As a society that lives under the rule of law, public trust and confidence are the critical foundation of our justice system. Our local, state, and federal justice systems determine legal responsibility and guilt. It is incumbent and becoming increasingly apparent that those who serve in the justice system must understand legal principles but must also be aware and knowledgeable of the impacts of their own humanness – their implicit biases – in the practice of law and the delivery of justice. Favorable and unfavorable implicit biases can affect the prosecution, defense, judicial outcomes, and sentencing. Past and current research in various jurisdictions has revealed many inequities in pre-trial release, sentencing, and fines and penalties associated with civil infractions. Unchecked biases can unjustly take away an individual’s freedom, destroy livelihoods, and have devastating implications on families. Hence, the public cries, “No Justice. No Peace.” Implicit bias training and ongoing diversity and inclusion education equip attorneys and judges to identify and combat implicit biases and ensure there is equal access to justice and there is justice for all. Our goal is to eradicate systemic racism at its core to ensure that the justice system in this country operates in the manner of, “With Liberty and Justice for All.”

Many people of color remain situated in communities with the lowest prospects for upward mobility. This is not an accident, as it reflects both the intended and unintended consequences of national policies that have shaped where people live and the opportunities individuals have in those communities. There are a range of policies and practices that continue to disadvantage people of color and their communities throughout the nation. Employment discrimination makes it more difficult for families of color to escape poverty or build wealth in the community. Housing discrimination through redlining, loan inequities, and high levels of displacement due to gentrification impact communities of color as well. A change is needed in order to rectify the racial injustices that characterize the local economies that define and control our communities.

Historically, the story of immigration to America for white individuals has been framed as one of opportunity, while for people of color has been framed as a tale of laziness and freeloading. Immigration restrictions began in America as racist policies to keep “less-desirable” races and ethnicities out of the country, and until 1952, naturalization was restricted to particular racial and ethnic groups. While formal laws that strictly prohibit immigrants based on race or ethnicity no longer exist, we still see subtle ways in which laws and policies are formed to favor white immigrants. For example, the “Support our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act” in Arizona, which essentially gave police the right to stop and question individuals who “look like an immigrant,” and the Muslim Travel Ban barring certain individuals from Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States. There have also been subtle preferences given to countries that are predominantly white, such as the “1986 Immigration and Reform Act” that granted extra visas for individuals from 36 predominantly European nations. Now, we see thousands of immigrant children of color inhumanely detained and separated from their families. We must address these inhumane and racist policies that consistently work against immigrants, specifically immigrants of color.

This program will bring attention to different dimensions of healthcare, including but not limited to: public health disparities, mental health opportunities, lack of health products and resources, healthcare coverage, the distrust of health professionals, and the need for people of color as healthcare industry providers to reflect the communities that they serve. Equitable healthcare for all is essential in today’s society. The lack of health initiatives designed to benefit marginalized groups leaves underserved communities at risk. It is vital for the coalition to focus on a program that brings solutions, education, and resources to the issue of health disparities.

For the entirety of America’s history, youth and adolescents of color have been restricted, discriminated against, and not afforded the same opportunities as their white counterparts. Technology deserts, inadequate educational materials, the lack of mentors, the absence of transportation, unfair representation through media are just a few signs of systemic racism as it pertains to youth of color. The list goes on and on, and there are unjust issues facing black youth today. Our society intentionally and systematically keeps children of color down through unequal care, barriers to educational attainment, and more. When you combine these systemic disadvantages with continual racial profiling, stereotyping, and sorting, we see clearly that children of color are faced with daily acts of hardship that cause unequal poverty, stress, fear, suicide, depression, and more. Their futures continue to be in jeopardy. If children of color are unable to break free from these systems designed for their failure, then they are unable to grow into successful adults – a cycle that allows the current white population in power to maintain power and status. We must break this cycle. We must empower, promote, and support children of color by identifying and dismantling racist systems and procedures.