Racial Justice Initiative
Your generosity bolsters meaningful reform and change.
Your generosity bolsters meaningful reform and change.
The Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) is a comprehensive program aimed at addressing systemic racism and promoting equity through education, research, community engagement and critical conversations.
In keeping with our Catholic mission to uphold the dignity of every human person and to advance the common good, St. Thomas launched the Racial Justice Initiative in June 2020 to help drive meaningful reform and change.
The initiative is led by Founding Director Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair and professor of history, and focuses on supporting racial justice education, facilitating research, exploring community partnerships, and encouraging dialogue and critical conversations. The Initative works collaboratively with individuals and organizations doing the essential work of helping to reimagine a future for the Twin Cities free from racial disparities. The work of the initiative is shared nationally and aspires to be a model for how other communities begin these efforts.
Your gift to the Racial Justice Initiative can make an incredible impact on St. Thomas students, staff, faculty and community members. Funding for RJI supports the Racial Justice MasterClass and AfterClass series, student research projects, a community partnership fund, faculty grants and documentary funding and an endowed chair for racial justice to ensure the Initiative's work has a lasting impact.