Series Entry: Grappling with Racial Tension in York

(York) — Pennsylvania’s York County is one community where racial tension flared around the 2016 presidential election.

The succession of high-profile incidents included racially-charged social media content posted by elected officials, and a viral video showing a high school student saying “white power” as his peers celebrated President Trump’s victory.

To help put these events in context, Keystone Crossroads Emily Previti has produced a series “Grappling with Racial Tension”, that takes a look at the ways York is unique – but also widely representative.

Part I:

 

Part II:

A college guidance program in the city of York is wrapping up its tenth year, helping more than 150 students get to college during that time.

The people running the program say success goes beyond grades and SAT scores, and hinges on helping kids deal with social issues.

As part of our series Grappling with Racial Tension, Keystone Crossroads Emily Previti reports.

Part III:

There’s been a lot of discussion about the coarsening of public discourse and emboldening the expression of biased viewpoints during the past year, starting with the 2016 presidential election campaign.

In York County, multiple bias incidents garnered national media attention.

In the third part of our series Grappling with Racial Tension, Keystone Crossroads Emily Previti checks in on how communities have responded.