We're listening...some recommendations from local Black leaders.
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
Recently a group of 30+ CEOs from our region signed on to a letter initiated by the CEO of Children’s Minnesota. The letter reflected many of the same commitments that have been expressed by organizations across our cities over the past weeks since George Floyd’s murder. Statements of solidarity, and promises to take bold action to begin addressing the structural racism and inequitable practices that exist within each of those organizations. Very soon after this letter was circulated, a response came from the leaders of the local chapter of Sigma Pi Phi, the professional fraternity of prominent Black leaders from around the state.
The response was gracious, articulate, and at the same time offered a healthy dose of truth telling that acknowledged the failures of the many organizations in our state (private, civic, and nonprofit) to effectively address hundreds of years of racial oppression that have recently exploded into social unrest. These leaders generously offered - again - some recommendations for what our community business leaders (the vast majority of whom are white) can do to initiate the urgent transformation that is needed in all our institutions and organizations. We believe that these recommendations are just as applicable to the nonprofit and civic sectors, and so we share them:
Create and support platforms advocating changes in current law enforcement regulations which have led to systematic overrepresentation of African Americans suffering excessive violence at the hands of police officers
Prioritize long-standing minority institutions for outreach and investment efforts in their community
Seek ways to invest in and support minority-owned businesses and rebuild critical civic infrastructure, particularly in impacted areas
Economically empower African Americans through hiring and advancement to leadership
Pursue opportunities to educate and develop your future workforce, our youth
Address racial healthcare disparities
Recognize the value of your privilege and the power of your positions by publicly committing to personal advocacy and demonstrating visible leadership
Collectivity has begun conversations with other partner organizations who have an interest in ensuring that the promises made by our leaders are kept. We aim to support these commitments through community engagement opportunities with our partners, and regularly reporting out the progress of our leaders toward fulfilling their pledges. Please contact us if you’d like to participate in this process.
