As of recent years, there has been a resurgence of racial inequality. Most notably, in the form of
police brutality. From the beginning of this resurgence with George Floyd to more recent killings such as Tyre Nichols, it has become apparent that there is a lack of justice for the black community.
So what can be done about this? Can anything be done about it? According to the Aug. 30,
2022 Pew Report, change is possible. Unfortunately, African Americans have little hope it will
actually happen.
Written by Kiana Cox and Khadijah Edwards, the Pew Report relies on survey data taken
between Sept. 8-13 of 2020 and Oct. 4-17 of 2021 where they asked African Americans
questions regarding racism and inequality.
One of the many questions the African American community was asked regarded what they
expected from upcoming policy changes. According to the 2020 survey which took place several
months after the death of George Floyd, half of Black Americans believed the increased attention
would result in policy changes that would tackle racial inequality.
However, just one year later, that belief would disappear. According to the Pew Research Report,
“More than a year after the murder of George Floyd and the national protests, debate and
political promises that ensued, 65% of Black Americans say the increased national attention on
racial inequality has not led to changes that improved their lives.”
Additionally, 44% of Black Americans stated equality was impossible for them in the United
States and isn’t likely to be achieved.
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Despite those feelings, Black Americans still have a general idea of how to handle racial
inequality. It involves reforms or overhauls of major US institutions such as the criminal justice
system, political voting, educational assistance and more.
This survey report may sound like nothing but bad news, but it does not have to be. Sinclair’s
Chief Diversity Officer, Michael Carter, and Archives and Reference Librarian, Lajmar
Anderson, are holding a virtual discussion on Feb. 7, where they plan on discussing the
Pew Report. There, they plan on breaking down the information even further and discussing
what can truly be done to correct racial inequality.
If the event piques your interest, be sure to email michele.marcrum@sinclair.edu to register a
spot for yourself. If you’re already a member of Sinclair staff, faculty, or you are a student, you
can register via https://ctlevents.sinclair.edu/calendar/pew-report/.
Dion Johnson
Intern