PROGRAMS

GET IN TOUCH

Raina Allen - Director, Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative
Raina Allen

Director,

Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative

WATCH. LISTEN. LEARN.

RESOURCES

DRJC DE&I Handbook 2022
DRJC Report to the Community 2023

Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative

Racial Equity & Social Justice

Systemic racism is a major factor contributing to poverty, crime, under-education, and poor health outcomes in Delaware. It is not easily noticeable by the majority, but its impact on communities of color is devastating. Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, started a movement to fight against social injustices. As a result, the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) was established in 2015 with the goal of ending systemic racism in Delaware.

Over the next few years, the DRJC gained momentum with the help of community organizers. Initially, the group focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in government employment.

However, the movement for racial justice gained traction after the death of George Floyd in 2020, prompting Delawareans to join the cause. This groundswell of new members demonstrated our willingness to address systemic and institutional racism in Delaware. In part due to this growth, CEO Dr. Michelle Taylor and the United Way of Delaware have fully embraced the DRJC, with UWDE continuing to lead the organization.

Recent Happenings @ DRJC

As Seen In Bay to Bay News
Mar 19 2024

United Way of Delaware Staff Comment on Delaware Poverty, ALICE

UWDE Chief Operating Officer Dan Cruce and VP of Engagement & Partnerships Tierra Fair Discuss Poverty and ALICE in Delaware.

The Shepherds Office DoMore24 Leader
Mar 15 2024

The Shepherd’s Office: Do More 24 Fundraising Leader

The DoMore24 Campaign for 2024 is in the books, and a small but mighty nonprofit from Georgetown took in more fundraising dollars than all others. How did The Shepherds...
DRJC Feel Good Friday Takeover
Feb 21 2024

DRJC Takes Over Feel Good Friday: Black History Month 2024

February is Black History Month, and rather than looking back, UWDE President and CEO Michelle A. Taylor wants to call February “Black Culture Month,” and look at...
Pathways-to-Freedom-The-Role-of-the-Underground-Railroad-in-Delaware_s-History-_5_
Feb 21 2024

Pathways to Freedom: The Role of the Underground Railroad in Delaware’s History

The Underground Railroad, which provided a clandestine network for enslaved persons seeking freedom, is an important aspect of the history of Delaware. As a border...
Black-History-Month-_3_
Feb 01 2024

Celebrating Black History Month in Delaware – February 2024

Welcome to a journey through Delaware's rich African American heritage this Black History Month. Join us on this exploration with this curated list of Black History...
Jun 23 2023

United Way of Delaware and Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative Announce the Release of a Comprehensive Delaware Workforce Development Study

Wilmington, DE -- (June 22, 2023) United Way of Delaware (UWDE) and the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DCRJ) have released a research study titled "Advancing...
Jun 10 2023

Celebrating Juneteenth 2023

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, or Freedom Day, is a Federal holiday that holds deep historical and cultural importance in the United States....
Dan & Bart Riding in Rehoboth
Jun 01 2023

Celebrating PRIDE Month – 2023

Inclusivity & Opportunity For the LGBTQUIA+ Community in Delaware PRIDE Month provides a platform for celebrating visibility and acceptance. PRIDE is also about...
As Seen In Bay to Bay News
May 15 2023

Thank You, Volunteers!

Ever wonder how we can find hope in a world that seems full of problems? Well, right here in Delaware, everyday people are stepping up to dedicate their time and energy...
Apr 26 2023

April 21, 2023

Read Feel Good Friday for April 21, 2023Volunteers Give Us HopeMy heart hurts. I don’t think it’s just me. How could it be when according to ABC News and Gun Violence...
Do More 24 Delaware 2023 - Raised over $2.375 million for nonprofits throughout the state.
Mar 06 2023

Do More 24 Delaware 2023

Over 530 Delaware-based nonprofits raised over $2.37 million during Do More 24 Delaware 2023. The 24-hour around-the-clock fundraiser took place on March 2nd and 3rd....
Feb 08 2023

Do You Qualify for Free Tax Prep Assistance?

Free Tax Preparation | Nehemiah Gateway Getting professional assistance with tax preparation can be costly, but for some Delawareans it's possible to get their taxes...

Today, the DRJC comprises more than 200 individual and organizational members. Our work is organized around these impact areas:

 

  • Health Equity
  • Wealth Creation
  • Public Policy
  • Education
  • Criminal Justice
  • Youth Advancement
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The DRJC functions in work groups where “agents of change” from the grassroots to the grass tops join forces and work together to drive change. The DRJC also hosts events, community conversations and other meetings.

