The coronavirus pandemic has drawn stark attention to persisting systems of racism and discrimination in the United States. Since the pandemic’s outset, communities of color have experienced disproportionate health and economic impacts due to structural inequalities. In addition, this past year catalyzed an explosive, nationwide conversation on racism in America in response to the murder of George Floyd last May and more recently, in response to the dramatic increase of hate crimes against the AAPI community.

Join us for a critical conversation that will address these intersecting layers of racism and discrimination in the United States and California. 

Featuring: 

• Michael Lawson - President & CEO, Los Angeles Urban League

• Helen Torres - Executive Director, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality

• Charlie Woo - Chair, CAUSE Board of Directors

• Dan Schnur - Politics Professor, USC, UC Berkeley, and Pepperdine

The conversation will unpack their work with the California Community Poll, which tracks public opinion among Californians on a wide range of topics. Their most recent poll focused on race relations and discrimination, hate crimes, vaccinations, school reopening, and immigration. Using this data, they will discuss the continued impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, zooming into issues of economic insecurity, academic challenges, health concerns, and vaccine support or hesitancy. They will also discuss the increased hate crimes against Asian Americans and how various communities are joining together to form coalitions to fight hate and discrimination. Finally, the panel will consider what policies and actions are necessary to address inequality and foster equity across California and the United States.