# data[].attributes.body
Systemic racism, a deeply problematic issue within societies all across the world, refers to discriminatory patterns that promote institutional inequality and disadvantages to certain races. Systemic racism does not refer to individual acts of racism, such as slurs, but rather to the economic and social oppression of peoples within structures and systems based on the color of their skin. Systemic racism is a problem that builds upon itself, as it is engrained in institutions based on an inability to change from the past, therefore promoting a consistent use of racist business management practices or unjust social ideologies.

In Chicago, systemic racism has entrenched itself as, unfortunately, one of the key factors of the city's treatment of its many diverse but marginalized communities. Beginning as early as the 20th century, thousands of African Americans moved to Chicago during the Great Migration, seeking economic opportunities and peace from the racial violence in the South. However, the development of segregationist policies within Chicago, such as redlining, confined many to overcrowded and under-resourced neighborhoods on the city's South and West Sides. Redlining, a discriminatory practice by banks and lending institutions, denied loans or mortgages and charged higher interest rates for African American families, effectively preventing them from buying homes in predominantly white neighborhoods. This practice, along with many others, led to the creation of racially segregated communities with visible inequality within educational and social institutions.

Understanding and addressing systemic racism is crucial for creating a more egalitarian society where economic success or stability is not based on the color of someone's skin. By firstly acknowledging the existence of systemic racism and its harmful effects, people and their governments can work collaboratively towards implementing policies that promote fairness and inclusion. Through education, advocacy, and policy reform, communities can strive towards a future where systemic racism no longer prevents an individuals' greatness based on their race or ethnicity.

# data[].attributes.body
Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" stands as a powerful anthem that addresses themes of resilience, hope, and solidarity within the black community. At its core, the song emerges as a powerful rallying cry in the face of adversity, with its iconic refrain, "We gon' be alright," serving as a mantra of perseverance. By singing that "we gon' be alright" instead of "I" will be alright, Lamar emphasizes the communal bond among black individuals, highlighting a sense of unity in navigating society's unfair challenges. Kendrick Lamar also addresses the harsh realities of police brutality through lines like, "We hate po-po / Wanna kill us dead in the street fo sho'". However, despite these negative factors, Lamar refuses to surrender his song to these injustices, instead dedicating his song to the promotion of a collective sense of empowerment within the black community.

Further emphasizing the effort to unify the African American community against these struggles, Lamar's verse "Wouldn't you know / We been hurt, been down before" acknowledges the historical struggles and resilience of the black community. By recognizing the shared history of oppression and perseverance, Lamar fosters a sense of unity and understanding among listeners.

What sets "Alright" apart is its ability to have an impact which extends far beyond the realm of music. Lamar's verses celebrate the resilience of black culture, his lyrics becoming sources of encouragement for those facing oppression and reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. Ultimately, the song becomes dedicated to the strength of the human spirit when confronting obstacles even as big as systemic racism. In a world marked by division against certain communities, the song reminds listeners of the transformative power of solidarity and music in effecting change.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Kendrick-lamar-alright-lyrics

# data[].attributes.body
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar's "Freedom" emerges as a bold song focused on resilience and empowerment, celebrating the enduring spirit of liberation and the quest for freedom. The song's lyrics touch upon issues of racial identity and solidarity. The repetition of the word "Freedom" in lines like "Freedom, freedom, I can't move / Freedom, cut me loose" encapsulates the yearning to break free from the shackles of oppression and reclaim power over one's own life. Unlike Kendrick Lamar's "Alright", which focuses on collective efforts to fight systemic racism and oppression, "Freedom" combines the struggles of the individual while still keeping that same support for a collective effort for justice and equality.

As mentioned above, "Freedom" serves to connect with the individual as a way to fight oppression. Kendrick Lamar's lines, such as "Open correctional gates in higher desert / Yeah, open our mind as we cast away oppression," suggest themes of physical and psychological liberation from societal inequality. By contrasting imagery of incarceration with a higher desert, conjuring images of heavenly freedom, Lamar emphasizes the importance of mental freedom and independence as well as the ideological liberation to fight for justice.

