We need to recommit to racial justice in 2021
Published in the Five Points Atlas on March 10, 2021
This week, as the George Floyd trial begins, we as a community must evaluate our commitment to racial justice and how we have responded to the events of last year. With the passage of the Senate bill 217 last year, we (Colorado) definitely responded strongly to the criminal justice and policing concerns of the people. We were one of the first in the nation to pass meaningful legislation mirroring what the US House of Representatives just passed last week, known as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
However, central to the African-American struggle in America is the economic struggle. African-Americans have about 10% of the wealth of white Americans and earn about 65% of white Americans annually. This disparity underwrites the class struggle and racist perception of white supremacy that we have in America. Additionally, African-American communities face higher rates of youth and community violence and health disparities. Community violence and victimization as well as health disparities are directly linked to economic disparities and higher rates of poverty. So, the state and local governments need to move past cookie cutter equity initiatives and equality statements. Our community desires real action in 2021. As we look towards the next election cycle, African-Americans and their allies will be looking for concrete policy changes not just criminal justice bills and lip service.
Here are my suggestions:
State and Local governments need to disaggregate African-Americans in business utilization and safety net programs. Not just in tracking but also in requirements. This action may require appealing to the US Supreme court to overturn the insidious quota ruling but it will give governments more ability to support our community directly. Data shows that African-American business utilization is often last place among Minority and Women-owned businesses and Africans-American are underrepresented in safety net programs even though the need is great.
State and Local governments need to get more involved in African-American Health equity. COVID-19 has brought the issue of trust in Healthcare front and center but it has also highlighted the need for more intentional outreach and programs. We can’t blame black people for their own health challenges. If black lives matter, it's up to us all to save black lives in every aspect not just in policing.
The State should create a statewide or multi-county Youth Violence Initiative mirroring the Denver-Aurora compact that was recently created. Violence does not stop at any geopolitical border and Colorado is growing a devastating reputation as a violent state given the heinous acts of violence committed here by youth. Our youth have committed high-profile arson, school and theater shootings and stabbings. We need to act collaboratively and save youth lives and futures.
State and local governments should work with corporate sponsors to create intention funding in Colorado’s Black community. Many large corporations have announced racial justice funds or initiatives and I would like to see a public-private partnership to finally close the gaps.