Elaine F. Almquist’s Post

From COVID-19 resources to racial justice resources to website tips to those who have successfully pivoted, here are what Signify readers wanted to learn this year. https://bit.ly/3a7hExz

As a Black Republican, I draw inspiration from black figures like Octavius Catto. My beliefs are firmly rooted in values that empower rather than oppress my community. I stand against: - The murder of black babies. - Systems of public education that often fail our children. - Labor unions that can hinder personal enterprise and economic freedom. - Minimum wage laws that limit job opportunities and economic growth. I believe in creating paths to self-sufficiency, fostering educational choice, and promoting policies that uplift rather than constrain. #Empowerment #BlackRepublican #OpportunityForAll

There's an implicit agreement within my circle of friends who do equity and justice work that the organizations where it's hardest to get real antiracist traction are not those with the most explicit racists, but those with the biggest proportions of white liberals. In the latter, the trouble is people tend to be very skilled at creating the optics of efforts for justice while also being very skilled at undermining antiracist efforts. That's my experience, at least, and it's a phenomenon I heard a lot about when I interviewed racial justice activists of color about their biggest sources of burnout (see my and Noura Erakat's study on this here: https://lnkd.in/e-H8W--Y), which turned out to be white people who see themselves as "allies." Two questions for people involved in equity and justice activism, advocacy, and work: 1. Does this ring true for you? 2. What forms does white liberal resistance and undermining most often take?

Black Lives Matter: Eliminating Racial Inequity in the Criminal Justice System (2015) https://lnkd.in/dVpbkTUT “Black lives matter” has become a rallying cry in light of evidence that the criminal justice system is failing to uphold this basic truth. Official data, although woefully inadequate, show that over half of those killed by police in recent years have been black or Latino. Officers involved in these killings are rarely indicted, much less convicted, for excessive use of force. And official responses to recent protests have spurred further controversy: militarized police forces disrupted public assemblies in Ferguson, and New York City’s police union blamed pro-reform politicians and nonviolent protesters for the killing of two officers by a mentally unstable man. The criminal justice system’s high volume of contact with people of color is a major cause of African Americans’ disproportionate rate of fatal police encounters, as well as of broader perceptions of injustice in many communities. This briefing paper identifies four key features of the justice system that contribute to its disparate racial impact, and presents recent best practices for targeting these inequities drawn from adult and juvenile justice systems around the country. In many cases, these practices have produced demonstrable results.

In this week's #SpotlightExclusive, we speak with Michael Hewlett, reporter at the Assembly, about how the Racial Justice Act impacts life in North Carolina. Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/dU5Vsgzb

On April 22nd, 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a criminal investigation seminar hosted by The University of Law centered around the Stephen Lawrence case. This event was not only informative but also left a lasting impression, shedding light on the pervasive issue of racism within the legal sphere. During the seminar, we delved into the tragic events surrounding Stephen Lawrence's death and the systemic flaws in the criminal justice system that resulted in an 18-year delay in achieving justice. Despite the eventual convictions of two individuals in 2012, there remain unresolved questions surrounding the involvement of three other suspects. The inquiry in 1999 uncovered systemic racism within the police force and catalyzed significant reforms aimed at promoting racial equality and diversity. From legislative changes to policy reforms, the aftermath of Stephen's case spurred a fundamental reevaluation of how public bodies engage with ethnic minority communities and address issues of discrimination. Yet, despite progress, it is evident that the fight against racism remains ongoing. Anniversaries such as Stephen's serve as poignant reminders of the enduring challenges we face in combating systemic racism and ensuring equitable justice for all. In commemorating Stephen Lawrence and reflecting on the insights gained from his case, it is imperative that we renew our commitment to the pursuit of justice and equality for every individual, irrespective of race or background. #StephenLawrence #RacialEquality #JusticeForAll

No words, just action! What are you doing that demonstrates you are pursuing justice? If you didn't tell us about your belief in racial justice, but you showed us, what would that look like? These are the questions we are curious about today. Drop your answers in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

Black people make up only 8% of L.A.'s population but 34% of the city's unhoused. This alarming disparity isn’t random—it’s rooted in decades of racist housing policies and systemic inequality. Read the stories of those whose lives have been shaped by these injustices. Their experiences remind us that housing justice is racial justice. 🏠  Read more and learn how we can address these injustices together. ⬇ https://lnkd.in/gQrFzeFy

What’s the link between curiosity and racial justice? Watch this video to learn what Clint Smith thinks and get a sense of what the #HealthEquityConf opening keynote has to say: https://ow.ly/fnNy50QHYGO

Here The Tudor Trust as we develop our work plan alongside our ongoing transformation, we are publishing a series of blogs to increase our visibility and transparency. This first one is about our approach to racial justice. When applied to systems thinking, and to challenging a scarcity mindset, we want to understand how racial justice could be a lens through which to build thriving communities for the benefit of everyone. https://lnkd.in/eGGHuuvC