The February edition of the Welcoming Community newsletter delves into the topic of racial equity, as we observe and honor Black History Month. Racial equity refers to the principle that all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity, should receive fair treatment and have equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Racial equity involves identifying and addressing imbalances created by historical or systemic racial biases to move toward a future where life outcomes are not predicted by race. Going beyond tolerance, racial equity aims to ensure that individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) feel respected, represented, and valued as their authentic selves.
There are many efforts currently underway to champion racial equity in northeastern Minnesota. Numerous groups, such as the Duluth NAACP, are working to dismantle racial barriers and address inequity at its roots. Racial equity initiatives supporting BIPOC groups are also increasingly gaining traction at a government and institutional level.
Further welcoming efforts to address racial equity might include:
- Facilitating and engaging in community dialogues to provide safe environments for discussions on racial issues led by underrepresented BIPOC voices.
- Utilizing cultural fluency tools, like the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), within businesses, organizations, and institutions to recognize and challenge internal racial biases on a systemic level.
- Supporting and participating in community events that celebrate racial diversity and foster mutual understanding and respect among people of different racial backgrounds.
Racial equity is a crucial piece of the broader goal of fostering welcoming and belonging efforts throughout the Northland. By taking actions to promote racial equity, together we can help ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can thrive in our community.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” –Audre Lorde
Continued Learning
The goal of the Welcoming Community program is to provide continued opportunities for learning and connection related to topics relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our region. In our monthly updates, we highlight a specific equity topic and provide resources related to the monthly theme.
The theme for the month of February is racial equity. When exploring the learnings in the Resources to Explore section below, we ask you to consider the following question:
“In terms of racial equity in northeast Minnesota, where have we come from, where are we now, and what steps do we need to take to reach an equitable future?”
Resources to Explore
- 1920 Duluth Lynchings, Minnesota Historical Society
- Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness, VEMA
- A Simple Mistake: Documentary Film, VEMA
Welcoming in the News
- Duluth News Tribune: Local View: Renewed community-building needed in Northland in 2024
- WDIO: 4th Annual BIPOC Business Showcase fills the Depot
- Northern News Now: UMD Black Student Association celebrates Black History Month with Soul Food
Welcoming Events Across the Northland
Native Nations Expo and Cabin Fever Reliever Variety Show
March 10, 2024, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Two Harbors High School, Two Harbors, MN
Learn more here
All-BIPOC Snowshoe/Hike
March 15, 2024, 10:00 AM
Brewer Park Loop Trail, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
Pokegama and Gaaginwaajiwanaag
March 16, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Forest History Center, Grand Rapids, MN
Learn more here
The Duluth Lyceum
Science and Community Responsibility
March 28, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Duluth Folk School, Duluth, MN
Learn more here
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Invite a Friend
If you know others in your community who are interested in participating with Welcoming Community programming, please share this post so they can learn more & Click Here to join our email list.
Contact Northspan’s Welcoming Community Program Coordinator Amber Lewis at alewis@northspan.org with any questions.