“RAISE THE HEAT, APPLY PRESSURE”
IEBWC Advocacy for Black Workers' Rights
Dr. Nosakhere Thomas
In the pursuit of justice and equality, the Inland Empire Black Worker Center (IEBWC) continues to make strides through advocacy and collaboration. Our recent engagement with the California Black Power Network’s “Summer of Action” resulting in us meeting with AD 60 Assemblymember Corey Jackson to exemplify our commitment to pushing for policies that directly impact Black Workers and the Black community at large. This summer, we have "Raised the Heat, and Apply Pressure."
Meeting With Assemblymember Corey Jackson
Last week, the IEBWC had a vital discussion with Assemblymember Corey Jackson, representing the 60th Assembly District in Moreno Valley. Our focus was clear – we addressed housing rights and anti-discrimination policies that are central to the well-being of Black workers. Assemblymember Jackson's transparency and expressed support for four out of the five bills under consideration signaled a shared understanding of the challenges our community faces. This collaborative effort exemplifies how unity can bring about impactful change.
Policy Priorities: Housing and Anti-Discrimination
Housing is more than shelter; it's a fundamental human right. ACA 10, a crucial bill that we discussed with Assemblymember Jackson, recognizes this right and seeks to establish housing as an essential entitlement for all Californians. By championing this legislation, we strive to alleviate the housing disparities that disproportionately affect the Black community. ACA 10 raises the heat by pushing for comprehensive access to housing, challenging the systemic barriers that have plagued Black Workers and families.
Equally pressing is the issue of workplace discrimination, which often hinders the progress of Black Workers. SB 16, introduced by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, proposes that local departments collaborate with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) to enforce workplace discrimination cases. This policy not only ensures that Black Workers have a stronger shield against unfair treatment but also applies pressure on systems to eradicate discriminatory practices from workplaces. This legislation embodies this summer’s theme – it raises the heat on employers to maintain fair workplaces and applies pressure on discriminatory practices to cease.
Why "Raise the Heat, Apply Pressure"?
The theme of our advocacy, "Raise the Heat, Apply Pressure," reflects our determination to challenge the status quo and bring about real change. Housing and anti-discrimination policies are at the forefront of this effort. By advocating for fair housing opportunities and confronting workplace discrimination, we are raising the heat on lawmakers to address the needs of Black Worker and members of the Black community. Simultaneously, we are applying pressure on systems that perpetuate anti-Black racism and inequality.
Our partnership with the California Black Power Network amplifies our voice and demonstrates that collective action can drive transformative policy changes. Assemblymember Corey Jackson's openness to dialogue and support indicates that our advocacy is making waves, and our efforts are being recognized.
As we forge ahead, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to "Raise the Heat, Apply Pressure." By advocating for policies that empower Black Workers and challenge anti-Black and discriminatory systems, we are igniting a movement that can no longer be ignored. Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all.
Join the Movement: Take Action Today!
After reading about our recent advocacy efforts and our partnership with the California Black Power Network, we hope you're inspired to take action. Our mission to empower Black Workers and create a just society requires the active participation of each and every one of you. Here's how you can get involved and be part of the change:
1. Raise Your Voice: Your voice matters, and it's time to let it be heard. Reach out to your local representatives and express your support for the bills that impact Black Workers' rights. Whether it's housing policies or anti-discrimination measures, your words can make a difference. Call, write emails, and engage with social media to ensure that our lawmakers are aware of the changes we demand.
2. Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Stay informed about the policies, bills, and legislation that directly affect the Black community. Sign up for our newsletters and follow our social media platforms to receive updates, articles, and resources that keep you informed and equipped to engage in meaningful conversations.
3. Attend Workshops and Events: Join us in our listening session, workshops, and events that focus on understanding policies, discussing their implications, and strategizing for a better future. Your presence and participation contribute to the strength of our movement.
4. Spread the Word: Advocacy doesn't happen in a vacuum. Share our articles, newsletters, and updates with your friends, family, and network. The more people we reach, the louder our message becomes. Let's create a ripple effect of awareness and action.
5. Engage in Grassroots Organizing: Join our organizing efforts and become a part of a community that is working tirelessly for justice. Collaborate with like-minded individuals, attend meetings, and contribute your skills and passion to our advocacy campaigns.
6. Attend Town Halls, Board of Supervisor, and Council Meetings: Many policymakers hold town halls and community meetings to connect with their constituents. Attend these events to engage with decision-makers directly, ask questions, and advocate for policies that matter to you.
7. Support Our Work: Your support can fuel our efforts to drive change. Whether it's a small donation, volunteer work, membership, or offering your expertise, every contribution matters and brings us closer to achieving our goals.
8. Register to Vote: Your vote is your voice. Make sure you're registered to vote and exercise your right to elect representatives who align with your values and advocate for policies that uplift Black Workers and the Black community.
Together, Let's Raise the Heat and Apply Pressure
We've embarked on a journey to create a more just society where Black Workers thrive, free from discrimination and housing disparities. Join us in raising the heat on issues that matter and applying pressure where change is needed. Your actions today can pave the way for a brighter future tomorrow. Let's come together as a community and make a lasting impact.
