Racism In Pennsylvania Persists Despite Historical Changes – Michael Coard

Racism In Pennsylvania Persists Despite Historical Changes:

Pennsylvania racism is decades old. European explorers and settlers encroached on Native American territory. These activities led to broken treaties, land theft, slavery, colonialism, and genocide. The state started enslaving Africans in 1639, with William Penn possessing enslaved Black people at his Pennsbury home 20 miles north of Philadelphia.

European invaders intruding on indigenous countries’ territory sparked Pennsylvania’s bigotry. Some criticize academic interpretations for using racist language, underlining the need for a more sensitive understanding of history.

Ongoing Struggles And Systemic Racism

Pennsylvania has fought racism relentlessly. From the late 19th until the early 21st century, racial prejudice was common. Commonwealth white mobs lynched Black males from 1894 until 1911. Over 200 Black males were jailed for unemployment and put to work in Pittsburgh in 1909.

At the 1917 Chester Race Riot, 28 people were shot, seven died, and 360 were detained. After a Black family came into Levittown in 1957, the Race Riot revealed racial attitudes. In 1985, Philadelphia police bombed a Black West Philadelphia neighborhood, killing 11 individuals, including five Black children, and demolishing 61 Black houses.

Contemporary Challenges And The Rise Of White Supremacy

Pennsylvanians still fight prejudice. Pennsylvania experienced the most white nationalist occurrences in 2021, according to the Anti-Defamation League. This highlights the state’s chronic racism problem and the necessity for continual initiatives.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, Pennsylvania’s 2022 Republican gubernatorial contender, was controversial for his prior acts. He proudly dressed in a pro-slavery Confederate outfit and attended the January 6, 2021, Capitol revolt, although he maintains he did not participate. Even though he was criticized, he earned a lot of votes in the 2022 governor race, raising doubts about the state’s racial prejudice.

Pennsylvania’s history of racism continues today. Individuals and communities fight systematic racism and white supremacy in the state.

A Legacy Of Discrimination And Inequality

The Black community in Pennsylvania is still affected by racism. Despite improvements and legal adjustments, historical injustice and inequality endure. Disparities in education, employment, and housing reflect this heritage.

Many Black Pennsylvanians struggle to get a proper education. Students in predominantly Black communities are hampered by unequal school financing. Black kids struggle to succeed due to the achievement gap, perpetuating injustice.

Employment discrimination is another primary Black concern. Despite workplace racial discrimination regulations, Black people endure career impediments, income discrepancies, and discriminatory hiring practices. Pennsylvania has economic gaps due to these issues.

Housing discrimination is another state legacy of racism. Redlining, discriminatory financing, and housing segregation have shaped communities. Pennsylvania Black families still struggle to find secure, affordable homes, exacerbating housing instability and inequity.

Read Also: Research By Drexel University Reveals A Connection Between Structural Racism And Premature Mortality

Grassroots Movements And Advocacy For Change

In Pennsylvania, grassroots activities and campaigning have helped fight prejudice. Community organizers and activists have led the battle for justice and change.

Grassroots Pennsylvania groups have addressed police brutality and racial profiling for years. Protests, police reform, and misconduct accountability have been launched. These activities have promoted systemic change and raised awareness of racial inequality.

Community groups have also empowered Black people via education, mentoring, and economic possibilities. These organizations fight historical prejudice by giving resources and assistance.

The Path Forward And Hope For Change

Pennsylvania racism is still a problem, but there is promise. Awareness and commitment to eliminating racial injustices have grown throughout the state.

Policymakers and activists are pushing for fair and accountable criminal justice reform. Reducing mass imprisonment and redressing racial sentencing inequities have been suggested and implemented.

Pennsylvania businesses are also increasingly aware of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Many corporations are building inclusive workplaces and supporting minority-owned enterprises, creating economic opportunity for Black people.

There is optimism and progress in Pennsylvania’s fight against racism. Advocacy, legislative improvements, and grassroots initiatives are addressing racial imbalances and creating a more equitable future for the Black population in the state. Despite hurdles, progress and fairness are more important than ever.

The Role Of Education In Combating Racism

Education has historically been a critical weapon for fighting racism in Pennsylvania. Students learn while developing empathy, understanding, and critical thinking. Diversity and inclusion in the curriculum have grown in recent years to confront prejudice.

State educators and activists are promoting inclusive learning. The curriculum emphasizes Black history, literature, and viewpoints. By learning about racism’s history and effects, students may better comprehend and fight it.

Teachers and administrators are also encouraged to be more diverse. A more varied teaching team may provide children with role models that look like them, boosting academic performance and belonging. Recruitment and retention of minority educators are growing.

Community Building And Solidarity

Racial and ethnic unity and strong communities are essential to fighting racism in Pennsylvania. Embracing the state’s many cultures and origins may transform things.

Community groups and grassroots initiatives have united individuals. Opening conversation and understanding via events, forums, and projects has helped bridge differences. Pennsylvanians can fight racism by forming communities.

Solidarity between communities also promotes societal development. It is crucial to remember that the Black community is not alone in fighting racism. Allies from different backgrounds may fight prejudice together. Working together, Pennsylvanians can make society more inclusive and egalitarian.

Legislative Efforts And Policy Changes

Legislation and legislative reforms are crucial to fighting racism in Pennsylvania. Policymakers are introducing measures and efforts to address systematic racism.

The criminal justice system reform movement has driven these policy improvements. These reforms aim to remove cash bail, reduce sentencing inequities, and increase police openness. More is being done to hold police enforcement responsible for wrongdoing.

Additionally, job and housing equality measures are being researched and implemented. Anti-discrimination legislation and affordable housing programs are being established to remedy these gaps.

Pennsylvania is fighting racism in several ways. Fighting racial prejudice requires education, community development, and legislation. These activities show the state’s commitment to change and justice, giving Pennsylvanians hope for a more equal and inclusive future.