Arkansas Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge

The University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) has partnered with the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative (ABPC) and the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement (APJMM) to launch the 2022 Arkansas Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge (the Challenge) beginning February 1, 2022. This is the Challenge’s second year and the first year that ABPC has been involved.

The Challenge provides a virtual platform to engage citizens throughout Arkansas to participate in self-guided daily learning activities that aim to educate and help individuals develop more effective racial equity and social justice habits in their personal and professional lives. Each day will present a new action centered around seven different formats including reflections, philanthropy, videos, articles, podcasts, resources, and advocacy.

We believe by taking these daily steps, you can learn more about yourself and how you can be a part of the process of racial healing in your community. View and download the interactive calendar below.

Download and share the Arkansas Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge calendar today!

February 1: Video: Equity vs. Equality

February 2: Podcast: Ted Radio Hour: Confronting Racism

February 3: Article: Principles For Racially Equitable Policy Platforms

February 4: Resource: Take Harvard’s Implicit Racial Bias Quiz

February 5: Advocacy: Tell at least one family member and one friend something you have learned about racial equity and have each of you sign the petition to exonerate the Elaine Race Massacre defendants

February 6: Reflection: What was the most impactful thing you learned this week about race and equity?

February 7: Philanthropy: Black wealth, racism and the legacy of the legendary Madam C.J. Walker (Article)

February 8: Video: Segregated By Design

February 9: Podcast: The Movement that Never Was: A People’s Guide to Anti-Racism in the South and Arkansas (Episode 1)

February 10: Article: Bryan Stevenson on What Well-Meaning White People Need to Know About Race

February 11: Resource: Race Equity and Inclusion Action Guide – Annie E Casey Foundation

February 12: Advocacy: Contact your mayor and council members to advocate for an ordinance that demonstrates your city’s complete commitment to establishing a full racially equitable and socially just community by developing a racial equity plan.

February 13: Reflection: Based on the information you have gathered so far, identify three ways you can personally assist in moving the needle on equity and justice?

February 14: Philanthropy: The Black Fundraiser’s Podcast: Exploring Racial Justice in Philanthropy

February 15: Video: Let’s Stop Talking About Diversity and Start Working Toward Equity, Paloma Medina

February 16: Podcast: Social Justice in the South from Blackbelt Voices

February 17: Article: NLC “The Importance of Voter Engagement During Racial Uprisings and a Global Pandemic”

February 18: Resource: Guide to Allyship

February 19: Advocacy: Contact your county judge, county sheriff, and quorum court members to advocate for an equitable criminal justice system that includes the abolition of cash bail and meaningful re-entry programs.

February 20: Reflection: What is one thing you can do in your organization to advocate for racial equity in your organization?

February 21: Philanthropy: How to Become a Philanthropist With No Money (Resource)

February 22: Video: Pax Christi Little Rock presents “Racism & White Privilege” 

February 23: Podcast: 9 Podcasts That Don’t Whitewash Race

February 24: Article: How to Promote Racial Equity in Your Workplace from the Harvard Business Review

February 25:  Resource: Workforce Development Racial Equity Readiness Assessment

February 26: Advocacy: Contact all of the state legislators representing your county to advocate for the establishment of a statewide Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Commission.

February 27: Reflection: What is the most meaningful piece of knowledge you gained this month?

February 28: African Americans Have Been Philanthropists from Day One (Video)