Exploring the Connection Between Racism and Poverty

“Every day, Catholic Charities agencies see the faces of the poor across America, and we know firsthand how race and poverty are interconnected,” say Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. In 2006, the poverty rate for African Americans was 24.3% compared to 8.2% for white. (The figures for Hispanics and Native Americans were 21.8% and 23.2%, respectively.)

This month, Catholic Charities USA is hosting worldwide conversations on the connection between poverty and racism, with individuals and organizations from all five continents having the opportunity to participate. Following up on a Catholic Charities report, Poverty and Racism: Overlapping Threats to the Common Good, “the global Webcast will look at the history of racial injustice in America and the importance of making a renewed commitment to racial equality. The Webcast also will help facilitate local discussions for groups to reflect and share fears, ignorance, and guilt they may feel in talking about the issue of racism.”

As explained by Rev. Snyder, “Throughout our history, whenever there have been issues that challenge our society and have great impact on the poor and marginalized, Catholic Charities has made bold statements about the moral imperatives that guide us and shape our society. We want to share our experience with the world of how all of us can address injustice by lending our voice to the conversation.”

For more information, including the broadcast schedule, see the Catholic Charities website.

See also the CommonDreams NewsCenter discussion of the program.