We have been presented the opportunity and the stimulus to do some self-reflection and some powerful truth telling because it is necessary and well passed the time that we dump the excuses. It is time to dump the isms and deal with each other appropriately, as equals. The collision of Covid 19, and its attendant isolation, separation, loneliness, fear, isolation, restrictions, innumerable losses (of loved ones, security, safety, health, food, shelter, and more), Easter, Ramadan, Juneteenth, Pride Month, racial disparities and just plain living has rendered many hopeless and in the depths of despair. These times demand that we not only interrupt centuries of intentional, systemic, degradation but that we construct and new normal. I’m talking about a revolution on a grand seismic level. We are capable and equipped to make the earth move. Note just two (of many) areas of the racial disparities that exist in the U.S. for my community, African Americans.
Now is the
Time
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Since the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns across the U.S., employment – population for all racial groups has fallen dramatically. Fewer than half of all Black Americans had a job in April & May. Unemployment spikes are especially high for Blacks
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Black American are severely underrepresented at the top of corporate hierarchy and highest echelons of government
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Overall income for Black Americans was 42% lower than for White Americans
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Poverty rate for Black families is over twice that of White families
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The wage gap between races also interacts with gender wage gap between men and women
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Black prisoners are overrepresented in the US prison population compared to total US population Black men are five times more likely to be imprisoned than their white counterparts – 13 times as likely in the 18-19 age group
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Roughly half of those fatally shot by police are white, but Black Americans are fatally sh0t at a disproportionate rate compared to their representation in the US.
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Fatal shootings by race, deaths per million: 30m Black, 22m Hispanic, 12m white, 4m other
BY CHERIE BUCKNER-WEBB
I
t is my sincere hope that you, as have I, taken the opportunity to engage in serious conversations that are sorely needed in our community and across the country. Conversations that are purposefully focused on engaging deeply: expressing concerns, gaining understanding, finding solutions, and creating a firm foundation for more in-depth, authentic dialogue in the future. And, perhaps, walking away with a commitment to risk for the purpose of building stronger communities who embrace the fullness of those with whom they work, live, and play. 20
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We must unite, coalesce, partner, engage with others to make a change in these and many more disparities, for a multitude of communities. The benefits will accrue to minority AND majority communities. We have the power to change the world, to ensure that the “new normal” is the intention of our design. One where difference is respected and where inclusion is valued, one where possibilities are nurtured to fruition. We are in this life together. I invite you to purposefully develop, acknowledge, and leverage
