Problems viewing this email? View it in your web browser.

Truth and Reconciliation

When America's founders signed the Declaration of Independence 244 years ago, they created a new nation built upon the "unalienable Rights" of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

But from the start, America has never fully lived up to those ideals. Since its founding, America has operated under a system of structural and institutional oppression that has denied so many life, liberty, and happiness because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status.

Historically, moments of national reckoning—like the one the country is living through now—have inched the United States closer to living up to its founding ideals. But continuing this progress depends on all Americans acknowledging our past beyond what was taught in classrooms and actively reinvesting in a future that truly exemplifies freedom and justice for all.

We invite you to mark this Independence Day by beginning or continuing that progress by reading this work: Truth and Reconciliation: Addressing Systematic Racism in the United States .

In the Spotlight

Heat of the Moment

Heat waves are responsible for more deaths than any other weather-related event in the United States. Most at risk are low-income communities, tribal communities, and communities of color. These are the same groups of people who are affected most by other environmental hazards, and who—without equal access to affordable and quality health care—have been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

Here's how CAP recommends approaching heat morbidity and mortality within this larger context of systemic racial and economic inequity.

Of course, as climate change warms the planet, heat waves are only projected to become more frequent and more intense. On Tuesday, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a plan to tackle climate change by transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy while dismantling the racial and economic injustices that exacerbate the worst impacts of environmental degradation. Read more »

Major Stories This Week

How White Supremacy Returned to Mainstream Politics

Learn more about how white supremacist ideas have seeped back into America's mainstream political discourse, including some examples of politicians who traffic in this language, and ways to combat the rise of white nationalism.

Child Care Disruptions from COVID-19 Hurt Parents of Color Most

Without immediate action, too many parents of color will be forced to choose between putting food on the table and providing their children with the close supervision and enrichment they need.

The Victory for Racial and Reproductive Justice at the Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in June Medical Services v. Russo is an important win for the rule of law and the fight for racial and gender justice. But we must continue the fight and block every attempt to undermine abortion rights.

Reopening Businesses and Protesting Do Not Carry Equivalent Risks

As the Trump administration gears up to blame rising coronavirus cases on the protests for racial justice, Americans must recognize that patronizing newly reopened indoor businesses, such as bars and casinos, carries greater risk than protesting does with less urgency and purpose.

Resources on Dismantling Structural Racism and White Supremacy

The Washington Post
An undercurrent of the protests: African Americans are struggling more economically from this pandemic

The Guardian
Beyonc? urges voters to 'dismantle a racist and unequal system' in the US

Global Citizen
7 Ways You Can Take Action for Racial Justice Right Now

Showing Up for Racial Justice
A Call to Action for White Folks

American Bar Association
The Impact of Structural Racism in Employment and Wages on Minority Women's Health

BET
Not Just Tulsa: Five Other Race Massacres That Devastated Black America

NBC News
How to raise anti-racist babies, according to psychology

The Aspen Institute
11 Terms You Should Know to Better Understand Structural Racism

FOLLOW US ON:

This email was sent to [email protected].