Equity Challenge Week 1 Day 1 Monday Racial Identity
Welcome to Heart of Indiana United Way’s annual 6-Week Race Equity Challenge. We are so glad that you are joining us to grow together towards equity and belonging.
Though our reasons for taking the equity challenge may be different, we all have an opportunity to build empathy and understanding. Much of this work begins with challenging yourself and your own expectations and ideas about race and racial identity.
In 2025, understanding equity, diversity, inclusion, justice and belonging is crucial for creating a stronger and thriving community. We chose to start this challenge on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor his legacy as well as to answer the call of all the dreamers who yearn for equity and justice.
Research shows that diversity in organizations improves well-being, collaboration, and problem-solving. Diverse teams are more innovative and effective, and equity-based programs have been linked to better financial performance for businesses. In schools, inclusive learning environments lead to better academic results and support the mental well-being of all students.
Overall, enhancing equity and creating a sense of belonging is key to building healthier, more productive communities in both the workplace and education.
Think About It
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We’re glad you’re here. Now let’s get started…
- How are race and racial identity the same or different?
- Is race an important part of your personal identity?
- How does race play a part in your personal expression?
- Is racial identity ever easy?
- How does your race impact you on a day-to-day basis?
- Are there any unique events that have occurred exclusively because of your race?
Click here for more shared definitions and glossery of terms.
Race: A socially constructed way of grouping people based on skin color and other apparent physical differences, which has no genetic or scientific basis. The ideology of race has become embedded in your identities, institutions, and culture and is used as a basis for discrimination and domination.
Racial Identity: How individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others, influenced by self-conception and shaped by personal experiences, cultural context, societal attitudes and historical backgrounds.
Take Action:
Send the 6-Week Equity Challenge Sign-Up to three people in our community.
Learn more about race and racial identity by choosing from the articles and videos below. Completing the 6-Week Equity Challenge is about staying engaged with thinking and learning for 6-weeks. Reading every article and watching every video isn’t required to complete the challenge.
How Racial Identity Shapes Academic and Personal Success:
How do individual and contextual factors — including ethnic-racial identity — interact to inform adolescents’ development and affect academic success.
Read About It
Is Racial Identity Ever Straightforward?
Defining racial identity is challenging, looking at how society defines race and how people see themselves can help us better understand and change tour perceptions.
Listen and Learn More
Unpacking My Baggage: Re-framing Racial Identity
Abbi Van Hook reflects on her own racial identity.