The legacy of settler colonialism and chattel slavery has led to systemic racism and continues to perpetuate the systems that produce obstacles for Black Vermonters’ access to public or private economic benefits. There has been a systematic erasure or appropriation of culture of Black Vermonters. Systemic racism has created significant wealth disparities and cultural disempowerment among Black Vermonters. Racial disparities also continue to exist across the housing, education, employment, health services, transportation and justice systems. These disparities and cultural erasure and appropriation directly and indirectly affect the health and wellness of Black individuals and communities. This threatens economic development, democracy, and social health and wellness for all Vermonters. That's why workforce development partnerships and support are so incredibly important in marginalized communities. Please help us build the capacity for this programming below.