Everyone is susceptible to implicit bias – unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect judgments about others based on their race, ethnicity, appearance, and other characteristics. Research into this vital area of social cognition has drawn increased interest in the wake of racially charged events in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore.

The first step in addressing implicit bias is understanding that it exists. Maurice Stevens, the senior faculty research advisor at Ohio State University’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, and Robin Wright, a researcher and training facilitator at the institute, examine how these hidden predispositions develop and function and how we can mitigate them.

The event is co-presented by the Urban League of Greater Kansas City with additional support provided by REACH Healthcare Foundation, Hallmark Cards, UMB Bank, KCUR-FM, and Husch Blackwell.