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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity in Lansing ReportTASK FORCE ON PROMOTING RACIAL JUSTICE AND UNITY IN LANSING REPORT April 19, 2001 Mike Bryanton and Sharon Claytor Peters, Co -Chairpersons BACKGROUND As a part of a national Undoing Racism initiative undertaken by the National League of Cities, the * Lansing City Council approved a resolution establishing a Task Force Promoting Racial Justice and Unity in Lansing on November 27, 2000. The Task Force membership was comprised of local officials and community leaders, including faith - based organizations, business, labor, media, and representatives of the education community from the Lansing School District, Lansing Community College, and Michigan State University. Organizing meetings were held in December 2000 between Task Force co-chairs, Council leadership and an administrator from the City of Lansing. The full Task Force held seven meetings beginning on January 12, 2001 and ending on March 30, 2001. From its first meeting, Task Force membership was expanded to include interested parties in addition to the members appointed by the City Council.. The Lansing City Council charged the Task Force with identifying key areas needing improvements. It was also expected to develop concrete strategies for change, that include short-term and long-term goals geared to the specific needs of the City of Lansing. GROUNDWORK AND DEFINITIONS At the first and second meetings, the Task Force was presented a historical framework as well as definitions of racial prejudice and institutionalized racism by civil rights experts. It was emphasized that to "undo" racism, there is a need to dismantle individual prejudicial attitudes and behaviors, as well as institutional policies and procedures that support racism. Discussion focused on power and differential access to resources among racial groups being at the core of racism, and that racism is rooted in the idea of racial superiority that is institutionalized. The term "white privilege" in American culture was explained for the sake of the group's collective understanding. For purposes of its work, the Task Force accepted the common definition that racial prejudice plus power equals racism. PRESENTATIONS RECEIVED A report from Chief Mark Alley and -Captain Ed Forrest on the Lansing Police Department's efforts to recognize and address racial profiling was presented and was well received by the Task Force. Additionally, a presentation was made by the City of Lansing's Purchasing Department on regional collaboration to increase supplier diversity. Lansing area educational, institutions (Lansing School District by Superintendent E. Sharon Banks and Lansing Community College by Queen Foreman McMiller) presented perspectives on how racial issues play out and are addressed in their institutions. Additionally, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (represented by Summer Hallwood) presented an update on its efforts at inclusion of small businesses in general, and minority businesses in particular, in Chamber activities. Genice Rhodes -Reed, Director for the City's Human Relations and Community Services Department provided information on the responsibilities of her office and also shared with the Task Force key accomplishments and future initiatives of the office. The Task Force also had an opportunity to receive information from two Michigan communities, Flint and Grand Rapids, on regional initiatives and about institutes that provide training designed to address the elimination of racial bias both within individuals and at the institutional level. A presentation was made by a supervising editor from The Flint journal on that newspaper's involvement in, and benefit from, training provided by the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond. The People's Institute is a New Orleans based organization that developed the Undoing Racism approach and trainings utilized by some communities involved the National League of Cities project. The City of Flint has initiated this approach on a regional basis. The Task Force also heard from the director of the Woodrick Institute for Racial Healing at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Information was presented about the breadth of effort in that community to address racism and a number of institutes that have developed there for community engagement and training focused on racial healing. The defining role of the business community and the Chamber of Commerce was discussed. The Task Force was also presented with information from its own members who attended both the National League of Cities Conference on Undoing Racism in Dallas, Texas and the Summit on Racism 2001 in Grand Rapids during the course of the Task Force's operation. These experiences gave the Task Force a context for work to be done in the greater Lansing community. CONCLUSIONS Over the course of its meetings, the Task Force identified