Research

The first step in creating a community like this is understanding how Saint Paul and the surrounding communities identify and deal with racism. In 2003, the Foundation, on behalf of the Facing Race Advisory Committee, contracted with the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey Institute and the Wilder Research Center to conduct research on experiences and perceptions of community members in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties.

Methodology
The research was conducted over a nine-month period in 2003. It included: Interviews with other organizations that are conducting or have completed anti-racism initiatives. Statistical analysis of the changing demographics in Saint Paul and surrounding communities. Interviews with more than 1,000 residents in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties using several methodologies:

Key findings include:

• Responses to racism are as varied as definitions of racism. Many people identified avoidance as a common response to racism.
• All groups report some level of discomfort around people of other races. Nearly 31 percent agree that they would like to get to know people of other races better, but often feel as if they might be ridiculed or shamed if they say the wrong thing; more than 40 percent say that people of other races don't want to get to know them because of their race; and 37 percent say they get nervous walking into a room of people from other races if they are the only one of their own race.
• Racist language and stereotypes interfere with people's ability to go about their normal daily activities. Discrimination still exists in housing, as does race-based disparity in educational outcomes and income.

Across all three counties, 60 percent of people say they feel comfortable speaking up to defend a victim of racism.

Case Study:  Our Institution-Wide Commitment to Anti-Racism
Written by Alicia Cordes, consultant

More than 10 years ago, The Saint Paul Foundation made a commitment to create an anti-racist community. In 2008, we commissioned a case study of our internal and external practices toward that end.

The case study examined the efforts of real people within an organization trying to make change on a tough and significant issue. The conclusion: our commitment resulted in visible and significant results. At the same time, those interviewed as part of the study said there was much work left to do.

Here are our findings: