Understanding the Roots of Racism – Social Capital and Civic Engagement – Recap and Resources

Thank you for joining United Way of Central Indiana at our Social Capital and Civic Engagement session of Understanding the Roots of Racism, an educational series on policies and practices of the past that have created barriers to service, resources and opportunities for Black Americans – many of which still exist today. It's not what you know, it's who you know. How many times have we heard that advice when trying to find a job, becoming more involved in a community, or being successful in everyday life? Join our panel of Central Indiana’s young leaders to discuss how social networks and civic involvement build community and shape economic mobility. In the wake of growing national movements to raise public awareness and accountability around issues such as policing, public health, education and voting rights, young voices in Central Indiana have stepped up to organize groups and lead them in powerful ways. Historically, diverse voices have too often been diluted to diminish their impact. Today, armed with knowledge, passion, and social capital, a new generation of leaders is emerging to tackle some of our community's most daunting challenges head on. 

View the Recording Below:

Resources & Links:

 Read:

Amanda Gorman's Poem Stole the Show at the Inauguration
Welcome To The Civics Practice Test - click here to take the practice test!
Voter Suppression Is Warping Democracy
Voter suppression tactics against Black, Latino and Native communities
Social Capital is "The New Black”
IndyHub 1828 Leadership Project - indyhub.org/program/1828-project/
Who is my lawmaker?
Register to Vote - indianavoters.in.gov/
UNHCR - Refugee Resettlement Facts
Refugee Asylum Process

Exodus Resources:

exodusrefugee.org/article/movies-and-documentaries/
exodusrefugee.org/article/book-recommendations-refugee-immigrant-experience/
exodusrefugee.org/about-us/who-we-serve/refugee-stories/ 

Watch:

Ted Talk: Help for kids the education system ignores 

Listen:

The Black Social Capital (BSC) Podcast - staymotivatedandrisetogether.com/bsc-podcast  

Meet Our Panelists:

Yasmine Anderson

Yasmine Anderson is the Director of Operations at Black Women in Charge, Inc. and a Research & Development Specialist at Pharmfree Life, LLC. As an aspiring health network executive, she’s currently a Pre-Med Biology student implementing her studies into the public health of the black community of the greater Indianapolis area. Miss Anderson has a strong background in leadership and health services and is no stranger to serving her community. In her high school years, Yasmine was a GED/ ESL Teaching Assistant at Pike Highschool immersing herself in another school system and culture. The next year participating as a Success Prep and Bookclub Moderator for children at a community educational Outreach Center in downtown Indianapolis. In the process of building a medical background, she was an acting member of the Eskenazi Health Youth Leadership Committee and is now the Pre-Health Association Vice President at the leading collegiate institution for black doctors in the nation. During her first year on campus she was elected President of the 2022 Class; while maintaining her youth connections serving as a tutor for the XULA M.A.X. Geaux Read program and Chemistry club which brings the excitement of science careers to children in New Orleans. In her role at Black Women in Charge, Inc. she has orchestrated the use of body cams by the IMPD championed for the federal Justice in Policing Bill, fought for updated Use of Force Guidelines and so much more. As the organization moves into the public health sector they are now working with the USDA to bring greenhouses to urban communities in the fight to eliminate food deserts. Future initiatives include a scholarship program with USA Football, educating the Hamilton County Leadership Academy on Diversity & Inclusion in the workforce, and a Grocery Prescription Program for low-income communities in Indianapolis. Her overall goal is to impact her community by being a leader and bringing a love for all into the systems that impact our nation's well-being.  

Brandon Randall

Brandon Randall is an Eastside resident of Indianapolis, originally from Joplin, Missouri. Brandon holds both Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and is a few classes shy from earning his Master's in Education. Brandon's background is in Juvenile Justice, Education, Nonprofit Leadership, and Youth Engagement. He currently serves as the Director of Engagement for VOICES Corp, where he focuses on developing collaborative partnerships, implementing leadership development programs, and connecting young people to opportunities within the community. Brandon’s key focus areas include social and emotional development, advocacy and leadership, and community organizing. Brandon dedicates his time to creating spaces where youth voices are centered and affirmed, while modeling positive and consistent relationship building.  

Shon Harris

Shonterrio (Shon) Harris is a native of Memphis, TN. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Politics & International Affairs. He relocated to Indianapolis for Teach for America where he taught 4th grade for three years at Ralph Waldo Emerson School 58 and Avondale Meadows Academy. He also earned his Master’s in Teaching at Marian University. In 2017, he became a Public Policy Fellow with Leadership for Educational Equity serving as the Special Assistant to the Governance Team of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). In this role, he assisted the Superintendent’s Office and Board of School Commissioners with policy development and special projects. Shon now serves as the Manager of Equity Advancement, supporting the execution of IPS’ racial equity strategic priority. Shon was recently selected as a Nexus Fellow through The Equity Lab. The Nexus Fellowship is a national fellowship that helps leaders create long-term organizational change around race and equity.  

Sara Hindi

Sara Hindi is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Exodus Refugee Immigration, a local nonprofit in Indianapolis dedicated to the protection of human rights by serving the resettlement needs of refugees and other displaced people fleeing persecution, injustice, and war by welcoming them to Indiana. Sara oversees the volunteer and internship programs, manages public relations and assists with advocacy efforts. She has served the refugee community in Indianapolis for 7 years. Sara is also a member of IndyHub's 1828 Leadership Project Class X and recently joined the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Indiana and serves on the Legislation and Advocacy Committee. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs and is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Affairs at IUPUI.