However, Beyoncé and Lamar's collaboration also amplifies the message of determination and unity within the African American community. Kendrick Lamar's use of "we", emphasizes the communal impact that systemic racism has, as well as how it is everyone's duty to stand up in the face of injustice. Beyoncé's chorus, which says, "I'ma keep running 'cause a winner don't quit on themselves" shows the determination to persevere in the face of adversity, inspiring listeners to stand firm in their beliefs and demand change. Through their artistry, Beyoncé and Lamar create a space for empowerment and liberation of both the individual and the community, igniting a spark of hope and defiance within the hearts of their audience, beckoning people to join together and demand for a better tomorrow.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Beyonce-freedom-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Beyoncé - Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (Official Music Video)

# data[].attributes.body
"Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder is a masterpiece that delves into the economic struggles of African Americans in urban America. At its core, the song is a narrative of resilience, depicting the harsh realities of systemic racism and poverty while also celebrating the spirit of black communities. Through its storytelling and soulful melodies, "Living for the City" offers commentary on the obstacles against African American communities and the will to keep living.

Showcased in the verse, "His father works some days for fourteen hours / And you can bet he barely makes a dollar," Wonder highlights the economic disparities and exploitation experienced by black families. Wonder also analyses the unfair wages of his mother, saying, "His mother goes to scrub the floors for many / And you'd best believe, she hardly gets a penny". By presenting how both his father and mother financially struggle due to inequality, Stevie Wonder shows how badly justice and economic equality is needed in order to not just be "Living just enough, just enough for the city", but rather be living comfortably within the city and not for it.

Furthermore, Stevie Wonder vividly portrays the challenges faced by black individuals living in urban environments. When saying, "A boy's born in hard-time Mississippi / Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty", Wonder paints a picture of the harsh conditions that many African Americans have historically faced, either socially or economically. Moreover, in the line, "He looks through his window's bars," Stevie Wonder metaphorically captures the sense of confinement and limitation experienced by many African Americans due to systemic racism and social barriers. Despite these lyrics, he also promotes the sense of determination by African Americans when he sings, "Her skirt is short, but Lord her legs are sturdy". By highlighting the effort against many economic and social inequalities in urban environments, "Living for the City" presents a story of determination in the face of institutional and systemic racism.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Stevie-wonder-living-for-the-city-lyrics

# data[].attributes.body
Lil Baby's, "The Bigger Picture", emerged in response to the increase of systemic racism and police brutality committed against African American individuals in the U.S. Released amidst nationwide protests following the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, the song serves as a reflection of the collective anguish and outcry within the African American community.

In "The Bigger Picture," Lil Baby's lyrics serve as a raw and unfiltered expression of the pain and frustration experienced by many in the black community. The line "I see blue lights, I get scared and start runnin'" encapsulates the fear and anxiety that the African American community feels when encountering police officers. This reaction speaks to the deep-rooted mistrust and trauma resulting from historical and ongoing instances of police brutality and racial profiling. Similarly, in the line "I find it crazy the police'll shoot you and know that you dead / But still tell you to freeze," Lil Baby exposes the absurdity of some law enforcement officers. The contrast between the brutality of shooting and the demand to freeze illustrates the unjust exercise of power to oppress marginalized communities. Finally, Lil Baby's personal reflection in the line, "First I was drunk, then I sobered up quick / When I heard all that time that they gave to Taleeb / He got a life sentence plus", highlights the harsh realities of the criminal justice system and its disproportionate impact on black individuals.

"The Bigger Picture" by Lil Baby serves as a presentation of the affects that police brutality and oppression has had, not only on himself, but on the overall African American community as well. By saying, "It's bigger than black and white / It's a problem with the whole way of life", Lil Baby tries to move listeners away from the idea that race is the issue but that institutions and systems are, promoting change through lines like, "It can't change overnight / But we gotta start somewhere".

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Lil-baby-the-bigger-picture-lyrics

# data[].attributes.body
In "Black or White", Michael Jackson presents a message of unity and equality, one that supports the irrelevancy of the idea that race is a boundary and that celebrates the shared humanity of all people. Michael Jackson lyrics stand against racism and discrimination, advocating for a world where individuals are judged not by the color of their skin, but by their character. Jackson's song embodies the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, inviting people who listen to "Black or White" to embrace diversity and reject stereotypes or biases against any race.

The lines, "But, if you're thinkin' about my baby / It don't matter if you're black or white", encapsulate the central theme of the song: the irrelevance of race when in the context of love or acceptance. By asserting that the color of one's skin should not determine their worth or value, Jackson challenges racial supremacy and instead supports the shared characteristics that are human emotions and experiences. This lyric emphasizes the importance of looking beyond superficial differences and recognizing the humanity of all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. Jackson also makes efforts to change by putting aside racism, saying, "See, it's not about races / Just places, faces". Here, Jackson embraces diversity and celebrates cultural differences. This lyric reinforces the message of unity and acceptance that "Black or White" projects, reminding people that we are all part of the same human family, regardless of race.

