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

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

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.

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.