It’s becoming hard not to mention institutional racism when talking about poverty. These two topics seem to have a direct relationship and this is inspiring students to study how each affects the other.

This seems to have been inspired by the increasing and recent killings of black people in Ferguson, Baltimore, and New York City among other regions.

In East of Saint Louis, a group of 10 graduate students tackle the issue in-depth by attending morning lectures every day.

Led by The Jack Kirkland, the seminar, Poverty-Impact of Institutionalized Racism, focuses on different activities that are aimed at establishing the impact poverty has on institutionalized racism and vice versa.

According to Kirkland, who is a social work associate professor at Washington University, it’s almost impossible for social institutions to have equality.

The area you grew up in influences the kind of school you attend, the type of employment you find is influenced by where you live, and the money you have determines the opportunities you’ll have.

Kirkland uses the example of the black community where many are unemployed. They also make up a large percentage of the population that is involved in drugs, gang activities and violent activities.

This has been observed from one generation to another. The group concluded that to be economically competitive and overcome poverty, institutional racism has to be dealt with.

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