“A Practitioners Perspective On Racial Equity”..

CONSCIOUSLY AWARE..

In my forty-four years of living, I don't think I've ever been as conscious and aware of my own "brown skin", then during the first five years of living in Minnesota.  Personally, I grew up in a military environment, where diversity was common; where I never felt the least bit "different", because of the color of my skin; and where everyone's skin color was simply understood to be an issue of pigmentation.  As we all know now, "skin color" is all about genetics, which is basically the product of both the individual's biological parents' genetic makeup, as well as the individual's exposure to the sun within a particular geographic area.

If ONLY these simple yet profound facts, were able to curb the tide of ignorance and indifference of "radical" white or black nationalist groups, whose mission's often polarizes, ostracizes, and bastardizes anyone else whose different.  So, now we know that ANYTHING that has a representative "difference" - be that our skin, hair or eye color, sadly these simple things that have fueled blind hatred and backwards prejudice, also have resulted in the curse of systematic racism that has been a dominant part of our U.S. History.  And the "black eye" that we can now "fix" will change if we all work together.

At times as I'm engaging about the issue of "racial equitable development" here in Minnesota, I feel like I'm swimming in a maze of ignorance, indifference and insolence — with no immediate remedy.  And "the system" (stubborn and ornery people) in many respects, seem so cold and impenetrable, when seeking "equal footing" or understanding around these issues, really appears to be nothing more than an "amenable gesture", which only tends to placate "blacks", primarily; and, some other people of color if they fall prey to cultural pride and ambivalence.

LEADERSHIP COUNTS..

In the midst of all this, I've been positioned in this season to provide leadership around many of these conversations pertaining to "racial equity", and as I strongly advocate and reason for "fairness" in a landscape influenced by a sorted history of institutional racism — woven in the tapestry of laws and policies entrenched with bias and prejudice, the coldness and resistance truly hurts my heart.  

I can actually feel and imagine seeing, the strong and resilient disposition of determination and hope, that both steadied and upheld our forefathers, who faced the untold horrors of slavery and the darkness of injustice and unfair judgment, based upon the "color" of skin - NOT, "the content of their character". And, as I continue to think about these scars in American history, I'm moved to do more than think or pray about it— I'm moved to "action"; and running for office at the state level (WS-3 for District 25B in Rochester) is just the beginning!

Yes, I've moved to Minnesota, and I've truly grown to love this part of the country (I'm "home"). But, because of all the hyper-ethnocentric movements that's currently going on in parts of the country towards "defining" and "profiling" around the importance of "race" in the marketplace — with all the buzz words, like "diversity" and "inclusion" being espoused on an daily basis; while the change is coming about, incrementally at best.  I'm no longer willing to passively observe or watch the injustice, without completely giving myself to the change we all know that's needed right now!

"PAPER CHAMPIONS" SUCK..

I'm saddened by all the "paper champions" that treat advocacy around "diversity and inclusion" as the way of fully resolving the racial equity issue; primarily because becoming "culturally proficient" is just the first step in the equitable development continuum.  And, while trainings and seminars are very important touch-points, they're a poor substitute for actual demonstration projects and policy change.

These are some of my working definitions as I do work in the field:

Diversity - Appreciating and celebrating our differences, while becoming culturally competent and proficient.

Inclusion - Recognizing how to get "others" involved, and learning to make space at the table for the diversity amongst us.

Racial Equity - Intentionally establishing "fairness" through access, control (decision-making and direct benefit) and ongoing opportunity, to foster equal participation with measurable outcomes, so that positive change occurs economically, in systems and in institutions that thoughtfully serves diverse populations.

RACIAL EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT..

Striving for racial equity – means "championing a world where race is no longer a prevailing factor in the distribution of opportunity", but is a matter of economic justice that means the "shared prosperity of us all", is very important.  Now, this is NOT a brand of communism or socialism, for some of you starch conservatives that assume "help of any kind" is a "sin"!  But, moving toward racial equity, can and will generate significant economic returns, if we make the kinds of investments in communities of color that ensures the socioeconomic status definitely changes! Not through a variety of social programs, but through a robust and comprehensive economic development plan that has "grass tops leaders of color" at the helm!

https://www.wkkf.org/news-and-media/article/2013/10/the-business-case-for-racial-equity-quantifies-the-cost-of-racism-in-the-us

BARRIERS TO "POTENTIAL"..

When people face barriers to achieving their full potential, the loss of talent, creativity, energy, and productivity is a burden not only for those disadvantaged, but for communities, businesses, governments, and the economy as a whole. Initial research on the magnitude of this burden in the United States (U.S.), reveals impacts in the trillions of dollars in lost earnings, avoidable public expenditures, and lost economic output. 

Racism in the U.S. has left a legacy of inequities in health, education, housing, employment, income, wealth, and other areas that impact achievement and quality of life. 

