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

According to the ALANA Community Brain Trust, the opportunity cost of racism in Minnesota, via loss of income, lack of home ownership to tax burdens and business losses, is estimated to be $287 billion dollars. As a state, we have grown familiar with commonly cited disparities, maybe even comfortable. But on May 25, 2020, we saw what we can never unsee – the stark reality of the systemic injustice that plagues Black Minnesotans daily.  

After the killing of George Floyd, leaders from more than 80 Minnesota companies ranging in size and industry came together to form the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity. While many have stepped into this space of racial justice in response to the events of last summer, our coalition’s approach is new. We meet this moment of reckoning in earnest, bringing together a cross-functional group of leaders to fuel a movement of sustained, real and meaningful action toward a better Minnesota specifically with and for Black Minnesotans. 

As employers, community leaders, and Minnesotans, we play an integral role and have a serious stake in addressing these disparities. We believe it is our responsibility to create change, which is why we are pooling our influence, capabilities, and funds to remove systemic barriers and increase access to opportunity for Black Minnesotans through our four pillars: workplace, philanthropy, allyship and policy. 

We have begun by taking a hard look internally, assessing member organizations’ internal policies, practices, and philanthropic endeavors to ensure they yield equitable opportunities and outcomes for Black Minnesotans. We have also put together an allyship toolkit for our members, designed to educate and inspire people to take direct action and get involved in efforts to advance our mission.

In addition, we have identified issue areas aligned with our desired long-term outcomes as policy priorities for 2021. This state legislative session has been focused on mitigating the acute impacts of COVID-19, most of which already existed for a disproportionate number of Black Minnesotans, from housing instability to gaps in education opportunities to a lack of access to technology. That is why we are actively supporting legislation aimed at expanding access to quality childcare and education opportunities; expansion of access to and use of broadband service and devices; and increasing investments in housing stability.

Long term, we aim to utilize our foundational structures and resources around workplace, philanthropy, allyship, and policy to accelerate progress against a set of interdependent goals toward economic mobility and prosperity. It is a hefty lift – but one that we know we can tackle with the perspectives and people we have brought together and in partnership with Black Minnesotans. 

To Black Minnesotans: We are penning these priorities and commitments so that you may hold us to them. As we build out our strategic plans over the next year, we will be listening to you, measuring progress against our goals and amplifying the work that is already being done, rather than simply duplicating efforts. With our collective resources, energy and knowledge we can achieve lasting change. 

To Minnesota’s business leaders: Join us as we move beyond diversity and inclusion initiatives to fully address racism from both in and outside of our places of work. While our areas of business differ, we all desire a thriving, prosperous state – and that means building true racial equity in Minnesota. 

The Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity Steering Committee:
Acooa Ellis, Greater Twin Cities United Way
Amelia Hardy, Best Buy
Charlie Weaver, Minnesota Business Partnership
James Burroughs, Children’s Minnesota
James Momon, 3M
Lee Anderson, General Mills
Matt Lewis, Greater MSP
Reba Dominski, U.S. Bank
Shannon Smith Jones, Hope Community