We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Ashley Rivenbark (Course Advisor), Andrea Tatum (Course Instructor), Xochitl Ledesma (Course Advisor), Dr. Terrence Underwood (Course Instructor), Julie Friedberg (Course Instructor), Sunita Mahtani (Course Instructor), Dnika Travis, PhD (Course Advisor), Julie Nugent (Course Advisor), Tenika Francis (Course Instructor), Corin Ramos, PhD (Course Advisor), Joy Ohm (Course Advisor), ​Krista Brookman (Course Advisor), and Heather Foust-Cummings, PhD (Course Advisor)

A long history of systemic discrimination, unfair policies, mistreatment, and bias against marginalized racial and ethnic groups have led to a global reckoning on race and racism in countries across the globe. Drawing on research and practitioner insights, we have come together to share personal stories and knowledge to bring to life inclusion frameworks and concepts. Through this course, you will explore the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and “Emotional Tax” and their impact on marginalized racial and ethnic groups in and outside of work. Emotional Tax—being on guard to protect against bias because of race, ethnicity, and gender and experiencing the associated effects on well-being and ability to thrive at work—is often acutely painful. Develop inclusive leadership skills, foundational insights, points of self-reflection, and an action plan to take initial steps to address exclusion and unfair treatment in the workplace and beyond.

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Begin reflecting on aspects of your identity, including your racial and ethnic identity, and the lived experiences you bring to work.
  • Explore what anti-racism and intersectionality mean and how they play a role in workplaces and society.
  • Understand what emotional tax is, and its impact on marginalized racial and ethnic groups.
  • Identify actions you can take to address racial inequities in your workplace and community.

Syllabus

Part 1: Introduction to Facing Racism in the Workplace / Exploring our Identities
Begin reflecting on the intersecting aspects of your identity, including your racial and ethnic identity, and the lived experiences you bring to work.
Read more
Part 2: Why Does Anti-Racism Matter / Introducing the Concepts
Review the key concepts of racism, structural racism, and microagressions, and understand why anti-racism matters and the role it plays in workplaces and society.
Part 3: Understanding Emotional Tax: Research and Experiences
Learn about Emotional Tax and its associated effects on health and well-being.
Part 4: Anti-Racism through Empathy and Allyship / Action Planning
Explore Catalyst's "Listen-Learn-Link Up-Lead" framework and how practicing inclusive behaviors creates opportunities to feel valued and respected. Identify actions you can take to address racial inequities in your workplace and community through fostering empathy and allyship.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the impact of racism and intersectionality on marginalized racial and ethnic groups
Develops cultural awareness and critical thinking skills related to race
Features experienced instructors from various fields, including Andrea Tatum, Dr. Terrence Underwood, and Tenika Francis
Introduces attendees to the concept of Emotional Tax and its effects
Offers actionable steps to address racial inequities in the workplace
Designed to help attendees build inclusive leadership skills and foster allyship

