Webinars and Events

This first seminar in the history of racism series answers the questions "How and why were Black and White races developed?” and "How and why was anti-Black Racism developed?” We trace the historical evolution of the social construction of race from the early colonial period, when the colonies were still a class-based society like in England, through the middle colonial period when the Black-White racial binary and a race-based caste system was constructed through laws. Through primary source evidence, we learn that racism did not lead to slavery, but rather, slavery lead to racism; economic interests led to racial narratives and a racial caste system. We also demonstrate that racism--the myth of Black racial inferiority--was the narrative that white elites/slave owners created (“the story we tell”) to both rationalize slavery (economic interests) and divide poor Whites and Blacks (political interests).

This first seminar in the history of racism series answers the questions "How and why were Black and White races developed?” and "How and why was anti-Black Racism developed?” We trace the historical evolution of the social construction of race from the early colonial period, when the colonies were still a class-based society like in England, through the middle colonial period when the Black-White racial binary and a race-based caste system was constructed through laws. Through primary source evidence, we learn that racism did not lead to slavery, but rather, slavery lead to racism; economic interests led to racial narratives and a racial caste system. We also demonstrate that racism--the myth of Black racial inferiority--was the narrative that white elites/slave owners created (“the story we tell”) to both rationalize slavery (economic interests) and divide poor Whites and Blacks (political interests).

Mental health and substance use disorder crisis response and prevention are critical elements to helping people stabilize and enter a path to recovery and wellbeing. There are proven opportunities to improve outcomes in crisis settings via the use of peers, including reduced trauma, increased trust, and reductions in recidivism. In this webinar, panelists will share best practice examples of peer-led crisis response and prevention. Panelists will also discuss opportunities to engage and promote peers into leadership positions to develop community solutions to community behavioral health challenges.