In "Black or White", Michael Jackson delivers a powerful message of humanity's equality, urging the embrace of human diversity and the disregard of the idea that race separates us. In a society that is often divided by racial tensions, "Black or White" serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for all individuals.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Michael-jackson-black-or-white-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Michael Jackson - Black Or White (Official Video - Shortened Version)

# data[].attributes.body
As the title of the song implies, N.W.A's "F*** tha Police" is a straight-up, no-nonsense, and obvious critique of police brutality, racial profiling, and the abuse of power within law enforcement. The song's lyrics depict the harsh realities faced by black communities at the hands of corrupt and discriminatory police officers.

When N.W.A comments, "They have the authority to kill a minority", they confront the power that police unfairly use to violently and disproportionately target minority communities. Through this, N.W.A also sheds light on the unequal treatment and lack of accountability within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and change. The line, "Searchin' my car, lookin' for the product / Thinkin' every ***** is sellin' narcotics," reflects the continued racial profiling and promotion of unfair stereotypes against people of color. N.W.A exposes the bias and prejudice that underlies many police interactions with marginalized communities, illustrating the dehumanizing effects of racial profiling. Lastly, the iconic lyric, "F*** the police comin' straight from the underground", puts on a show of defiance and resistance. N.W.A rejects the authority of law enforcement, as they do not promote equality and rather use racism instead of reason and law to prevent crime from happening, leading to a vicious cycle of brutality and resentment that is pointed out in other songs, such as "The Bigger Picture", by Lil Baby.

"F*** Tha Police" by N.W.A offers a searing critique of police violence, racial profiling, and systemic racism. Through their unapologetic and explicit lyrics, N.W.A shines a spotlight on the violent injustices faced by black communities at the hands of law enforcement. Although not the most positive in terms of promoting efforts for change and rather using the song as an outlet for anger against an unfair system, N.W.A still succeeds in making a song dedicated to pointing out the wrong in society.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Nwa-fuck-tha-police-lyrics

# data[].attributes.body
In "Hands Up," Vince Staples delivers an indictment of systemic racism, using his lyrics to shed light on the harsh realities faced by black individuals in America. Staples' lyrics challenge the status quo and demand a reimagining of justice and equality in America. By calling for a rejection of just standing by and a refusal to accept the normalization of violence against African Americans, Staples presents the truths about the pervasive nature of racism and injustice.

Staples declares, "Hands up, they shootin', we should do somethin' / Rather than hold rallies, march and tear gas / Fight back with a straight face when your face facts". These lyrics serve as a call for action to fight against aggressive efforts, such as "tear gas" and "shootin'", that limit African Americans and other marginalized communities from advocating for change and justice. Staples urges listeners to confront the injustice and violence perpetuated by law enforcement against black communities. To support the ideas of his previous lyric, he declares, "We need to fight back, don't relax / We need the upper hand, ain't no second chance." Staples emphasizes the need to no longer be victims of systemic oppression and violence but to instead gain "the upper hand" and destroying said oppression, on the terms of the African American community, no longer being controlled by it. Vince Staples says that people must stand against systemic racism because they need to promote change but also because enough is enough and after decades of injustice, we can't "relax". Staples' call for action extends beyond individual resistance to encompass a collective movement for change. He encourages listeners to recognize their collective power and to mobilize together in the fight against systemic oppression. Staple's fights against the notion of passive resistance, opting for a more direct and powerful way of change in protests that African Americans from all over the country can, and should, participate in.

Through his music, Staples not only highlights the urgent need for change but also inspires hope and resilience in the face of adversity. He reminds us, the listeners, that the fight for racial justice requires active engagement and unwavering determination, and that silence in times where systemic racism persists in its mission to subjugate the rights of African American communities only serves to delay the change needed in society.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Vince-staples-hands-up-lyrics

# data[].attributes.body
"This is America" by Childish Gambino is a commentary on gun violence and racial stereotypes in the United States. The song's lyrics contrast upbeat, and at the beginning of the song, soulful melodies with dark, confrontational imagery, creating a thought-provoking listening experience based on these contrasts that mean to make the listeners uncomfortable but also interested.

