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diversity information and resources

“For neighborhoods, it means strengthening the bonds of community to embrace diversity and reject bigotry”  -Southern Poverty Law Center


Inequality and prejudice weren’t supposed to be issues in 2006. The Civil Rights Act and Women’s Rights movements of the ’60s were meant to pave the way for women and people of color. And while we’ve come a long way in achieving racial and gender justice in our country over the last several decades, we still have a long way to go. These statistics tell the story of women and people of color in the 21st century.

Take the quiz to see if your perceptions meet reality.

 Diversity Resources
http://www.diversityresources.com/


5 simple ideas to eliminate racism
 
1.  Don't laugh at racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic or Other Stereotypical Jokes or Assumptions. 
By laughing, you are acknowledging the joke is appropriate and encouraging  more inappropriate comments.  You can interrupt without being rude.  Don't let your silence speak for you.  Simply say "I don't find that funny." or "I don't appreciate jokes like that."
 
2.  Make an Effort to Get to Know People Different Than You.
Look for things in common with other people and celebrate the differences.  We can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.
 
3.  Learn About Other People and Their Culture.
By learning about other people, your life will be greatly enriched and your appreciation for your own culture will deepen.
 
4.  Think Before You Speak.
Words can hurt, whether you mean them or not.  When describing a person, think if mentioning their race is important to the story.  Do you refer to everyone from South or Central America as Mexican?  If you don't know someone's country of origin, don't assume.  Some people prefer Black, while others like African American.  Some prefer Latino/a, others like Hispanic.  If you're unsure which to use, ask.  It's important to use the correct language.
 
5.  Be a Role Model.
Be vocal in opposing discriminatory views and practices, especially with friends and family who respect your opinion.  Don't criticize, but help educate others about issues and about your owe experience. 
www.thekingcenter.org

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/mlk/

www.racialjusticecollaborative.org

www.colorsofinfluence.com/events.html


Inequality Quiz

1. For every dollar a man makes, a woman makes:
a) $1   b) 83 cents   c) 76 cents   d) 42 cents

2. 10% of whites have no health care. What percentage of African-Americans live with no health care?
a) 10%    b) 19%    c) 28%    d) 34%

3. A woman is beaten in the United States every:
a) 2 hours    b) 53 minutes    c) 7 minutes    d) 9 seconds

4. In Fortune 500 companies, women make up what percentage of the CEOs?
a) 21.8%    b) 9.3%    c) 1.2%    d) 0.0%

5. What percentage of single mothers in the United States live in poverty?
a) 6%    b) 32%    c) 14%    d) 20%

6. On average, the number of women killed every week by their husbands or boyfriends is:
a) 21    b) 17    c) 9    d) 5

7. For every dollar a white person makes, an African-American makes:
a) $1    b) 89 cents    c) 75 cents    d) 66 cents

8. In reported rapes, what is the chance the rapist will go to prison?
a) 86.1%    b) 44.4%    c) 16.3%    d) 3.9%

9. African-Americans make up 12.3% of America’s population. How much of the Death Row population do they make up?
a) 12.3%    b) 20.8%    c) 33.3%    d) 42.8%
 

Quiz Answers

1. For every dollar a man makes, a woman makes: 76 cents. Women, on average, are shorted 24 cents for doing the same job as their male counterparts.

2. 10% of whites have no health care. What percentage of African-Americans live with no health care? 19%. In terms of percentages, nearly twice as many African-Americans live without health care as Caucasians.

3. A woman is beaten in the United States every: 9 seconds.
That’s 9,600 cases of domestic abuse every day.

4. In Fortune 500 companies, women make up what percentage of the CEOs? 1.2%.
Out of the top 500 companies in America, only six are run by women.

5. What percentage of single mothers in the United States live in poverty? 32%.
It could be worse. But that doesn’t make it any better.

6. On average, the number of women killed every week by their husbands or boyfriends is: 21. We live in a country where nearly 11,500 women die at the hands of their significant others every year.

7. For every dollar a white person makes, an African-American makes: 66 cents. The U.S. Constitution originally counted African-American slaves as three-fifths — or 60% — of a white person. Apparently, they’re now worth 66%

8. In reported rapes, what is the chance the rapist will go to prison? 16.3%.
Now, do you believe all of the other 83.7% are not guilty?

9. African-Americans make up 12.3% of America’s population. How much of the Death Row population do they make up? 42.8%.

Many say justice is blind, but is it truly colorblind?
 

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Birmingham Pledge

I believe that every person has worth as an individual.
I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color

I believe that every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful; if it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.

Therefore, from this date forward I will strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions.

I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity.
I will treat all people with dignity and respect; and I will strive daily to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort.


www.birminghampledge.org 

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