by Jeff Hitchcock

What will it take to create a multiracial society in the United States? By "multiracial society" I mean not simply a society where several racial groups co-exist in numerical terms, but rather a society that values and centers the sharing of power and access to resources among various racial groups. A society in which no single racial group is given preference in civic enterprises. A society in which segregated neighborhoods are the exception and not the rule.

Some people believe all we have to do is sit back and let the march of history move us toward a multiracial utopia. Others believe we're already there. But if any progress has been made over the course of United States history (and it has), that progress has come from strife and toil, including the struggle and leadership of people of color together with the dedicated work of white anti-racist allies.

How does this translate into the white middleclass lifestyle enjoyed by millions of Americans today? If you want a multiracial society, you need to place a premium on it. A business as usual lifestyle will simply keep your life white. To participate in the creation of a multiracial society, you need to sharpen your intentions. You need to drive further, work longer, bear more discomfort, pay more money, endure more criticism, study harder, reflect more deeply, take more risks, exercise more patience, and experience more humility than you would living the unexamined, normative, and white-centered life.

We own a debt to the many people over time who have done that. Their efforts are bearing fruit.

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On Friday, January 9, 2009, a ceremony will be held at the graveside of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) to mark his induction into WACAN's Hall of Remembrance and Commemoration.

Color of Change.org would like you to demand justice in post-Katrina shootings.

(Two articles in the current issue of The Nation document that vigilantes in a white enclave of New Orleans indiscriminately shot, and murdered, black men passing through their neighborhood seeking help at a relief center on the other side. See "Body of Evidence" and "Katrina's Hidden Race War." See also "No Justice for the African-Americans Targeted by White Vigilantes After the Katrina Flooding" at AlterNet.org.)

AWARE-LA has placed a video on their blog of a community panel they hosted on October 25, 2008 to discuss racism in the '08 elections.

The Secret Service has its hands full protecting President-elect Obama. A recent threat surfaced in Hawaii. Although voting disparities did not figure prominently in coverage of the recent election, they nonetheless were present. A private school in Seattle is troubled when a recent speaker used the n-word. Residents of Rocky Ridge, Maryland, receive a mysterious letter calling for end to white supremacist groups.

In Denver Navajos and Hopis protest mining operations of Peabody Coal. West Virginians join them in solidarity. A recent Census Bureau report reveals towns are turning from majority white to majority Hispanic in Kansas, including Dodge City, and Texas. The information technology profession has some distance to go to achieve equality in the workplace. They don't even want to talk about it.

Programs to address concerns about racism have been started in Palo Alto, California; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Article 1, Article 2); Mountain View, California; and Louisville, Kentucky.

Activists in Arizona push back against immigration authorities in Phoenix and Flagstaff. In Miami, ICE is accused of using brutal methods. A recent settlement opens the door to amnesty for many illegal immigrants. In the wake of two separate murders of immigrants in the New York metropolitan area, Federal legislators push for a hate crime law.

A South Carolina man is fired for sending racist emails. A New York man faces a disciplinary hearing for sending racist remarks by phone. A Texas man is fired for placing a racist ornament on a Christmas tree. In Alaska, emails of racist jokes by government employees lead to an investigation. Governor Palin says she does not support that stuff. But maybe her supporters do.

Judge chastises the Secret Service, guardian of President-elect Obama, for legal foot dragging on racial discrimination suit by employees begun eight years ago (Article 1, Article 2). The Federal government works the rules on Katrina housing relief to the benefit of white homeowners. West Fresno, California, fights back against environmental racism. Hate crimes against Arab Americans still exceed pre-9/11 levels.

Undercover cops in Philadelphia, impersonating skinheads, bust antiracist activists. Rhode Island state police profile in hunt for illegal immigrants. Halifax, Canada, police deny racism allegations. Two racist incidents take place in area of Binghamton, New York. Director of county Human Rights Commission in Schenectady, New York, alleges discrimination by bosses. Kansas City woman said to call white people 'mammy' too, but loses discrimination suit.

Neo-Nazi leader indicted again (Article 1, Article 2, Article 3). Concerns still high regarding white supremacists joining military to develop killing skills (Article 1, Article 2). The concern is heightened by recent moves preparing the military to act as a domestic police force. Indiana juveniles distribute Klan flyers.

Members of Russian skinhead gang sentenced for 19 racist murders, while 113 racist killings have taken place in Russia in 2008 (Article 1, Article 2). A black US citizen survives stabbing attack in southern Russian city. Czech students put on anti-racist play, but Roma still segregated in Czech schools. South Asian man faces racist attack in Cyprus. Anti-racist activists in Greece to protest asylum policies amidst general turmoil.

France's Sarkozy condemns attack on mosque. Racist attacks in the United Kingdom take place in Peterborough, Newtown Abbey, Lancashire, and Falkirk. Racist Brit jailed for bomb kit. Another sentenced for racist attacks. British teacher humiliates 10-year-old student of color victimized by racist incident. Irish government report calls for tough measures to combat racism, while the same government disbands advisory body on racism. Black man receives compensation for discrimination by Irish car salesman. Swedish couple escapes apartment firebombed by Nazis.

Bermudian scholar writes book on racism in Bermuda. Racism in Cuba gaining nongovernmental recognition as persistent social problem. Racist farmer stripped of his guns in South Africa. In Australia, Sudanese immigrants face racism, as do Muslim women. Malaysian cultural tradition of open house comes under challenge in face of racial diversity.

The pro and con of Durban II and accusations of racism directed at Israel.

Obama's true colors: Black, white ... or neither?

Transracial adoptions have many pitfalls. They are stratified by race, just like society at large. On rare occasion, a black family adopts a white child (audio). An adoption by a white couple of a child with native American heritage stirs controversy.

The ins and outs of black and white dolls. Some people have a sense of humor about it. It's an international issue. And (white) standards of beauty and self-image are at the root of the matter.

Is this for real? Cannibals have discriminating tastes.

A recent study on integrated churches reveals promising trend. Faith leaders discuss the whys and wherefores (Article 1, Article 2).

Southern Baptists have made their mark on the racial history and contemporary punitiveness of the South.

NAACP report finds TV networks lagging in diversity.

Racist music sampler to be distributed to schools.

New book discusses white underclass in colonial India.

Fox gives racist, out of control cop his own TV show.

Avatar casting makes fans see ... white.

Auburn University faces fire for not hiring black football coach (Article 1, Article 2).

Do we have to wonder why NASCAR is so white?

Asian Americans remain rare in men's college basketball.

"Racism is still deep rooted in global economics and politics," by Chris Mbekela. Dispatchonline, December 23, 2008.

"Racial divide surrounding O.J. remains," by Mary Mitchell. Chicago Sun-Times, December 9, 2008.

"When are WE going to get over it?," by Andrew Manis. myfoxdc.com, December 9, 2008.

"Mortgages and minorities." The New York Times, December 9, 2008.

"Trying to get white people to talk about racism is like," by PortlyDyke. shakesville, November 30, 2007.

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