Gambino's lyrics like, "This is America / Don't catch you slippin' now", highlight the realities faced by marginalized communities, as the nation's social and political landscape makes any mistakes committed by individuals from these communities liable to prosecution by the unfair social practices and systemic racism rampant in many institutions in the United States. Childish Gambino says, "You just a black man in this world / You just a barcode, ayy," encapsulating the dehumanization of black lives within American society. By likening African Americans to barcodes, Gambino highlights the reduction of black identity to mere numbers or statistics, stripped of individuality and humanity. This imagery underscores the systemic racism and objectification faced by black people, who often face the obstacles associated with being reduced to stereotypes and marginalized within society. In the line, "I got the strap / I gotta carry 'em," Gambino addresses the presence of gun violence and the need for self-protection within African American communities due to violence and systemic injustice. The term "strap" refers to a firearm, highlighting the normalization of weapons in America, as the development of a nickname for a gun suggests.

Childish Gambino's, "This is America", underscores the complex intersection of race, violence, and survival within the American landscape. Gambino, in collaboration with this intersection, sheds light on the challenges and dangers faced by black individuals in navigating their everyday lives. Gambino's song serves as a wake up call for people, as his painting of the American landscape for African Americans and other people from marginalized communities addresses the need for change and reform.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Childish-gambino-this-is-america-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Childish Gambino - This is America (CLEAN)

# data[].attributes.body
2Pac's "Changes" is a reflection on the social and economic struggles faced by African Americans. Through its lyrics, the song delves into issues such as poverty, drug addiction, and racial profiling. Lines like "Cops give a damn about a ***** / Pull the trigger, kill a *****, he's a hero" highlight the injustices perpetuated by law enforcement. The song's chorus, which samples Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is," underscores 2Pac's realization that people must fight for change and transformation because at this moment, society is just the way it is.

When 2Pac says, "Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares / One less hungry mouth on the welfare," he confronts the systemic issues surrounding poverty and drug addiction based on economic barriers within black communities. He criticizes the societal neglect, lack of opportunities, and indifference towards the African American youth within institutions, illustrating the cycle of systemically endorsed social and economic inequalities based on poverty that marginalized communities must face. By highlighting the destructive impact of economic barriers that proliferate the disastrous effects of drug addiction on vulnerable populations, 2Pac sheds light on the systemic factors that contribute to the marginalization and exploitation of black individuals. Moreover, in the line, "The penitentiary's packed, and it's filled with blacks," 2Pac highlights the disproportionate incarceration rates and systemic biases within the criminal justice system. He draws attention to the systemic racism and discrimination that contribute to the mass incarceration of black individuals, exposing the institutionalized inequalities that perpetuate cycles of poverty and despair. Through these lyrics, 2Pac sheds light on the broader societal issues that perpetuate racial injustice and calls for meaningful reform to address systemic inequalities and oppression.

2Pac's "Changes" serves as a song based on the economic and judicial barriers and subsequent exploitation of the African American community. By emphasizing the indifference towards the poverty and the human life within these communities, 2Pac signals a need for change that must be pushed forward by the people instead of the government, who instead of helping, keeps the system working, which in turn promotes the systemic inequalities that impose economic and social walls that prevent the success of the marginalized.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/2pac-changes-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2Pac - Changes (Clean-Version) (Feat. Talent)

# data[].attributes.body
Joey Bada$$’s "Land of the Free" is a reflection on the state of America, addressing issues of institutionalized racism, socio-economic inequality, and political disillusionment. The song's lyrics offer a critique of the American Dream, highlighting the disparity between the nation's ideals and the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities.

When Joey Bada$$ says, "Sorry America I will not be your soldier / Obama just wasn't enough, I need some more closure", he expresses frustration with the limitations of political leadership that promotes the power of the African American community and advocates for changes to end the societal injustices committed against them within the system. In the line, "Trickery in the system, put my ****** in prison," Joey Badass addresses the systemic injustices of the criminal justice system, which incarcerates black individuals more than white individuals even when it has been proven time and time again that African Americans are sent to jail for committing crimes much less severe than the ones committed by white people. This lyric underscores the systemic racism and bias that law enforcement and judicial institutions endorse, perpetuating cycles of incarceration and disproportionate policies forced upon black communities. Furthermore, Joey Bada$$ emphasizes the judicial system's unjust character, stating, "Start a new coalition against corrupt politicians." Here, Joey Bada$$ advocates for collective action to challenge the corruption in judicial institutions, in the sense that many either stand by, or worse, promote the inequalities people like Bada$$ have had to deal with every day.