Opportunities that were denied to racial and ethnic minorities at critical points in the nation's history, have led to the disadvantaged circumstances that too many children of color are born into today. 

PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE..

While significant progress has been made in eliminating legal discrimination, disparities by race and ethnicity remain imbedded in societal institutions and manifested in lending practices, hiring practices, law enforcement profiling and sentencing, and other key policy areas. Furthermore, the implicit or internal biases carried by both whites and blacks — perpetuated further by the media and other cultural misrepresentations, subtly but powerfully influences, "how we view ourselves and one other". 

With that being said, achieving greater racial equity, will become even more critical in the U.S., due to demographic and migratory shifts that are already underway all over the country.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, children will be "majority minority" by 2018, and, overall, people of color will surpass 50% of the U.S. population by 2043.  Exciting news, right?  Not for some people, who still have a hard time embracing people of color on their nearby "church pew"!?!  But, a reckoning has come and will continue, until such time that we've all dealt with the heart issues that fuels such biases, prejudices and racial attitudes.

EMBRACING HISTORY'S LESSONS..

From the inception of our beloved country, "government" at the local, regional, state, and federal levels has played a role in creating and in maintaining racial constructs and inequities with economic, political and social implications, including everything from determining "who is a citizen", "who can vote", "who can own property", "who is property", and "where one can live"; to name but a few areas of which we now must address.  Any residue of these attitudes in government — "systemic", "structural", or "institutional" racism, must now be eliminated, so that this country in its growing diversity will continue to thrive and see the American Dream realized for everyone.  NOT through communistic or socialistic programming, but through a strategic repurposing of resources from the public to the private sector, with the Faith community "front and center"; to help carry the baton of transformation and restitution for all people!

Governmental laws, policies, and practices have created a racial hierarchy and stronghold around "diversity, equality and inclusion" that still shapes most of the conversations and the determinations about the profiling made around these "racial constructs", by unfairly deciding "who benefits" and "who is burdened" — in the scope of how socioeconomics plays-out in everyday society, as the driver in most of our political, social and governmental discourse; and more importantly, in our operational decision-making.

This includes the way many of us see "minorities" and the issues surrounding them — through the lens of liabilities, negative statistics and problems; and not as valuable assets to our communities. YES, data or statistical realities about different ethnic groups "adds to this", but only because the "lens" that we see things is attached to a certain logic and social construct that we too often become captive to, through our personal worldview and our belief systems that we don't divorce ourselves from when we fill "public positions" or when we sit on agency boards..

THE FOUNDING FATHER's WEREN'T PERFECT..

When Jefferson wrote, "all men are created equal," the reality that "all men were not", points to the fact that both black people and women, were not full beneficiaries of these ideals, initially.  So in the context of historicity, it is obvious that his ideals were not fully reflective until the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments emerged.

Abraham Lincoln's aspirations in the Gettysburg Address were about the "transformation of government" (people), and a "government of the people, by the people, and for people"; which is still on the table — and now must become a priority once again, to eliminate the uselessness of "party politics" that feeds and fuels the politicking that becomes a big distraction from our need to come together as "one"; and robs us of the full benefit of seeing "every citizen" as an asset, NOT a liability.  But, for us to achieve this important idea of "racial equity" — with this end in mind, the fundamental transformation of government at a policy level, is especially now; absolutely necessary! 

TRANSFORMING OUR INSTITUTIONS..

The sad reality is: "Institutional Racism" is STILL a part of our historical record and journey as a country; and we can't change that!  And, because of the growing need for everyone to mentally shift and seek a change of heart in our communities all over this state and nation, first, we must curb the tide of the "race wars" and "resist movements" that are being fueled by media — which is actually disallowing "free speech", cooperative efforts, and thoughtful forbearance and civility towards finding solutions, that ultimately "serves the whole"; we now must commit to getting this done and seeking the shared prosperity of everyone; not just a select few.

IT STARTS WITH "YOU"..

As a society, we must thoughtfully participate, radically indoctrinate, and aggressively facilitate "the change" in our local, state and federal governments, right now — to reform and to reinvent them to align their current policies and practices with a "racial equity lens" as an absolute must!  If we make it a priority, the residue of long held traditions, Jim Crow laws, and prejudicial policies that in some cases still continues to go unchecked, while the world around us is screaming for a "do over"; so that we can finally move past the embarrassing, the inhumane and the unjust actions and policies from our sordid past!

WHERE DO WE START..

With many jurisdictions just being unclear of "how" to employ a racial equity lens at the policy level across all of their agencies and departments (e.g. "Looking for a light switch in a dark room.."), the important work of Everybody In (which I'm very proud to lead) and of other equity practitioners in the landscape, is becoming increasingly important, while the ongoing proliferation of diversity and inclusion trainings and education points towards an acknowledgement that things need to change; without real mechanisms to make it happen.  But, not just in appearance only; in transformative ways that informs others of "what's next".  

