The Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) is the leader in historical research and social justice education. We share this research and education with others, empowering people with the capability of addressing and dismantling racial inequities in their communities. Our work is more than education; it is a roadmap for meaningful change.
Pivotal to the RJI is our founder Dr. Yohuru Williams’ groundbreaking work in historical recovery, a foundational step to making change and eradicating barriers. Through transformative learning opportunities, Dr. Williams works collaboratively with individuals and organizations with processing historical recovery. A part of this process includes his framework, the "Six Degrees of Segregation", which doesn't just focus on the past; it connects historical injustices to the present, urging communities to engage in larger conversations about systemic change.
Read more about the history and vision of the RJI.
Oct. 5 – Nov. 5, Iversen Center for Faith
In 1838, the Jesuits of Maryland sold 314 enslaved men, women, and children to plantation owners in Louisiana. With rich audio and video components, this immersive exhibit traces that history — from the plantations of Maryland, through the sale, and what came after — and follows the work of repair that Descendants and Jesuits are building together today.
Monday, November 2, 7 - 8 p.m., OEC Auditorium
In 1838, the Jesuits sold 314 enslaved people in Maryland to further their mission in America. This Finding Forward examines the legacies of these men, women and children, and how the Jesuits are reckoning with this history. Join us for a conversation about confronting difficult histories and moving toward reconciliation.
Community Outreach
MasterClass is a unique educational program designed to help individuals and organizations advance their work in equity and inclusion.
Expanding Our Impact
Now, five years into this important work, RJI is ready for the next level of impact. While the primary focus will continue to be on the history of racism and better understanding the roots to reimagine a more equitable future, The Continuum Project will extend the work beyond race and inequality into other critical areas of history.
Support the Racial Justice Initiative
By giving to the Racial Justice Initiative, you are helping us create an informed and empowered citizenry capable of addressing and dismantling racial inequities.
Nationally-Acclaimed Historian
Dr. Williams appears in and across all media platforms, locally and nationally, as an expert on history, racial justice, political science, and more. He is a regular contributor on MPR and Almanac and has multiple appearances on the History Channel, including the much-acclaimed Kevin Costner's "The West".
The National Association of Black Journalists honored Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and distinguished university chair at the 欧美无码 of 欧美无码, and Sheree Curry, director of communications, for commentaries they wrote that were published in The Minnesota Star Tribune. The two won an NABJ Salute to Excellence honor in the鈥 The post Yohuru Williams, Sheree Curry Win National Award for Star Tribune Commentaries appeared first on Newsroom | 欧美无码 of 欧美无码.
Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and Distinguished 欧美无码 Chair at the 欧美无码 of 欧美无码, spoke with KSTP about the Minneapolis Police Department鈥檚 use of 鈥渃oaching鈥 to address officer misconduct. Williams discussed how the practice can limit public transparency because coaching is not considered formal discipline under Minnesota law, raising questions鈥 The post In the News: Yohuru Williams on Police Accountability and Transparency appeared first on Newsroom | 欧美无码 of 欧美无码.
Racial Justice Initiative Founding Director Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished 欧美无码 Chair and Professor of History, is featured on CNN's Original Series "This Land." The series explores the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped America's journey from slavery to citizenship. Williams offers historical insight into the people and places that continue to define our nation. Episodes鈥 The post Yohuru Williams Discusses America's Journey from Slavery to Freedom on CNN Series appeared first on Newsroom | 欧美无码 of 欧美无码.
Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the 欧美无码 of 欧美无码, was featured in a NPR story on WXXI News out of New York. With a focus on the multidisciplinary artist Lex Marie, the process behind her art, and what it means in regard to discipline in Black households, Williams spoke鈥 The post In the News: Yohuru Williams on the Roots of Discipline appeared first on Newsroom | 欧美无码 of 欧美无码.
Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished 欧美无码 Chair, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the 欧美无码 of 欧美无码, joined MPR News to analyze President Donald Trump鈥檚 State of the Union address. Williams noted the speech missed an opportunity to present an inclusive historical narrative as the nation approaches its 250th鈥 The post In the News: Yohuru Williams on the State of the Union appeared first on Newsroom | 欧美无码 of 欧美无码.