Joey Bada$$'s song, "Land of the Free", is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the need to confront and dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to perpetuate inequality and injustice in America. He mainly focuses on the judicial system and the inequalities it promotes in communities all across the United States. By naming his song, "Land of the Free", Joey Bada$$ points the hypocrisy in America, as for him and other African Americans, America has never been free and instead it has been a country marred by inequalities condoned by systems and institutions that were supposed to promote peace, equality, and justice.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Joey-bada-land-of-the-free-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Joey Bada$$ - "Land of the Free" (Official Music Video)

# data[].attributes.body
In "Never Let Me Down," Kanye West delivers reflections on perseverance, faith, and adversity. The song explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of success in the face of obstacles. Throughout this song, West, as well as Jay-Z and J. Ivy, offers a deeply personal exploration of struggles and triumphs, while also addressing broader societal issues and injustices, such as unfair laws and the racist history of the United States.

Kanye West remarking, "Made her sit in that seat where white folks ain't want us to eat / At the tender age of 6, she was arrested for the sit-ins," highlights the enduring legacy of racial segregation in America. West recounts a powerful memory of his mother's defiance against racial discrimination, underscoring the bravery and resilience of all those who fought for equality. This lyric serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations in the struggle for civil rights and social justice, while also highlighting the ongoing need to confront systemic racism and oppression. "Now ****** can't make it to ballots to choose leadership / But we can make it to Jacob's or to the dealership" critiques the judicial barriers and laws to political participation and civic engagement faced by black communities. West comments on how instead of choosing leadership, he, and other African Americans, can only make it to the "dealership", emphasizing how in addition to judicial inequalities, there are also economic barriers that only allow for African Americans to have low-paying jobs that stifle their individual and communal economic growth. Additionally, the mantra, "Get up, I get down, get up, I get down" contributes to the overall theme of this song, as it promotes resilience and perseverance in the face of systemic racism and inequality. Through the repetition of this mantra, West emphasizes the continuous effort required to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

"Never Let Me Down" by Kanye West delivers a powerful exploration of resilience, faith, and the judicial and economic barriers that aim to limit the success of the African American community. Through his lyrics and delivery, West invites reflection of personal struggles and triumphs, while also addressing broader social and political issues. The song supports the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance to overcome even the obstacles that challenge us the most.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Kanye-west-never-let-me-down-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Never Let Me Down (Clean) - Kanye West (feat. Jay-Z & J. Ivy)

# data[].attributes.body
Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" is a protest song that confronts issues of racism, oppression, as well as African American pride and solidarity. The refrain, "Fight the power," serves as a battle cry for listeners to challenge oppressive systems and structures. It embodies Public Enemy's refusal to accept the status quo that unfairly oppresses individuals from marginalized communities, additionally urging people to actively confront injustice and fight for their rights. By repeating this phrase throughout the song, Public Enemy emphasizes the importance of collective action when promoting meaningful change.

When Public Enemy says, "Our freedom of speech is freedom or death", they underscore the critical importance of freedom of expression in the struggle for liberation. Public Enemy asserts that the ability to speak out against injustice is not only a fundamental right but also a matter of life and death. By linking freedom of speech to the broader fight against oppressive forces, Public Enemy highlights the power of words as a tool for resistance and empowerment.

Similarly, the line, "We got to fight the powers that be," reinforces the message of resistance and collective action against inequality and injustice. Public Enemy's challenges listeners to question systems of power and authority that seek to marginalize and oppress communities. Finally, the declaration, "'Cause I'm Black and I'm proud," serves as a powerful message that change is not possible without love for your own identity and culture, emphasizing the close knit cultural and social ties within the African American community that support the fight for change.

In "Fight the Power", Public Enemy asserts pride in being African American and celebrates the resilience and strength of African American communities in the face of systemic racism and oppression. By presenting a confrontational style of lyrics and positioning change as a powerful tool to achieve success, the song is a powerful message in the ongoing struggle for equality.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Public-enemy-fight-the-power-lyrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fight the Power by Public Enemy (clean version)

# data[].attributes.body
Stanford scholars draw recognition to the issue of systemic racism and how to actually demolish these racist ideologies and business practices within institutions, both governmental and non-governmental.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A pandemic that disproportionately affected communities of color, roadblocks that obstructed efforts to expand the franchise and protect voting discrimination, a growing movement to push anti-racist curricula out of schools - events over the past year have only underscored how prevalent systemic racism and bias is in America today.

