Listen.
Serve.
Act.

Dear MBCRE members,

As the community continues to mourn and transform since the murder of George Floyd, we acknowledge the ongoing investigation into his death and the emotional distress it causes our community. It’s important as allies and leaders that we continue to listen with empathy and to recognize the impact these events have on us personally. Additionally, it’s just as critical to speak up against injustice and have the courage to stand up for what’s right. As the leaders of the MBCRE, we want to send time-sensitive bulletins with resources and updates you can use to respond to what’s happening right now.

While our focus is on Black Minnesotans we cannot overlook other marginalized communities’ struggles in our state. As many of you know, there has been a recent increase in anti-Asian sentiment, hate, and violence. Now is the time for us to listen to the anxiety and fear in the Asian community. Bo Thao-Urabe, founder and executive director of Coalition for Asian American Leaders (CAAL) is a trusted voice in our community and shared this statement, talking points, and actions you and your organization can take right now.
 
Today we are sharing resources from the new Allyship Education Framework as you consider how your organization can support, ally and advocate.

• Allies In Action: learn what it means to take action as an Ally and continue to grow – no matter where you are in your Allyship journey. https://makeitmsp.org/education/allies-and-actions-best-buy/
• Empathy: ground yourself in active listening and perspective-taking to understand the experiences of others.
• https://makeitmsp.org/education/empathy-general-mills/
• The Problem With Saying Nothing: how to lean into speaking up and leading with courage. https://makeitmsp.org/education/the-problem-with-saying-nothing-general-mills/
• Learn more about how to be an ally to the AAPI community.
• Leverage the Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice resources
• Learn how to safely stand up when you see instances of hate/harassment by reviewing resources from Hollaback Bystander Intervention.

In addition to resources like the Allyship Education Framework, we continue to center on the work on the voices of Black Minnesotans. We shared an update on our support of the Alliance of Alliances in the March newsletter. At the April all-hands meeting, you’ll have a chance to meet the newest member of the steering committee and executive director of the African American Leadership Forum, Marcus Owens.

Today we are joining the Alliance of Alliances and AALF in announcing a commitment to work together to leverage Black-centered design to generate and implement solutions to advance equitable outcomes for Black Minnesotans. Currently, $3.25 million of the $4 million required to jumpstart this effort has been raised through a coordinated fundraising effort with MBCRE member companies. We’ve developed frequently asked questions about the Alliance of Alliances and AALF for your use.  

Below is a recap of today’s mentions of the Alliance of Alliances and AALF announcement:

• News Release: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alliance-of-alliances-to-bring-a-different-approach-to-advancing-racial-justice-and-equity-in-the-minneapolis-and-saint-paul-region-301255164.html
• Star Tribune – New alliance aims to advance racial equity in Twin Cities, led by Black business and community leaders
• Pioneer Press– Itasca Project teams with African American Leadership Forum on effort to boost Black lives
• KMOJ – Alliance of Alliances; New Tactic in Addressing Racial Justice and Equity in Twin Cities Area
• MPR – Black leaders launch effort to close Minnesota’s racial disparities
• Minnesota- St Paul Business Journal – New Black-led alliance of organizations looks to advance racial justice in the Twin Cities

Thank you for your ongoing support,

James Burroughs, Lee Anderson, Reba Dominski
MBCRE Co-Chairs

If you have questions or input on future issues, send them to info@mbcre.org