Race continues to be at the center of American life and shapes life chances and social interactions. However, whites and minorities alike perceive race to be less significant now than in the past. Many believe we are moving into a color-blind society where class matters more. Individuals are not seeing the covert racism and discrimination that still occurs. The fact that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has to be periodically renewed is an example of the relegated and marginalized status placed on minorities and purported by whites. The recent Supreme Court ruling that race cannot be used as an indicator for school placement further belabors the point. Furthermore, the same states that voted for President Bush in the 2004 election are the same states that voted to keep slavery. With this in mind, scholars and community activists cannot discuss education, voting, or community involvement without understand why it is important to and for minorities to actively engage race relations.

Race and Ethnic Relations Course-Stay current with what Rashawn Ray is lecturing on in his class each week! Ray can be contacted at rray@EngageDiversity.net.