six sectors that needed to be involved in racial healing: government; education; faith; labor; business; and the media; and sought information from each. The commitment, enthusiasm and interaction between Task Force members themselves was of greatest value in identifying the best ways to address racial justice needs in our community. While the Task Force's limitations of time and resource only allowed for a preliminary investigation of this important issue, many of its members expressed eagerness to join in continued active involvement with the city as Task Force recommendations are undertaken. The Task Force recommendations are based on three key principals: Regionalism: Racism is not a City of Lansing issue alone, but should be approached as a regional concern, which should include institutions and communities throughout the Greater Lansing area. Ethnic Inclusion: Racial justice is not a black and white issue. The full range of ethnic and racial groups in our region should be included in a regional racial justice initiative. Institutional and Individual Levels: Racial justice can only be served by approaches that address both institutional and individual attitudinal racial bias. RECOMMENDATION: The City of Lansing continue its commitment to the eradication of racism as a goal toward achievement of world -class status. As with the Council's creation of the Task Force, this includes acknowledgement that racism exists in our community and nation and that our regions future success is tied to our efforts toward racial justice, especially in light of current globalization and demographic trends. Lansing should commit to leading the region in promoting racial justice. 19 RECOMMENDATION: The City of Lansing engage regional partners in a training process to promote racial justice, similar to that being conducted in other Michigan metropolitan areas. The City Council should commit "seed" funding, and encourage other entities to do the same, for training of key city and regional leaders, (including, but not limited to, some Task Force members) with the purpose of community progress and increased harmony. Models for such training are those institutes that presented information during the Task Force deliberations, although other training sources may ultimately be selected. The City of Lansing Department of Human Relations and Community Services, in consultation with Task Force members, will make recommendations to the City Council on the training and provider of such training. Every effort should be made to complete the first round of such training within three months of the approval of this recommendation by the City Council, and to stimulate continued spin-off trainings, as in other communities. RECOMMENDATION: Over the next year, the City of Lansing should work with the wider Capitol Area community to conduct a Summit on Racism, and a related on -going process, that widely engages the region. Part of the Summit development process should be the identification of and collaboration between funding sources that support sustainable initiatives designed to promote racial justice across the domains identified by the Task Force (government, education, faith based, business, labor and the media). The Summit process should have action outcomes as its goal, including the development of action teams in areas identified by the community and that engage the wider community in ongoing work toward racial justice. The Task Force found community engagement to be key to success in a Summit process. It urges the city's role to be that of a catalyst rather than the effort being solely an additional city responsibility. The Task Force urges that the Grand Rapids model, with the Chamber of Commerce as a driving force, to be explored. In a spirit of civic partnership, Task Force members have expressed both an interest in and an expectation of responsible involvement in the Summit's development and its ongoing activities and outcomes. Respectfully submitted, Mike Bryanton Ingham County Clerk Co -Chair, Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity in Lansing Sharon Claytor Peters President & CEO, Michigan's Children Co -Chair, Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity in Lansing APPENDIX Minutes of Task Force Meetings City of Lansing Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity January 26, 2001 Lansing City Council Conference Room Minutes In Attendance: Chief Mark Alley, Councilmember Joan Bauer, Beverly Beasley -Knight, Councilmember Tony Benavides, Co -Chair Michael Bryanton, Ida Bryanton, Melvin Coleman, Suzanne Elms Barclay, Rep. Paul DeWeese, Maria Enriquez, Capt. Edward Forrest, Assistant Chief Andy George, Paulette Granberry Russell, Rev. Kirkland Hall, Rev. Leon Hebrink, Lorenzo Lopez, Queen McMiller, Councilmember Larry Meyer, Co -Chair Sharon Peters, Dr. Genise Rhodes -Reed, Geneva Smith, Herb Yamanishi, Monica Zuchowski, Noel Copiaco, Fran Malloy, Lorenzo Lopez, Shanetta Martin, Edminia Ortega. The