Black Reality: Equitable Community Development Framework
A transparent dialogue on community development ecosystem policies and practices that structurally advantage White privilege and structurally disadvantage Black led organizations and communities
“Consciousness” in community development doesn’t just happen. It requires intentionality among participants, from whose voices require hearing to what the outcomes of development should be. Consciousness lays out a framework of principles that developers, government and private sector businesses agree to. It generates a culture of inclusion that recognizes the impacts of the racial wealth gap, confronts racism and fosters diversity and inclusion in the planning and implementation process.
Symposium will reflect on Baltimore’s “unconscious” development in Black communities when major planning decisions leave out Black leadership and organizations. Conversely, symposium will examine what happens when a racial economic inequality analysis and lens is used to dismantle hyper segregated racial neighborhoods.
What is Black Equitable Community Development?
A principle based structural practice that intentionally includes a defined agreed understanding of ownership, wealth building and prosperity, which is inclusive and participatory that elevates Black indigenous communities to their highest potentially of conscious demonstration.
What is Black Equitable Community Development Ecosystem Framework? This framework guides how the city and state prioritizes its work, shapes its budget, policies, programs and investment; and structures the implementation of targeted Black community development ecosystem strategies and equitable development.
Goals:
- Strong Black Community Development Ecosystems
- Strong Black Leadership
- Indigenous Cultural Places
- Equitable Public Investment
Black Community Development Equity Ecosystem Drivers
- Advance economic investment and opportunity. Promote community led economic investment and opportunities for marginalized Black communities and enhance Black community cultural anchors. Provide access to quality education, training and living wage career and paths
- Prevent residential, commercial and cultural displacement. Enact policies and programs that allow marginalized Black populations, businesses and community organizations to stay in their neighborhoods.
- Build on local cultural assets. Respect local community character, cultural identity and values. Preserve and strengthen cultural communities and build the capacity of Black leadership, organizations and coalitions to have greater self-determination and ownership.
- Promote transportation mobility and connectivity. Prioritize investment in effective and affordable transportation that supports transit-dependent Black communities.
- Develop healthy and safe neighborhoods. Create neighborhood partnerships that enhance community health through access to public amenities, healthy affordable and culturally relevant businesses and safe environments.
- Develop equitable access to all Black neighborhoods. Leverage private developments to fill gaps in amenities, expand the supply and variety of mixed income housing and employment choices, and create equitable access to Black neighborhoods with high access to opportunity.