The Aspen Institute Symposium on the State of Race in America explores new attitudes, opportunities, and challenges for and about people of color in 21st century America. The 2014 panels included topics on:

• Housing
• Violence in Minority Communities
• Race, Media and Politics

The annual event is presented by the Communications and Society Program in association with Comcast Corporation.

Highlights from the 2014 Symposium on The State of Race.

The recession and housing bust hit minority communities the hardest, as Hispanic households on average lost nearly half of their home equity and Black households lost 28% between 2007 and 2010, according to the Urban Institute. Due to the loss of homes by people of color, the wealth gap is likely to increase as minorities are finding it more difficult to enter back into the housing market. What will these disparities and demographic shifts mean for race and class in the United States? How will the lack of affordable housing for minorities affect their ability to take financial risks?

With the recent tragic events at the Naval Yard in Washington, D.C. and in Newtown, Connecticut, the subject of violence in communities is at the forefront of the minds of many Americans. Last year, 333 people were murdered in Philadelphia and 75% of the victims and perpetrators were African American males. In communities where people of color are without jobs, healthcare and homes, many are resorting to a life of crime. And while poverty is not an excuse for criminal behavior, it is an explanation for it. What are some long-term solutions for decreasing violence in minority communities? While there are policy efforts in place to combat international terrorism, are there equal policies in place to combat domestic terrorism? How can local, state and federal agencies collaborate to combat crime effectively in U.S. communities of color?

Interviews of Mayors Michael Nutter and Mitch Landrieu will provide a perspective on the role of race in local politics, looking at how Philadelphia and New Orleans have addressed racial issues and divides. Additionally, the way the media cover issues such as housing, education, and violence is especially important in the formation of racial and cultural attitudes. This panel will provide two mayors’ perspectives on the representation of race and racially charged political issues in the media.

The policies of the administration will undoubtedly affect minority communities, among others. How will these policies shape race relations overall and provide an environment conducive to continuing the dialogue? What are the next steps of moving toward a nation devoid of racial discrimination and racial disparities?