meeting was -called to order by Co -Chair Bryanton at 7:30 A.M. The agenda was amended by Co -Chair Peters to move item 3, Racial Profiling Issue, the top of the agenda. Captain Forrest informed the group of the upcoming Informational sessions at Hill Center from 2-4 on Saturday and Sunday, January 27th Et 28th in the auditorium and encouraged all to attend. He explained that the Lansing Police Department has conducted forums concerning racial profiling, compiled data, and developed a policy that is currently being implemented and for which officers have received training. Data collection will begin on February 12th and the department expects to issue a summary approximately six months later. Ron Wilson mentioned that the City Of Lansing model was distributed nationwide via the Internet and Geneva Smith mentioned that she has been informed it's currently being used as a model in Lexington, Kentucky. Captain Forrest was asked of the department's officers' reception of the new policy and he referred to the commonality that change meets resistance; training is evolving and implementation is taking place. Chief Alley said that the Policy Paper is posted on the Lansing Police Department website. He mentioned that this policy is a most unique advance in that consultant -based policy is highly unusual -and aggressive in approaching the challenges of racial profiling. He pointed out that traffic enforcement is procedurally driven, that cyclic behavior has to be broken, and that community buy -in is essential to eventual success. Co -Chair Peters reminded the group that the Lansing City Council passed a resolution creating this task force with the charge of identifying key areas needing improvements to promote racial justice and to develop concrete strategies for change in both long and short-term goals for the City. Attorneys Beverly Beasley -Knight and Paulette Granberry Russell defined racism and explained the distinguishing factors between racism and prejudices. By common definition, racial prejudice plus power equals racism. Prejudice is a preconceived idea, usually one that is unfavorable in nature. They explained the historical underpinings that have led to racism as it exists today, and pointed out that the first step in dealing with the issue is recognition that (over) racism exists and that specific ethnic groups have been exploited. Racism is rooted in the idea of racial superiority that is institutionalized. Power and differential access to resources among racial groups are at the core of racism. The term "white privilege" in American culture was explained for the sake of the group's collective understanding. They suggested that the task force needs to honestly and openly be able to determine where we are as a community, and be able to look forward to implementing change. Attitudes, prejudice, and treatment of others are all pieces of the overall system. Discussion ensued and it was emphasized that a comfort level has to be established to provide dialog that is both open and respectful. The fact that the community has a race problem has to be acknowledged before dialogue, and more importantly, productive dialogue can ensue. Paulette referred the task force to the MSU as an informative resource. Herb Yamanishi touched on the hidden/unstated, more subtle issues of personal prejudices and observed that lack of action is the real problem. He emphasized that there is much to be done beyond.defining the legal definition of racism. Raising consciousness levels of awareness of existing institutions is imperative. Racism is an extremely tough issue to openly talk about. Change only comes about when you "press the envelope." Monica Zuchowski touched on the problem of uncertainty about currently acceptable terms/words preferred to describe ethnic groups. This can present a real barrier to openness in frank discussion. Noel Copiaco explained the availability of trained "dialogue circle" facilitators in the area and encouraged the use of this methodology in dealing with racial justice. Reverend Hebrink mentioned that the role of the faith communities should be looked at; the pulpit can aid as a resource tool and conduit of change. Reverend Hall concurred that spirituality as a dynamics is a critical issue. Co -Chairs Peters and Bryanton specified that five areas that need to be encompassed include education, faith communities, labor, business, and the media. In looking at the various power structures, the area of education will be discussed in-depth at the next meeting with the representatives of the school district, community college, and university. Councilwoman Bauer emphasized the need for an assessment of where we currently are in Lansing. She stated that before significant outcomes can be determined, it's critical that the situation be accurately accessed. Specific recommendations to the City Council should give a sense of perception in how services are delivered in regards to race.lt was suggested that the committee