Thousands of Carolina residents participate in Racial Equity Challenge

United Way of Central Carolinas is halfway through its Racial Equity 21-Day Challenge, with more than 14,800 people across the Charlotte region and beyond engaged in the daily learning activities that aim to educate and help individuals develop more effective social justice habits around issues of race, power, privilege and leadership.

WSOC-TV is the official media partner for the challenge.

Additionally, more than 220 organizations and businesses have joined the effort as community supporters helping to spread the word about the challenge and encourage others to participate.

Each day presents a new topic. Lessons so far have included “Race and Racial Identity,” “Levels of Racism,” “Understanding Bias,” “Intersectionality,” “Financial Stability and the Wealth Gap” and “Housing Affordability.”

Weekly community service projects are also part of the Racial Equity 21-Day Challenge.

The United Way of Central Carolinas Racial Equity 21-Day Challenge launched on Monday, Jan. 18, in honor of the slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life’s work around civil rights and equality remains relevant in light of the many challenges we continue to face as a nation.

There is no cost to participate in the self-guided challenge; community members may register any time before Feb. 15 at UWCC.EquityChallenge.org to receive challenge emails with a selection of readings, videos, podcasts and ways to take action.

Racial Equity Challenge

The first day of learning focused on race and racial identity, providing the foundation for upcoming topics, including legal system inequities, privilege and levels of racism.

Participants receive an email each weekday covering a different topic, and are encouraged to reflect on the information through a daily journal and discussion guide. The content also includes subjects focusing on United Way’s community impact areas of education, health and financial stability.

“We are pleased to have thousands of people in the Charlotte region engaged in this learning opportunity to gain a better understanding of how race impacts our daily life and our community,” said United Way of Central Carolinas President and CEO Laura Yates Clark.

The Racial Equity 21-Day Challenge supports United Way’s racial equity work in the community, including investments in our Unite Charlotte and United Neighborhoods initiatives.

Participants can join the Racial Equity 21-Day Challenge any time before Feb. 15 to access previous days’ content at UWCCEquityChallenge.org.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

Cox Media Group