What can be done to dismantle centuries of discrimination in the U.S.? How can a more equitable society be achieved? What makes racism such a complicated problem to solve? Black History Month is a time marked for honoring and reflecting on the experience of Black Americans, and it is also an opportunity to reexamine our nation's deeply embedded racial problems and the possible solutions that could help build a more equitable society.

Stanford scholars are tackling these issues head-on in their research from the perspectives of history, education, law and other disciplines. For example, historian Clayborne Carson is working to preserve and promote the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and religious studies scholar Lerone A. Martin has joined Stanford to continue expanding access and opportunities to learn from King's teachings; sociologist Matthew Clair is examining how the criminal justice system can end a vicious cycle involving the disparate treatment of Black men; and education scholar Subini Ancy Annamma is studying ways to make education more equitable for historically marginalized students.

Learn more about these efforts and other projects examining racism and discrimination in areas like health and medicine, technology and the workplace below.
Update: Jan. 27, 2023: This story was originally published on Feb. 16, 2021, and has been updated on a number of occasions to include new content.

A profile of a woman's head, a New York City skyline double exposed with the image

Image credit: Getty Images

Understanding the impact of racism; advancing justice

One of the hardest elements of advancing racial justice is helping everyone understand the ways in which they are involved in a system or structure that perpetuates racism, according to Stanford legal scholar Ralph Richard Banks.

"The starting point for the center is the recognition that racial inequality and division have long been the fault line of American society. Thus, addressing racial inequity is essential to sustaining our nation, and furthering its democratic aspirations," said Banks, the Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and co-founder of the Stanford Center for Racial Justice.

This sentiment was echoed by Stanford researcher Rebecca Hetey. One of the obstacles in solving inequality is people's attitudes towards it, Hetey said. "One of the barriers of reducing inequality is how some people justify and rationalize it."

How people talk about race and stereotypes matters. Here is some of that scholarship.

Decoding bias in media, technology

Driving Artificial Intelligence are machine learning algorithms, sets of rules that tell a computer how to solve a problem, perform a task and in some cases, predict an outcome. These predictive models are based on massive datasets to recognize certain patterns, which according to communication scholar Angele Christin , sometimes come flawed with human bias .

"Technology changes things, but perhaps not always as much as we think," Christin said. "Social context matters a lot in shaping the actual effects of the technological tools. [...] So, it's important to understand that connection between humans and machines."

Below is some of that research, as well as other ways discrimination unfolds across technology, in the media, and ways to counteract it.

Identifying discrimination in the workplace and economy

From who moves forward in the hiring process to who receives funding from venture capitalists, research has revealed how Blacks and other minority groups are discriminated against in the workplace and economy-at-large.

"There is not one silver bullet here that you can walk away with. Hiring and retention with respect to employee diversity are complex problems," said Adina Sterling , associate professor of organizational behavior at the Graduate School of Business (GSB).

Sterling has offered a few places where employers can expand employee diversity at their companies. For example, she suggests hiring managers track data about their recruitment methods and the pools that result from those efforts, as well as examining who they ultimately hire.

Here is some of that insight.

Image credit: Getty Images

Examining disparities in education

Scholar Subini Ancy Annamma is studying ways to make education more equitable for historically marginalized students. Annamma's research examines how schools contribute to the criminalization of Black youths by creating a culture of punishment that penalizes Black children more harshly than their white peers for the same behavior. Her work shows that youth of color are more likely to be closely watched, over-represented in special education, and reported to and arrested by police.

"These are all ways in which schools criminalize Black youth," she said. "Day after day, these things start to sediment."

That's why Annamma has identified opportunities for teachers and administrators to intervene in these unfair practices. Below is some of that research, from Annamma and others.

Understanding racism in the criminal justice system

Research has shown that time and time again, inequality is embedded into all facets of the criminal justice system. From being arrested to being charged, convicted and sentenced, people of color - particularly Black men - are disproportionately targeted by the police.