We need you, your involvement and passion, to power up the fight! Please reach out to our DRJC Team for the meeting invitations to committees, workgroups and general body meetings and to be added to our email list.

DRJC Public Policy Agenda

A key impact area for DRJC is influencing public policy to effect positive change in racial justice and equity. We meet with state representatives, review pending legislation, and make recommendations to elected officials as well as to the public.

Members of the DRJC Team pose with Delaware Governor John Carney
N
ELIMINATE INEQUITABLE POLICIES

We mobilize organizations and leaders across the state to effect change in the highest levels of government by advocating for key policy changes in criminal justice reform, health equity, wealth creation, youth advancement, education, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).

N
CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN

During COVID-19, keeping kids safe meant moving school online. That caused problems for children without access to the internet. So, we created 27 “learning pod” locations to give over 700 children a safe place to learn.

N
SUPPORT MOVEMENTS FOR CHANGE

The DRJC raised $2.5 million to support causes that further racial equity and social justice. We’ve created a permanent funding resource to help uplift our minority neighbors.

Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative

Racial Equity & Social Justice

Systemic racism is a major factor contributing to poverty, crime, under-education, and poor health outcomes in Delaware. It is not easily noticeable by the majority, but its impact on communities of color is devastating. Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, started a movement to fight against social injustices. As a result, the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) was established in 2015 with the goal of ending systemic racism in Delaware.

Over the next few years, the DRJC gained momentum with the help of community organizers. Initially, the group focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in government employment.

However, the movement for racial justice gained traction after the death of George Floyd in 2020, prompting Delawareans to join the cause. This groundswell of new members demonstrated our willingness to address systemic and institutional racism in Delaware. In part due to this growth, CEO Dr. Michelle Taylor and the United Way of Delaware have fully embraced the DRJC, with UWDE continuing to lead the organization.

Today, the DRJC comprises more than 200 individual and organizational members. Our work is organized around these impact areas:

  • Health Equity
  • Wealth Creation
  • Public Policy
  • Health Equity
  • Wealth Creation
  • Public Policy
  • Performance Measures
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)

Recent Happenings @ DRJC

As Seen In Bay to Bay News
Mar 19 2024

United Way of Delaware Staff Comment on Delaware Poverty, ALICE

UWDE Chief Operating Officer Dan Cruce and VP of Engagement & Partnerships Tierra Fair Discuss Poverty and ALICE in Delaware.

The Shepherds Office DoMore24 Leader
Mar 15 2024

The Shepherd’s Office: Do More 24 Fundraising Leader

The DoMore24 Campaign for 2024 is in the books, and a small but mighty nonprofit from Georgetown took in more fundraising dollars than all others. How did The Shepherds...
DRJC Feel Good Friday Takeover
Feb 21 2024

DRJC Takes Over Feel Good Friday: Black History Month 2024

February is Black History Month, and rather than looking back, UWDE President and CEO Michelle A. Taylor wants to call February “Black Culture Month,” and look at...
Pathways-to-Freedom-The-Role-of-the-Underground-Railroad-in-Delaware_s-History-_5_
Feb 21 2024

Pathways to Freedom: The Role of the Underground Railroad in Delaware’s History

The Underground Railroad, which provided a clandestine network for enslaved persons seeking freedom, is an important aspect of the history of Delaware. As a border...
Black-History-Month-_3_
Feb 01 2024

Celebrating Black History Month in Delaware – February 2024

Welcome to a journey through Delaware's rich African American heritage this Black History Month. Join us on this exploration with this curated list of Black History...
Jun 23 2023

United Way of Delaware and Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative Announce the Release of a Comprehensive Delaware Workforce Development Study

Wilmington, DE -- (June 22, 2023) United Way of Delaware (UWDE) and the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DCRJ) have released a research study titled "Advancing...
Jun 10 2023

Celebrating Juneteenth 2023

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, or Freedom Day, is a Federal holiday that holds deep historical and cultural importance in the United States....
Dan & Bart Riding in Rehoboth
Jun 01 2023

Celebrating PRIDE Month – 2023

Inclusivity & Opportunity For the LGBTQUIA+ Community in Delaware PRIDE Month provides a platform for celebrating visibility and acceptance. PRIDE is also about...
Bank of America provides grant for financial coaching
May 30 2023

United Way of Delaware Receives Grant from Bank of America to Provide Financial Coaching

United Way of Delaware has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America to provide funds for personal financial coaching.