Save this course

Save Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace with these activities:
Review the Concepts of Intersectionality
Intersectionality is a critical framework for understanding how different forms of discrimination and oppression overlap and intersect. Reviewing the concepts of intersectionality will help you to develop a more nuanced understanding of racial inequality.
Browse courses on Intersectionality
Show steps
  • Read articles and watch videos about intersectionality.
  • Attend a workshop or training on intersectionality.
Join a Peer Support Group
Participating in a peer support group can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences, learn from others, and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with racism and discrimination.
Browse courses on Peer Support
Show steps
  • Search for peer support groups in your area.
  • Attend a few meetings to find a group that fits your needs.
  • Participate in discussions and share your experiences.
Learn about Implicit Bias
Understanding implicit bias is essential for recognizing and challenging our own biases and creating a more equitable workplace.
Browse courses on Implicit Bias
Show steps
  • Take an implicit bias test.
  • Read articles and watch videos about implicit bias.
  • Attend a workshop on implicit bias.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review 'Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change' by Tema Okun
This book provides insights into the history and impact of racism and offers practical tools for challenging and dismantling racist systems and behaviors.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter.
  • Complete the reflection exercises and prompts.
  • Discuss the book's concepts with a friend, colleague, or mentor.
Develop an Anti-Racism Action Plan
An anti-racism action plan is a roadmap for creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace. Developing this plan will help you to identify and implement specific actions to address racial inequities.
Browse courses on Social Change
Show steps
  • Gather data on the racial climate in your workplace.
  • Identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop specific goals and objectives.
Host a 'Pizza and Perspectives' Event
Hosting a 'Pizza and Perspectives' event can help to foster open dialogue and build bridges between different communities.
Browse courses on Community Engagement
Show steps
  • Partner with a local community organization.
  • Invite a diverse group of people to participate.
  • Facilitate a discussion on a topic related to race and racism.
Develop an Inclusive Communication Plan
Creating a clear plan for inclusive communication in the workplace will help you to foster a more respectful and welcoming environment for all employees.
Show steps
  • Identify key stakeholders and their communication needs.
  • Establish guidelines for respectful and inclusive language.
  • Develop strategies for addressing microaggressions and bias.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is a critical skill for fostering understanding and building relationships. By practicing active listening, you can improve your ability to listen attentively, understand different perspectives, and respond with empathy.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Listen attentively to a conversation.
  • Summarise what you have heard.
  • Ask clarifying questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you are responsible for creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Diversity and Inclusion Managers who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.
Human Resources Manager
As a Human Resources Manager, you are responsible for creating a positive and productive work environment for all employees. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Human Resources Managers who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.
Employee Relations Manager
As an Employee Relations Manager, you are responsible for resolving employee disputes and complaints. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Employee Relations Managers who are working to foster a more inclusive workplace for people of color.
Equity and Inclusion Specialist
As an Equity and Inclusion Specialist, you are responsible for developing and implementing programs to promote equity and inclusion within organizations. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within organizations. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Equity and Inclusion Specialists who are working to create more inclusive workplaces for people of color.
Organization Development Consultant
As an Organization Development Consultant, you are responsible for helping organizations to improve their effectiveness. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within organizations. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Organization Development Consultants who are working to create more inclusive workplaces for people of color.
Diversity Recruiter
As a Diversity Recruiter, you are responsible for attracting and hiring a diverse workforce. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Diversity Recruiters who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.
Policy Analyst
As a Policy Analyst, you are responsible for researching and analyzing public policy issues. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within public policy. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Policy Analysts who are working to create more just and equitable policies for all.
Community Organizer
As a Community Organizer, you are responsible for mobilizing communities to address social issues. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within communities. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Community Organizers who are working to create more just and equitable communities for all.
Nonprofit Manager
As a Nonprofit Manager, you are responsible for leading and managing a nonprofit organization. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your organization. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Nonprofit Managers who are working to create a more inclusive workplace for people of color.
Social Justice Advocate
As a Social Justice Advocate, you are responsible for promoting social justice and equality for all. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within society. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Social Justice Advocates who are working to create a more just and equitable world for all.
Educator
As an Educator, you are responsible for teaching students about the world around them. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the education system. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact students from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Educators who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
Journalist
As a Journalist, you are responsible for reporting on the news and informing the public. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the media. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Journalists who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.
Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you are responsible for representing clients in legal matters. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the legal system. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Lawyers who are working to create a more just and equitable legal system for all.
Healthcare Professional
As a Healthcare Professional, you are responsible for providing care to patients. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within the healthcare system. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact patients from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Healthcare Professionals who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.
Business Owner
As a Business Owner, you are responsible for making decisions that affect your employees, customers, and community. This course can help build a foundation for your work by providing you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address racial inequities within your business. You will also learn about the concepts of racism, intersectionality, and Emotional Tax, and how these factors can impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. This course is especially relevant to Business Owners who are working to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment for all.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace.
An award-winning book that presents a compelling and timely view of navigating racism and antiracism. An essential resource for anyone who seeks to understand and dismantle the systems of racism in their personal lives and communities.
A classic and essential text for understanding the black experience in America. Although it was written in the 1960s, its insights on race, identity, and the struggle for equality remain highly relevant today.
A highly acclaimed book that provides an excellent overview of and introduction to issues of racism without relying on overt racist language to make its point. Presents the argument that racism is not gone but is alive and well in the United States.
A classic novel that tells the story of an unnamed black man who is living in an underground room in New York City. Ellison writes about the ways that racism and oppression can lead to invisibility, and he offers a vision of hope and resistance.
A groundbreaking work that documents the history of government-sponsored segregation in the United States. Rothstein provides a clear and concise overview of the policies and practices that have created and maintained racial segregation in housing, schools, and other areas of American life.
An exploration of how the war on drugs and other policies have led to the mass incarceration of black people in the United States. Alexander argues that this mass incarceration new form of Jim Crow, and she calls for a radical rethinking of our criminal justice system.
One of the most important works of African-American literature, which explores the history of slavery and the experiences of black people in post-Reconstruction America. Du Bois writes about the double consciousness that black people experience, and he argues for the importance of black people fighting for their rights.
A powerful and moving novel that tells the story of a young black girl who is struggling to find her place in the world. Morrison writes about the ways that racism and sexism damage the lives of black people, and she offers a vision of hope and resilience.
A provocative and challenging book that argues that racism is not simply a matter of individual prejudice but is instead a fundamental part of the social contract that governs our society. Mills argues that the racial contract benefits white people at the expense of people of color, and he calls for a new social contract that is based on equality and justice.
DiAngelo draws on her experiences as a white woman working with groups on issues of racial justice to offer insights into the ways that white people often avoid and resist talking about racism. can help white people to understand their own racial biases and to become more effective allies in the fight for racial justice.
A practical and accessible guide to talking about race in America. Oluo offers clear and concise explanations of key concepts, and she provides tools for having productive conversations about race with people who may have different views.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace.
Anti-Racism I
Most relevant
History of Racial Inequity in Healthcare
Most relevant
Anti-Racism II
Most relevant
Eliminating Bias, Prejudices, and Stereotyping through...
Most relevant
Gender and Intersectionality
Most relevant
Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Reducing Bias in...
Most relevant
Ethnic Minorities and Race
Most relevant
Causes of Racial Inequity in Healthcare
Most relevant
Teaching for Justice and Inclusivity In Challenging Times
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser