Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn’s Post

When we rename streets to honour heroes in history, how important is it to have those streets maintained to a standard fit to bear their names? Oftentimes, the geographies of racism play a key role in how the maintenance of these areas are prioritized by municipalities. As we think about "revitalization" of these communities so they look "worthy" to be named after our heroes, let’s remember that revitalization often comes with a hefty price. That price usually includes the displacement of the people who have called these communities home for generations - the same people many of our heroes fought to protect. During Black History Month, I encourage my planner friends and colleagues to seriously consider our impact on the communities we serve. How do we continue to be champions of the public interest while making our communities better places to live, work and play? #blackhistorymonth #BlackUrbanism #revitalization #GeographiesOfRacism

Darity Jr, W. (2008). Forty Acres and a Mule in the 21st Century. Social Science Quarterly, 89(3), 656-664. Abstract: In general, a reparations program is intended to achieve three objectives: acknowledgment of a grievous injustice, redress for the injustice, and closure of the grievances held by the group subjected to the injustice. Three types of injustices motivate a program of reparations for black Americans: slavery, the nearly century-long Jim Crow regime following Reconstruction, and ongoing discrimination. Inauguration of a reparations program on behalf of black Americans preferably will be undertaken via legislative action at the federal level, rather than by judicial fiat. Logistical issues addressed in the article include the determination of the magnitude of the reparations bill and the criteria to be used to identify those eligible to receive reparations. The present-day value of 40 acres and a mule can provide the foundation for calculating the magnitude of reparations owed to black Americans.

Graphics can be used to tell a visual story.

Be brave enough to teach the history they are trying to erase!: On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (USA), known as the GI Bill, to provide financial aid to veterans returning from World War II. The benefits included access to housing, small business loans, employment, and education. While the GI Bill was federal legislation, it was administered by the states, where Jim Crow laws and practices severely limited equal access to the benefits. Here are some questions to consider regarding the GI Bill: Were the benefits for everyone? How many elected officials, opposed to government programs today, benefit from their family having been on the GI Bill? What is the impact of the GI Bill on racial disparities in the United States today?

In my Africana Studies classes the discussion would sometimes come up about the statement, “I don’t see color.” And the issue with that statement is, if you don’t see color, you don’t see me. Visibility is important, hints the quote, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”, and the saying, “Representation matters”. Both of which speak to visibility…. His response was very spot on and well put. We can’t fix issues that are not visible, and therefore are not seen. And I state both because, though some things are visible to someone, that doesn’t mean that they’re seen by everyone. #Perspective #RepresentationMatters #DEIMatters

96 years of wisdom is worth listening to. Three of my favorite lessons from Blacksher: 1. Day 1 at WSR: If someone telling you NO doesn’t spark your interest then you best leave this office right now. 2. There is an ethical way to go about converting a no to a yes and if you are willing to work hard, get creative, and execute it usually leads to success for both parties and a life long friendship. 3. Never leave the office without a listing agreement. I still see and absorb the wisdom he passed down to others on a daily basis. Blessed to be with an awesome firm who cares less about occupation and more about people and relationships.

Replacing Confederate monuments with statues of civil rights activists allows communities to correct the historical narrative by honoring those who fought for equality and justice rather than those who defended slavery and white supremacy. Confederate monuments were often erected during the Jim Crow era as symbols of resistance to racial equality, and their presence continues to perpetuate the legacy of racism and oppression. By replacing them with monuments to civil rights activists, society can celebrate the progress made towards justice and inspire future generations to continue that work. John Lewis symbolizes the ongoing struggle for civil rights and human dignity. Honoring him acknowledges the contributions of Black Americans and other marginalized groups in building the nation. Replacing Confederate monuments with those of civil rights leaders promotes healing and reconciliation. It sends a powerful message that the community is committed to moving forward, united by shared values of equality and justice rather than division and hate. This transformation of public spaces can help to create environments where all citizens feel respected and valued.

This blog post truly reflects our profound learning experience in Montgomery, Alabama. It truly reflected our mission of “Leadership for Just and Humane Schools” at the National Superintendents Roundtable. What a power symposium!

Your tip regarding 10 seconds is so important! By taking the time to wait is greatly appreciated so both people are able to understand, talk and be heard.