several years ago, the US Catholic Council of Bishops started a program to help young people to escape poverty and racism. The Discipleship Program of the United Methodist Church has a long-running program to address racism and issues a daily prayer online to keep us focused on the sin of racism. I am not familiar with other denominations’ efforts.

In 2021, the President issued an executive order creating opportunities for communities that have historically been underserved. He also created a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in the Department of State. Unfortunately, many corporations, non-profits, and educational institutions that followed up by appointing Diversity, Education, and Inclusion positions have since shut them down due to attacks from the Republicans. Dealing with long-term racism must come from the bottom up rather than from the top down.

The LGBTQ+ community has been lumped together with people of color for both physical and political attacks by the right-wing politicians and the White Supremacists. They appeal to the fear of others who are different from the majority. They particularly are concerned that people of color soon will become the majority in the US.

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