begin with a measurement of how the community currently feels; that the pulse/attitude be appropriately identified. Councilman Benavides praised past initiatives of the Mayor and stated that City Council and the Mayor will jointly take an active role in approaching the problem, and indicated that major repairs need to be made. Co -Chair Bryanton thanked all for attending and adjourned at 9:10 A.M. The next meeting will be held on Friday, February 91h at 7:30 A.M. in the same location. City of Lansing Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity February 9, 2001 Minutes Lansing City Council Conference Room In Attendance: Patrick Baker, Dr. Sharon Banks, Larry Betz, Margie Betz, Miriam Bunge, . Rev. Kirklin Hall, Ida Bryanton, Co -Chair Mike Bryanton, Rep. Paul DeWeese, David Foreman, Capt. Ed Forrest, Kip Gomoll, Paul Hufnagel, Beverly Beasley Knight, Fran Malloy, Queen McMiller, Councilmember Larry Meyer, Rep. Michael Murphy, Paul Novak, Co -Chair Sharon Peters, Roni Rucker Waters, Mary Zeineh The meeting was called to order by Co -Chair Peters at 7:30 A.M. Due to Dr. Banks' schedule this morning, the item of Educational Issues for Promotion of Racial Justice was moved to the top of the printed agenda. Dr. Banks was asked to address the issue from the elementary and secondary levels of education and Queen McMiller to address the community college perspective. Dr. Banks gave an overview of her previous experiences in working to promote ongoing training for all employees to have an understanding of racist behaviors in Indiana schools, and told of her intent to do the same in the Lansing School District. She pointed out that it's impossible to correct what can't be identified, and that it's imperative that the culture is changed in the district so that employees will start noticing each others' wrong behaviors. She said that behaviors can't be decoded when a lack of understanding of a different culture exists, and that we all need to be trained to differentiate. While the school district has implemented an Hispanic Initiative and an African American Initiative in the past two years, it's Dr. Banks' intent to develop a "rainbow" initiative that looks at all children in need, not based on their background. She highlighted the Spotlight Spectrum for Students as a newly implemented vehicle in the district this year to focus attention on and recognition of students based on achievement, attendance, behavior, and parental involvement. The first assembly at the three high schools honored 900 students collectively. She gave an overview of the regionalized alternative education program that the school district will be restructuring in conjunction with the Ingham Intermediate School District which will address students' needs not based on their race or color. She emphasized the real beauty of our city and the need to share it with our surburban neighbors. Dr. Banks then introduced Margie Betz and Mary Zeineh who gave a brief history and overview of the implementation of the Peace Center programs at Otto Middle School and Eastern High School and the tremendous success they've had in modifying and reducing violent behaviors in student conflicts. The Peace Centers have provided forums at the high school level for discussions about differences. The kids who are trained in conflict resolution skills at the centers are currently working on a culturally sensitive video for use in multicultural training for teachers. Mary Zeineh explained the necessity of working with the parents, as well as the students, on awareness of those from various cultures. Beverly Beasley Knight asked about training plans for the school district. Dr. Banks responded that there will be diversity training for all employees, not just the teaching staff; and that an intensive "Train the Trainer" program will be implemented. She has observed that kids model the behaviors adults are portraying, and that it's critical that all staff receive diversity training. Dr. Banks applauded the video on racism that the Task Force viewed and found the slogan "Are We Ready?" to be a powerful one. The kids in the video pointed out that after talking and meeting is concluded, there's a need to act. We need to be committed to what we want to do, what we can do as a task force, and what resources will have the greatest impact. Queen McMiller spoke about the student experience at the community college level and on the issue of power relationships. She revisited the definition of racism as prejudice + power, and focused on the dynamics of the faculty/student relationships at the community college. She expressed concerns regarding the incidents that result in the loss of students. When students encounter a difficult situation, rather than dealing with it, they opt to leave the institution. LCC is building a follow-up program for students who leave and is implementing an exit interview process. The college's administration is concerned about the devaluing of students and the