As Seen In Bay to Bay News
May 15 2023

Thank You, Volunteers!

Ever wonder how we can find hope in a world that seems full of problems? Well, right here in Delaware, everyday people are stepping up to dedicate their time and energy...
Apr 26 2023

April 21, 2023

Read Feel Good Friday for April 21, 2023Volunteers Give Us HopeMy heart hurts. I don’t think it’s just me. How could it be when according to ABC News and Gun Violence...
Do More 24 Delaware 2023 - Raised over $2.375 million for nonprofits throughout the state.
Mar 06 2023

Do More 24 Delaware 2023

Over 530 Delaware-based nonprofits raised over $2.37 million during Do More 24 Delaware 2023. The 24-hour around-the-clock fundraiser took place on March 2nd and 3rd....

What Can You Do?

Delaware Racial Equity Challenge

Discover how racial inequity and social injustice impacts our community. For five consecutive days each month, participants receive a daily e-mail challenge — and are then encouraged to reflect on how it relates to their own lives.
Sign up for the challenge

Give to the DRJC

Join the thousands of individuals  and organizations throughout Delaware who have raised their hands in support of the DRJC. All funds donated to the DRJC will be used to help make Delaware more equitable and fair for everyone.
Donate to DRJC

Advocate for equity

Get regular updates on the bills and legislation lawmakers are working to appeal and those they’re looking to enact.
Become an Advocate

DRJC Public Policy Agenda

A key impact area for DRJC is influencing public policy to effect positive change in racial justice and equity. We meet with state state legislators, review pending legislation, and make recommendations to elected officials as well as to the public.

Members of the DRJC Team pose with Delaware Governor John Carney
N
ELIMINATE INEQUITABLE POLICIES

We mobilize organizations and leaders across the state to effect change in the highest levels of government by advocating for key policy changes in criminal justice reform and education.

N
CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN

During COVID-19, keeping kids safe meant moving school online. That caused problems for children without access to the internet. So, we created 27 “learning pod” locations to give over 700 children a safe place to learn.

N
SUPPORT MOVEMENTS FOR CHANGE

The DRJC raised $2.5 million to support causes that further racial equity and social justice. We’ve created a permanent funding resource to help uplift our minority neighbors.

What Can You Do?

Delaware Racial Equity Challenge

Discover how racial inequity and social injustice impacts our community. For five consecutive days each month, participants receive a daily e-mail challenge — and are then encouraged to reflect on how it relates to their own lives.
https://deracialequitychallenge.org/

Give to the DRJC

Join the thousands of individuals  and organizations throughout Delaware who have raised their hands in support of the DRJC. All funds donated to the DRJC will be used to help make Delaware more equitable and fair for everyone. https://uwde.org/drjc/give-online/

Advocate for equity

Get regular updates on the bills and legislation lawmakers are working to appeal and those they’re looking to enact. 

Partial list of DRJC Partners
  • AFL-CIO
  • ACLU Delaware
  • Bank of America
  • Brandywine School District
  • Christina School District
  • Colonial School District
  • Delaware Community Foundation
  • Delaware State University
  • DuPont
  • Greater Kent Committee
  • Latin American Community Center
  • Longwood Foundation
  • Nemours
  • P&G
  • Red Clay Consolidated School District
  • Trinity Health
  • West End Neighborhood House
  • Wilmington University
  • WSFS Bank
  • YWCA
Will you Join the Fight for Racial Equity & Social Justice in Delaware?

Get in touch with one of our team members to find out how to give, advocate, or volunteer with DRJC.

GET IN TOUCH

Raina Allen - Director, Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative
Raina Allen

Director,

Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative

WATCH. LISTEN. LEARN.

RESOURCES

UWDE / DRJC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Toolkit
DRJC Report to the Community 2023
Partial list of DRJC Partners
  • AFL-CIO
  • ACLU Delaware
  • Bank of America
  • Brandywine School District
  • Christina School District
  • Colonial School District
  • Delaware Community Foundation
  • Delaware State University
  • DuPont
  • Greater Kent Committee
  • Latin American Community Center
  • Longwood Foundation
  • Nemours
  • P&G
  • Red Clay Consolidated School District
  • Trinity Health
  • West End Neighborhood House
  • Wilmington University
  • WSFS Bank
  • YWCA
Join the Fight for Equity & Justice in Delaware?

Get in touch with one of our team members to find out how to give, advocate, or volunteer with DRJC.

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