Since our founding in 2017, we at the Center for the Study of Racism, Social Justice & Health have worked hard to document the effects of racism on diverse populations, and to develop innovative, new ways to advance anti-racism approaches to studying and addressing its health implications. Our most recent effort, a huge undertaking, was the publication of Racism: Science & Tools for the Public Health Professional, an edited book published by the American Public Health Association (APHA).
When my co-editors and I first began crafting our vision for Racism in late 2017, we feared the overt racism surrounding the 2016 election might quickly get swept under the rug and with it the possibility of tapping into the concerns it piqued about the need to address racism in our society. When published in August of this year (2019), however, it was abundantly clear to us that the 600-page book is more necessary now than we could have imagined then.
As director of the Center for the Study of Racism, Social Justice & Health, I am extremely proud of the impact we are having in the field of public health and in our communities. The faculty, students, staff and community members involved with the Center are fighting for a world in which Black mothers trust the healthcare system, immigrants are not racialized, indigenous and other women can be secure in their communities, and health disparities are not normalized. In our courses, students learn how to name racism and study it empirically. In our community work, we confront the most brutal sides of racism, such as the serial killings of women of color.
Working for justice is not easy. We encounter many challenges and the reception we receive is not always warm. Nevertheless, we put forward our best efforts. And, we have fun fighting the good fight together!
I thank each person who has contributed to the Center’s mission in 2019 by volunteering your time, attending an event, sharing information with us or with others, or engaging in the critical conversations that help us collectively address social injustices. If you have not yet gotten involved, please join us in 2020!
Finally, if you appreciate the work of the center and would like to ensure its impact continues to grow, please donate today. All donations go directly to the Center’s research, training/teaching and community engagement efforts.
A safe and happy holiday season to everyone. And, while you’re enjoying your holidays, please remember to look out for those who have little during this season.
In struggle for Justice,
Chandra L. Ford