"So many reforms are needed: police accountability, judicial intervention, reducing prosecutorial power and increasing resources for public defenders are places we can start," said sociologist Matthew Clair. "But beyond piecemeal reforms, we need to continue having critical conversations about transformation and the role of the courts in bringing about the abolition of police and prisons."

Clair is one of several Stanford scholars who have examined the intersection of race and the criminal process and offered solutions to end the vicious cycle of racism. Here is some of that work.

Diagnosing disparities in health, medicine

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color and has highlighted the health disparities between Black Americans, whites and other demographic groups.

As Iris Gibbs, professor of radiation oncology and associate dean of MD program admissions, pointed out at an event sponsored by Stanford Medicine: "We need more sustained attention and real action towards eliminating health inequities, educating our entire community and going beyond 'allyship,' because that one fizzles out. We really do need people who are truly there all the way."

Below is some of that research as well as solutions that can address some of the disparities in the American healthcare system.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stanford scholars examine systemic racism, how to advance racial justice in America | Stanford Report

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A pandemic that disproportionately affected communities of color, roadblocks that obstructed efforts to expand the franchise and protect voting discrimination, a growing movement to push anti-racist curricula out of schools - events over the past year have only underscored how prevalent systemic racism and bias is in America today.

# data[].attributes.body
The ACLU, a prominent civil rights organization in the United States, also promotes the issue of systemic inequality, as well as what they think is the most active and collective way to participate in the effort to stop systemic racism.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Over the past four years, we grew accustomed to a regular barrage of blatant, segregationist-style racism from the White House. Donald Trump tweeted that "the Squad," four Democratic Congresswomen who are Black, Latinx, and South Asian, should "go back" to the "corrupt" countries they came from; that same year, he called Elizabeth Warren "Pocahontas," mocking her belief that she might be descended from Native American ancestors. But as outrageous as the racist comments Trump regularly spewed were, the racially unjust governmental actions his administration took and, in the case of COVID-19, didn't take, impacted millions more - especially Black and Brown people.

To begin to heal and move toward real racial justice, we must address not only the harms of the past four years, but also the harms tracing back to this country's origins. Racism has played an active role in the creation of our systems of education, health care, ownership, and employment, and virtually every other facet of life since this nation's founding.

Our history has shown us that it's not enough to take racist policies off the books if we are going to achieve true justice. Those past policies have structured our society and created deeply-rooted patterns and practices that can only be disrupted and reformed with new policies of similar strength and efficacy. In short, a systemic problem requires a systemic solution. To combat systemic racism, we must pursue systemic equality.

To join our Systemic Equality agenda to take action on racial justice, click here.

What is Systemic Racism?

A system is a collection of elements that are organized for a common purpose. Racism in America is a system that combines economic, political, and social components. That system specifically disempowers and disenfranchises Black people, while maintaining and expanding implicit and explicit advantages for white people, leading to better opportunities in jobs, education, and housing, and discrimination in the criminal legal system. For example, the country's voting systems empower white voters at the expense of voters of color, resulting in an unequal system of governance in which those communities have little voice and representation, even in policies that directly impact them.

Systemic Equality is a Systemic Solution

In the years ahead, the ACLU will pursue administrative and legislative campaigns targeting the Biden-Harris administration and Congress. We will leverage legal advocacy to dismantle systemic barriers, and will work with our affiliates to change policies nearer to the communities most harmed by these legacies. The goal is to build a nation where every person can achieve their highest potential, unhampered by structural and institutional racism.

To begin, in 2021, we believe the Biden administration and Congress should take the following crucial steps to advance systemic equality:

Voting Rights

The administration must issue an executive order creating a Justice Department lead staff position on voting rights violations in every U.S. Attorney office. We are seeing a flood of unlawful restrictions on voting across the country, and at every level of state and local government. This nationwide problem requires nationwide investigatory and enforcement resources. Even if it requires new training and approval protocols, a new voting rights enforcement program with the participation of all 93 U.S. Attorney offices is the best way to help ensure nationwide enforcement of voting rights laws. These assistant U.S. attorneys should begin by ensuring that every American in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons who is eligible to vote can vote, and monitor the Census and redistricting process to fight the dilution of voting power in communities of color.

We are also calling on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to finally create a fair and equal national voting system, the cause for which John Lewis devoted his life.

