Are you an Ally?

How do we climb the mountain of racism? I have never climbed a mountain before, but the Chinese proverb states “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. We are starting at the first step of this 10,000 step climb. In front of us is what seems to be an insurmountable mountain, but by taking the one step at a time we will eventually be able to summit this enormous obstacle.

Systemic racism is more of a pyramid than a mountain, since it is man-made, and there are clear and defined levels to the system. Maslow's pyramid is a great way to look at the issues as a whole:

Marginalized communities are those that struggle to support the base needs of this pyramid: food, water, shelter, electricity, and warmth. Yes, education is important, but how can we expect someone to learn on an empty stomach? It’s hard to stay focused when you’re busy thinking of where you’re going to lay your head tonight.

These basic needs are common among all communities. However, the term “systemic racism” specifically refers to the fact that not only are communities of color affected at a much higher rate, but the system actually supports and perpetuates such division. The issues that face low-income communities, especially those of color, are not isolated issues. Therefore, we will not be able to solve them by just focusing on one thing -- we need a holistic approach that acknowledges and addresses the root causes. The best way to address these issues is to know the issues, and no one knows those issues better than the individuals most affected by them.

I have gathered a coalition of BIPOC (Black & Indigenous People of Color) organizations that seek to address the systemic issues we face within our communities. I would like the Civic Action Committee to support BIPOC business leaders that are bringing sustainability to the communities that they serve. These organizations cover multiple areas of need: food insecurity, homelessness, workforce inaccessibility, and other areas where the "system" has not supported or has outright denied communities of color basic living rights. If the government or overall system is not there to support, then we as a community must solve our own problems. For those seeking to stand next to us, to walk with us and to shed blood, sweat, and tears with us, I say: Thank You. I also ask that you stand up and use your skills, knowledge, experiences, and privilege to help those on the front line of this battle for real change. With all the beautiful minds that we have, this is nothing which we cannot do. The world needs these BIPOC businesses, and they need our support.

This will not be an easy journey, nor will it always be a comfortable one. But with every step we take we make an impact. Our goal is not just to help those in most need but to build the communities so that they can help themselves. There is no better place to start than Black Women-owned businesses that already address the communities’ needs. So often the businesses that are most connected to the issues are the least supported:

Organizations led by people of color win less grant money and are trusted less to make decisions about how to spend those funds than groups with white leaders, according to a new report by the consultancy Bridgespan and Echoing Green, an organization that invests in and provides support for leaders of emerging social enterprises.

-Jim Rendon in “Nonprofits Led by People of Color Win Less Grant Money With More Strings (Study)”