In order to be properly addressed or assessed, racism must be appropriately and consistently defined. We employ critical race theory to challenge the popular notion that the election of Barack Obama and other images of diversity signify racism's decline, end, or reversal. Further, we illustrate the utility and accuracy of critical race theory and the persistence of contemporary systemic racism through a brief analysis of the U.S. criminal justice system. In the interest of theoretically grounded antiracism, we suggest why and how activists, scholars, and mobilized communities might challenge and dismantle the U.S. War on Drugs and failed project of mass incarceration as devastating manifestations of contemporary systemic racism. We conclude with specific suggestions for both ourselves and our colleagues.

Abstract taken from full published version of this article found online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/016059761103500304