The issue of race is one that has plagued our society since its inception. It has been used as a tool to divide people, to create hierarchies, and to legitimize oppression. And while it has been a major issue in our society for centuries, it is one that we must solve before we can tackle the problem of class.

Throughout history, there have been countless examples of how race has been used to construct a hierarchy of power and privilege. From slavery to Jim Crow laws to the present day, the intersection of race and class has created a vast divide between those who have access to resources and those who don’t. This divide has been exacerbated by policies such as redlining and mass incarceration which have further entrenched economic inequality.

The effects of this racial divide are wide-reaching and can be seen in almost every facet of society. The education system is one example, in which students of color are routinely placed into lower-performing schools and given fewer resources than their white counterparts. This perpetuates generational poverty and impacts the ability of students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education.

The economic system is another example in which people of color are routinely excluded from meaningful employment opportunities due to discriminatory hiring practices and lack of access to capital. This creates a vicious cycle in which people from disadvantaged backgrounds are unable to secure stable employment and are unable to build wealth or move up the economic ladder.

In order to truly address the issue of class, we must first address the issue of race. We must dismantle systemic racism in all its forms, including institutional racism, police brutality, and white privilege. We must also create policies that increase economic opportunity for people of color by making investments in education, job training programs, and providing access to capital for small businesses. Moreover, we must also work to create an inclusive and equitable environment in which everyone is given equal access to resources regardless of race or class.

The issue of race is deeply entrenched in our society but it is possible to create meaningful change if we take action. We must recognize that race and class are intertwined and work together to create solutions that will benefit everyone, not just those at the top. By tackling the issue of race first we can begin to break down the barriers that prevent us from achieving true equality and justice for all.