Many people think of ERASE Racism as the group that strengthens civil rights, educates the public about race and racism and conducts research to spotlight inequities and advocate for a variety of changes. I am often asked, however, about our influence with regional leaders and decision making bodies. I am using my letter this month to illustrate this aspect of our work.

In our September newsletter we announced that in August 2011, Governor Cuomo appointed twenty-two individuals to a new Long Island Regional Economic Development Council (the Council). I was one of the appointees. The first assignment was to submit by November 14, 2011 a five-year Strategic Plan for long-term, sustainable, economic growth for Long Island. You can view that plan by clicking here. 

The plan identifies a variety of strategies to create economic growth for the region. Central to the plan is the identification of "transformative projects" that are worthy of immediate support via New York State funding. As a result of a competitive process involving evaluation of submissions utilizing rigorous scoring criteria, thirteen "transformative projects" were selected by the Council for inclusion in the strategic plan. The Council's decisions will determine how millions of dollars of New York State funds are used.     

I want you to know about my involvement with a work group to create the scoring criteria that was adopted by the full Council and used to select the projects. I believe that this particular aspect of the Council's work illustrates how decision-makers can be persuaded to incorporate principles of racial equity into public policy.

As clearly demonstrated in ERASE Racism's research reports, Long Island has a lengthy history of public policy that sanctions segregation and supports disinvestment in communities of color. Because the Council adopted scoring criteria that included up to 16 points for equity-related components of proposed projects, the Council made a bold break with policies that contain built-in barriers to fair housing choice, such as residency requirements, which block equal access to the housing for racial groups that are now underrepresented in the segregated community, frequently African American and/or Latino individuals. This happens when affordable housing is built in segregated all white communities and such housing requires occupants to already reside in the community.  I am proud that the Council made significant steps to break with that tradition via provisions requiring affirmative marketing and a lack of residency requirements in order to gain equity points.

Warm regards,
 

V. Elaine Gross

President

On Saturday, November 5, 2011 eighty-one students from 17 different high schools woke up early to spend the day at the Nassau BOCES Administrative Center in Garden City. This unique group of students came together to participate in ERASE Racism's third annual Student Leadership Forum, which uses hands-on activities and videos to raise awareness about the history of race and racism in the U.S. and current-day racial disparities.   The full-day workshop challenged young people to think about race not as biological, but rather as a social construct. Students discovered how years of discriminatory public policies and practices have created racial disparities that are often wrongly attributed to aptitude rather than differences in access to opportunities. The participants discussed current topics such as affirmative action, the idea of being "post-racial", the benefits of diversity, and housing discrimination.

ERASE Racism looks forward to working with this inspiring group of students throughout the next year as a part of our Student Leadership Program. Follow-up events will expand on ideas about race and diversity, and will teach the students ways that they can take action in their own community to bring about more racial equity.

Click on photo to see the 2011 Student Leadership Forum album.

"I learned a lot and enjoyed every second of it."

"Great job! I met great people and learned a lot."

"We learned and discussed issues that teachers and staff members don't normally discuss in school."

"I liked that I got to meet new people and realized everyone has to deal with racism."

"The keynote was incredibly inspiring & passionate. Compels me to become more active."

"It was a very solid program, both informative and inspiring."

"This was an eye opening experience, getting to hear opinions of kids my age in the same region, but have different circumstances a town over."

Ken explains, "My experience with the Energeia Partnership at Molloy College motivated me to get involved with issues affecting Long Island. I have always had an interest in education, with my mother, wife and daughter all being teachers. These influences led to a participation in the education equity work group run by ERASE Racism. The discussions at the group meetings were lively and enlightening." When asked why he decided to join the Board of Directors, Ken said, "My experiences working with many members of the Board on the 10th Anniversary Benefit were so positive that when I was invited to join the Board, I didn't hesitate."

"Ken has already demonstrated his enthusiasm for ERASE Racism," explains President Elaine Gross. "He was an active participant on this year's 10th Anniversary fundraising committee. He is also an active member of our Education Equity Work Group. I appreciate his seriousness and his winning personality. Welcome Ken!"

Ken (right) participating in the education equity work group.

Every Thursday, our high school gathers to sit and worship in silence. At most meetings you hear inspirational stories, but only a couple really special ones stick with you. One meeting, an African-American girl stood and told a story about how her sister wanted to be white because she didn't feel beautiful at her new school, where she was the minority. This is one of the stories that stuck with me. Many people might wonder why; well after she finished her story, I thought about how difficult it must have been for her to speak of this instance involving race in front of a crowd of mostly white students. It touched me that she had the courage to do this, and this eventually inspired me.

I can describe this girl as strong, courageous, and secure after hearing her speak. The idea that impressed me the most, was that she didn't just speak about this to her sister, but she made this idea known. She believes that everyone is beautiful and it's not about what's on the outside. I realized that I shouldn't be scared to ever say what I truly feel, especially when it comes to issues of race and racism, which unfortunately tend to be "taboo" topics here on Long Island.

Usually after a meeting, my peers don't talk about the stories that were shared, however, after this day that changed. I truly think that this moment helped to open up an important conversation amongst my peers. Through talks with my friends I realized that many of them were as moved as I was by the girl's courage to share her story. I know that this moment has had a lasting impression on me and I'm encouraged by the fact that many of my peers are beginning to see a need to take a stance against racism.