Reflect on the discussion about history, our foundational structures, the "red lining" of families of color out of opportunity for economic advancement, the connection between poverty, educational opportunity, and incarceration. Are you able to see those connections?
The discussions about history, and particularly red lining of families of color here have helped me to better understand different communities that I have been apart of (in my current city, and where I grew up). In recent years I have become more aware of the “school to prison pipeline,” in lower income communities, and this discussion of redlining helps me to better understand many of the structural barriers historically put in place that prevents Black people from being able to “escape” the cycle of intergenerational poverty, the barriers that continue to limit economic and educational opportunities, and creates a system that incarcerates Black people more than others. I am able to see these connections, and am shocked by some of the statistics when it comes to incarceration, and surprised at how recently redlining occurs (and its long-lasting effects). While I can see these connections, I am struggling with understanding the particular policies to support, community programs to participate in, and personal actions that I could take to start to address these intergenerational problems.