In my current leadership focus with Everybody In, both the board, committed volunteers and I have, garnered the support of a broad coalition of individuals, organizations and equity practitioners statewide.  I'm excited about the potential of the healthy changes and growth that will even occur here in the city that I love to live — Rochester, in Olmsted County, where I'm working to build bridges with the power structure, to steer away from "conducting business as usual"; to a thoughtful change management philosophy and cultural competency framework, that makes for an openness and listening ear which is needed in response to our community's voice that refuses not to be heard!

PASSIVE RESPONSES KILL PROGRESS..

But, where there appears to be the apathy of the unengaged, the disengaged or even the arbitrary inactions of private entities and public agencies and their chosen representatives towards people of color at all levels — in both workforce development or in small business procurement opportunities for MBE/WBE/DBE firms to fully participate in all public contracts and projects at the city, county and state level, we're fooling ourselves, and will leave billions on the table; without thoughtfully employing and partnering with EVERYONE on the team!  

This is a big part of my work here in Rochester. To help foster the bridge for greater accessibility, accountability and addressability with racial equity efforts (equitable development), so that the City, County and DMC can leverage critically important community partnerships, to fully develop the administrative capacity in effectively developing and managing economic development mechanisms with communities of color; for facilitating an equitable process and supportive environment, where opportunity actually abounds..

So, that while the people who've been traditionally and disproportionately disenfranchised and historically left-out, have the means for shared and equal opportunity and prosperity, to fully engage and involve themselves in ongoing the economic development projects in the twenty year projected economic growth — that would otherwise be an impossibility for these populations, without the active leadership involvement and bridge-building of these parties, to intentionally accomplish this "level playing field" on purpose!

INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT..

Now, across the country, the trends amongst governmental jurisdictions is changing: 

- To making active commitments to achieving racial equity 

- To focusing on understanding the power and influence of their own institutions 

- To working in partnership with everyone to shift things dramatically for all people

As this occurs, significant leverage and expansion opportunities emerge for robust community-economic development, setting the stage for the achievement of racial equity in our communities, which will help to:

 • Develop a "pathway for entry" into racial equity work for new jurisdictions. Many jurisdictions lack the leadership and/or infrastructure to address issues of racial inequity; and, 

 • Support and build local and regional collaborations (public, private and nonprofit partnerships) that are broadly inclusive and focused on achieving racial equity. To eliminate racial inequities in our communities, developing a "collective impact" approach firmly grounded in inclusion and equity as a priority. Government can play a key role in collaborations for achieving racial equity, centering community, and leveraging institutional partnerships. 

In conclusion, "Government is one of the places where the community's voice takes precedent and comes together to decide "who it's going to be as a people. Government should be a representation and a reflection of these values, and then our policies and investments need to demonstrate that without fail. Government has a great opportunity to have an impact on the daily lives of all people, and the power to shape policies that reduce our inequities." (WS-3)

Greater racial equity frameworks, supports business growth by creating a healthier, better educated, more diverse workforce — and by increasing the ability of minority populations to produce, purchase and sell goods and services that serve the needs of every people group. A U.S. Department of Commerce study estimated that if income inequalities were eliminated, minority purchasing power would increase from a baseline projection of $4.3 trillion in 2045 to $6.1 trillion (in 1998 dollars), reaching 70% of all U.S. purchases.

Q. How can we have "shared prosperity for us all" without forcing some kind of communistic or socialistic program upon the citizens?

A. We change the fundamental and monopolistic tendencies that many deem "white supremacy", and become a part of changing the historical narrative for people of color, by stopping "the rationing of opportunity", so that everyone can participate, all the time, without fail!

END NOTE: BOTH PARTIES have major issues, because their biased, limited, and imperfect human beings that ineffectively govern and oversee our political discourse in a holistic way; which is “why” the sacred and the secular divide, must come down.

"Proper Perspective" is the difference behind allowing your partisan views to so imbalance you, that you refuse to own up to things about YOUR PARTY, that are neither "just" or "equitable". 

(Lead Consultant)    

www.WS-3.com

(Interim Executive Director)    

www.ReConnectRondo.org

(Executive Director)

 www.EverybodyInMN.org  

Walter L. Smith III

Founder/President

Pure In Heart Int'l Ministries, Inc./

The Center For Kingdom Advancement 

1445 Valleyhigh Dr NW #7052

Rochester, MN 55901-9998

1-800-973-8533, Ext. 700 and 701

www.PIHIM.org

www.AskPastorWalter.com

**Leadership Greater Rochester, Class of 2018!

**Gallup Strengths: Positivity, Learner, Connectedness, Responsibility, & Activator

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