Decrying the SCOTUS Decision on Affirmative Action:
Inland Empire Black Worker Center Advocates for Educational Equity
Historic Stride Backwards: Supreme Decision
The Inland Empire Black Worker Center decries the Supreme Court's decision on June 29, 2023, to fundamentally dismantle affirmative action in higher education admissions - a decision that marks a critical juncture in American history. This ruling not only diverges drastically from landmark advancements like the Brown v. Board of Education of 1954 and Regents of University of California vs. Bakke in 1978, but it also threatens to erode opportunities for generations of students of color.
Imminent Threat to Black Education
We are deeply concerned about its immediate impact, curtailing higher education possibilities for African American youths and other minority students. In a nation where, as of 2020, Black students represented nearly a mere 13% (NCES, 2021) of the population across 4,300 colleges and universities (NCES, 2021) - a figure that has been steadily dwindling over the years - this outcome is devastating. We have already observed a 22% decline in the number of Black undergraduates over the past decade, a reduction of 600,000 students (PNPI, 2022). In states like California and Michigan, where affirmative action has been previously abolished in college admissions, enrollment of Black students in state institutions fell drastically by half (Wolfe, 2023). This decision thus threatens to further exacerbate this downward trend, necessitating a reevaluation of our current efforts.
DEI Efforts Jeopardized: Future Uncertain
Over the long term, we must all be troubled by the potential implications for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the private sector and the possible reversal of hard-fought gains made across numerous professions in the past half-century. The question on everyone's mind - what does the future hold? Will this decision embolden organizations to lessen their commitment towards creating more diverse spaces under the pretense that we live in a "color-blind" country?
Justice Jackson's Colorblindness Quandary
Given our nation's extensive history with state-mandated racial biases, it is evident, as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson noted in her dissent, that proclaiming legal colorblindness doesn't obscure the persistent racial disparities experienced in everyday life. “Our country has never been colorblind,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote, calling the ruling gutting affirmative action “a tragedy for us all.” With this in mind, Black and Brown people throughout the country must mobilize to counteract these regressive currents. Regardless of the direct impact on institutions like the University of North Carolina and Harvard, there is still potential for colleges and universities to cultivate a diverse student body. Advocacy isn't just about challenging anti-DEI legislation; you can also shape the future of institutions by proactively engaging with them on their plans to address this ruling.
Empowerment, Not Giveaway: New Narrative
We must collectively leverage our influence to dismantle the false narrative that affirmative action is a giveaway rather than a pathway to opportunity. And all while amplifying our support for initiatives designed to prepare Black workers for family-sustaining jobs, such as High Road Training Programs, Pre-Apprenticeship, Ready to Work, and various other workforce development programs. Additionally, we must galvanize our support for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which educate 9% of Black college students (NCES, 2021). Also, we noted with great dismay the irony that while the Supreme Court's majority defended race-conscious admissions for service academies as essential to national defense, they seemed to devalue its relevance elsewhere. As pointed out by Justice Brown, this narrow view confines the significance of racial diversity in higher education squarely within the military sector, excluding other crucial realms such as commerce and leadership. The fight for a diverse, inclusive, and equitable society continues, now more urgently than ever.
Call to Action
The dire situation demands our collective action. The Inland Empire Black Worker Center urges every member of our community to join us in standing against regression and in fighting for the future of educational equality. Here's how you can help:
Get Informed and Spread the Word: Understand the implications of this Supreme Court ruling and make others aware of its profound impacts on educational equity, diversity and inclusion. Share our message across your social networks. Decry misinformation about affirmative action and let your circle know that it is a pathway for opportunity, not a giveaway.
Engage With Educational Institutions: Reach out to colleges, universities, and educational policy makers. Ask them about their plans to uphold diversity and inclusion in the wake of this controversial ruling. Pressure them to develop proactive solutions that will protect against the loss of diversity in their student populations.
Support HBCUs: Extend your support to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), who play a crucial role in educating Black students that produce the Black workforce. Encourage these institutions, promote their work, and if possible, donate to support their continued efforts.
Promote our Workforce Development Programs: Show your support for our initiatives like High Road Training Programs, Pre-Apprenticeship, Ready to Work, and other workforce development programs designed to uplift Black workers. These programs can offer viable alternatives for Blacks seeking family-sustaining employment.
Donate: The fight against discrimination requires resources. Choose to make a difference today. Any amount, no matter how small, helps drive the effort. Donate here – use IEBWC dropdown tab.
Advocate for Policy Changes: We must influence legislation to ensure the preservation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our nation's schools and workplaces. Join us as we lobby with local, state, and federal representatives to protect affirmative action and promote racial equality.
In doing so, we stand united against any measures that erode racial justice and equity in our society. The Supreme Court's decision may have been a setback, but it will not deter us from the fight for a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable society.
We remain steadfast in our mission, and with your help, we can constructively address this crucial juncture in our history. Stand with us for justice, for fairness, for the future of higher education and work in our nation. Together, we can overcome.
References:
National Center for Education Statistics. (2021). Black enrolment.
Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/tables/dt21_306.10.asp?current=yes
Postsecondary National Policy Institute. (2022, November). Black students in higher education.
Retrieved from https://pnpi.org/download/black-students-in-higher-education-factsheet-primer/
National Center for Education Statistics. (2021). Fast Facts: Historically Black colleges and universities.
Wolfe, M. (2023, June 29). Nine states already banned affirmative action, what happened next? KARE 11.