Student Debt

Black borrowers pay more than other students for the same degrees, and graduate with an average of $7,400 more in debt than their white peers. In the years following graduation, the debt gap more than triples. Nearly half of Black borrowers will default within 12 years. In other words, for Black Americans, the American dream costs more. Last week, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, along with House Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Maxine Waters, and others, called on President Biden to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt per borrower. We couldn't agree more. By forgiving $50,000 of student debt, President Biden can unleash pent up economic potential in Black communities, while relieving them of a burden that forestalls so many hopes and dreams. Black women in particular will benefit from this executive action, as they are proportionately the most indebted group of all Americans.

Postal Banking

In both low and high income majority-Black communities, traditional bank branches are 50 percent more likely to close than in white communities. The result is that nearly 50 percent of Black Americans are unbanked or underbanked, and many pay more than $2,000 in fees associated with subprime financial institutions. Over their lifetime, those fees can add up to as much as two years of annual income for the average Black family. The U.S. Postal Service can and should meet this crisis by providing competitive, low-cost financial services to help advance economic equality. We call on President Biden to appoint new members to the Postal Board of Governors so that the Post Office can do the work of providing essential services to every American.

Fair Housing

Across the country, millions of people are living in communities of concentrated poverty, including 26 percent of all Black children. The Biden administration should again implement the 2015 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, which required localities that receive federal funds for housing to investigate and address barriers to fair housing and patterns or practices that promote bias. In 1980, the average Black person lived in a neighborhood that was 62 percent Black and 31 percent white. By 2010, the average Black person's neighborhood was 48 percent Black and 34 percent white. Reinstating the Obama-era Fair Housing Rule will combat this ongoing segregation and set us on a path to true integration.

Congress should also pass the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, or a similar measure, to finally redress the legacy of redlining and break down the walls of segregation once and for all.

Broadband Access

To realize broadband's potential to benefit our democracy and connect us to one another, all people in the United States must have equal access and broadband must be made affordable for the most vulnerable. Yet today, 15 percent of American households with school-age children do not have subscriptions to any form of broadband, including one-quarter of Black households (an additional 23 percent of African Americans are "smartphone-only" internet users, meaning they lack traditional home broadband service but do own a smartphone, which is insufficient to attend class, do homework, or apply for a job). The Biden administration, Federal Communications Commission, and Congress must develop and implement plans to increase funding for broadband to expand universal access.

Enhanced, Refundable Child Tax Credits

The United States faces a crisis of child poverty. Seventeen percent of all American children are impoverished - a rate higher than not just peer nations like Canada and the U.K., but Mexico and Russia as well. Currently, more than 50 percent of Black and Latinx children in the U.S. do not qualify for the full benefit, compared to 23 percent of white children, and nearly one in five Black children do not receive any credit at all. To combat this crisis, President Biden and Congress should enhance the child tax credit and make it fully refundable. If we enhance the child tax credit, we can cut child poverty by 40 percent and instantly lift over 50 percent of Black children out of poverty.

Reparations

We cannot repair harms that we have not fully diagnosed. We must commit to a thorough examination of the impact of the legacy of chattel slavery on racial inequality today. In 2021, Congress must pass H.R. 40, which would establish a commission to study reparations and make recommendations for Black Americans.

The Long View

For the past century, the ACLU has fought for racial justice in legislatures and in courts, including through several landmark Supreme Court cases. While the court has not always ruled in favor of racial justice, incremental wins throughout history have helped to chip away at different forms of racism such as school segregation (Brown v. Board), racial bias in the criminal legal system ( Powell v. Alabama, i.e. the Scottsboro Boys), and marriage inequality (Loving v. Virginia). While these landmark victories initiated necessary reforms, they were only a starting point. Systemic racism continues to pervade the lives of Black people through voter suppression, lack of financial services, housing discrimination, and other areas. More than anything, doing this work has taught the ACLU that we must fight on every front in order to overcome our country's legacies of racism. That is what our Systemic Equality agenda is all about.

In the weeks ahead, we will both expand on our views of why these campaigns are crucial to systemic equality and signal the path this country must take. We will also dive into our work to build organizing, advocacy, and legal power in the South - a region with a unique history of racial oppression and violence alongside a rich history of antiracist organizing and advocacy. We are committed to four principles throughout this campaign: reconciliation, access, prosperity, and empowerment. We hope that our actions can meet our ambition to, as Dr. King said, lead this nation to live out the true meaning of its creed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
To End Systemic Racism, Ensure Systemic Equality | ACLU

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's not enough to take racist policies off the books. We must pursue systemic equality.