Visualizing Inequity: The Data Behind Structural Racism
Using data to illustrate the impacts of structural racism on place, health, and wellbeing.
The places we live, learn, work, and play should offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible.
However, unfair treatment based on race prevents this. It is built into our laws and policies, with some communities lacking access to essential resources required to thrive like safe drinking water and affordable housing. Others experience discrimination when trying to start businesses or access high-quality healthcare that respects cultural backgrounds. By visualizing data to reveal these inequities, referred to as structural racism, we can better understand the profound impact of racism across communities. These projects offer important examples of the actions needed to ensure health is not just a privilege, but a right for everyone.
Mapping Shade for Cooler Cities
Identify where shade exists—and where it’s missing—across the 101 largest U.S. urban areas to help communities and leaders prioritize cooling solutions in communities most at risk from extreme heat.
This interactive shade map, available in the Tree Equity Score National Explorer, shows where shade from trees and buildings falls at noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. Read stories from Austin, Phoenix, and Detroit to see how communities can leverage shade to make temperatures safe and cities livable on dangerously hot days.
Anti-Asian Hate During COVID-19
Examining the conditions for anti-Asian hate incidents (AAHI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The interactive website explores the surge in hate crimes reported in news coverage and FBI data. Users can also explore local AAPI-serving nonprofits fighting against anti-Asian hate.
Learn about how consolidation of ownership of grocery stores impacts our ability to find affordable, healthy foods.
This interactive map and report show how fewer companies operating grocery stores affect food security in different neighborhoods.
Producing a Diverse Physician Workforce
Explore the connections between where you live and the lack of diverse physicians.
This interactive map shows how the conditions in neighborhoods—such as economic, social, and educational opportunities—impact the number of residents who pursue careers in medicine. WHAATtheAHEC (“WHere Are the Areas That the AHECs Should Serve?”) can be used to understand and find solutions to long-standing lack of diversity among physicians.
Structural Barriers to Small Business Success
Exploring the relationship between small business outcomes and neighborhood factors across the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.
This data visualization tool provides community-specific insights on the structural barriers faced by entrepreneurs of color, including Black, Latine, and Asian business owners, to support thriving businesses.
Uncover Segregation Trends to Drive Policy Change
Use this interactive tool from the Segregation Tracking Project to see how schools and neighborhoods across the U.S. are segregated by race and economic status.
The map reveals that communities remain segregated today as a result of factors like historic and ongoing policies and practices. Explore local data on residential and school segregation to expand opportunity and push for change.
Related Content
Affirming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts create access and opportunity for people who have historically faced greater barriers to living their healthiest lives—barriers that we must dismantle to achieve a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.
Better Data for Better Health
Structural Racism and Health
Infrastructure is Public Health
Promoting health equity through public infrastructure is a critical step toward creating communities and regions where all residents may participate in decisions that shape the places they call home.