Structural Racism Study

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Structural Racism Study

Project Overview

The City of St. Petersburg commissioned a study team led by University of South Florida, in partnership with several community members, to examine both the historical and modern-day impact that structural racism has had on the lives of Black people in the City of St. Petersburg, Florida. The examination and identification of the factors of structural racism that specifically impact Black residents and communities in St. Pete as they relate to education, the criminal-legal system, and economic development within St. Petersburg will be evaluated. The outcome of the study aimed to:

  1. Provide a historical overview and current data trends that illustrate how structural racism affects the various aforementioned aspects of Black lives and communities in the City of St Petersburg and impacts individual and public health;

  2. Provide recommendations for policies and practices that may help to dismantle structural racism in the City;

  3. Identify additional facets of structural racism impacting the Black residents and communities in St. Petersburg that need further research, documentation and funding.

Thus, the study examined the impact of structural racism on Black life in St. Pete from the arrival of John Donaldson in 1868 to the present. The study included an action plan for changes in narrative, policy, and institutional practices to end structural racism and a recommendation on the development of a commission to own the action plan.

View the Structural Racism Study

Leadership Team

Dr. Ruthmae Sears
Principal Investigator, Associate Professor for Mathematics Education, and Associate Director for the Coalition of Science Literacy with a focus on Inclusive Excellence

Dr. Johannes Reichgelt
Co-Principal Investigator, Professor of Information Systems, Director of Institute for Data Analytics

Dr. James McHale
Co-Principal Investigator, Professor of Psychology, Executive Director of the USF St. Petersburg Infant-Family Mental Health Center

Ms. Gypsy Gallardo
Co-Principal Investigator, Author and CEO of the Power Broker Media Group, CEO of One Community Plan and Urban Market Analytics

Mr. Tim Dutton
Co-Principal Investigator, Executive Director of Unite Pinellas

Dr. Fenda Akiwumi
Co-Principal Investigator, Professor of Geosciences, Director of the Institute on Black Life

Dr. Dana Thompson-Dorsey
Co-Principal Investigator, Professor of Education, Director of Anchin Center

Ms. Gwendolyn Reese
Co-Principal Investigator, President of the African American Museum

Dr. Y. Michelle Bradham-Cousar
Project Manager, Rehabilitation & Disability Advocate

Mr. Jabaar Edmond
Community Partner, VP Childs Park N.A. Program Director CDAT Center

Ms. Jalessa Blackshear
Student Collaborator

Mr. Casey Lepak
Student Collaborator