powerlessness that students feel in issues of academic freedom. The community college has not had a strong component in training faculty in diversity and they have difficulty in requiring training within the structure. They are implementing a Train the Trainer model to increase resources for students by providing a referral process to follow with trained faculty who are sensitive to the issues. Co -Chair Peters then moved the agenda to the previous order of items and called on Represenatives DeWeese and Murphy to update the Task Force on the issue of a new legislative caucus. Representative DeWeese debriefed the task force concerning the dialog on race in the legislature. He expressed the need for a strong model, agreeing with Dr. Banks that kids absorb and emulate racist behaviors modeled by adults in their environment. He explained the current process of assignment of departments to track legislation, and spoke about the newly created legislative caucus in the Michigan House of Representatives on race relations and the many concerns that,led to the formation of the caucus. Representative DeWeese stated that his interest in working on this issue stems from his realization that we must go beyond tolerance and civility; we must get to the point of reconciliation and institutional change. Future Agenda Items: The Task Force previously defined 5 power structures to include in discussion: law enforcement, education, media, the faith community, and business. To date, we have focused on law enforcement and education. The March 9t' agenda will address the media component. The agenda for February 23rdwill include a scheduled activity by city government; a presentation on procurement and employment practices as well as a presentation on the Grand Rapids Institute on Healing Racism and Flint's Undoing Racism Committee. This agenda will also include discussion with City Council as to whether the Task Force can submit an interim report at the end of March, and continue some exploration for a longer period of time. The business/labor component, with a focus on realtors and health care, is yet to be discussed. The next meeting of the Task Force will be held at 7:30 A.M. on February 23`d City of Lansing Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity February 23, 2001 Lansing City Council Conference Room Minutes In Attendance*: Councilmember Joan Bauer, Beverly Beasley -Knight, Co -Chair Michael Bryanton, Melvin Coleman, Rep. Paul DeWeese, Dave Foreman, Capt. Edward Forrest, Rev. Kirkland Hall, Paul Hufnagel, Rev. Hebrink, Queen McMiller, Councilmember Larry Meyer, Co - Chair Sharon Peters, Fran Malloy, Roni Ruckers Waters, Margie Betz, Mary Zeineh, Joan Jackson Johnson, Chief Mark Alley, Maria Enriquez, Rep. Mike Murphy, Ass't Chief Andy George, Genice Rhodes -Reed, Paulette Russell -Granberry *Attendance Roster was not confirmed by Ron Wilson from Sign -In Sheet. Guest: John Foren, The Flint Journal The meeting was called to order by Co -Chair Bryanton at 7:35 A.M. The agenda was amended to move the Flint presentation to the top of the agenda. John Foren of the Flint Journal staff was introduced and provided an overview of recent training the newspaper's staff participated in which was targeted at undoing racism. John said that he feels that a trained staff serves the community better by comprehensively weighing racial dimensions while writing, being respectful of the influence writers have as the reporters of the issue, and by having been trained to be sure to ask the right questions. Organizationally, it was helpful to their staff as a whole. As a result of the training, they have implemented guidelines to follow when introducing race into a story: case by case, the issue of race is weighed with every story.. and photo. There is active engagement in some assessment of whether it lends to the story. Questions were raised concerning electronic media and the scenerio that even if participants aren't willingly involved, is it still* good for them? Are staff resistant to the training because it's mandatory? John said that staff can't help but be influenced by having participated in the training, even if they weren't willing participants. He pointed out that internal training of sensitivity is critical for editors and reporters. The question was asked if Flint scheduled any follow-up strategies. He responded that community dinners to encourage continuation of dialog have taken place. Beverly Beasley Knight indicated that all models, including People's Institute, speak to the need for education on the issues of minorities in this country. The sessions in Flint involve 2 or 3 days of training annually. The question was raised as to whether there was a negative reaction to city funding? John responded that there is not. Rev. Hebrink referred to "white privilege" and systemic reform as key issues and commented that there is some involvement from the suburbs.... possibly 10-20%. When asked how Flint plans to maintain the positive evolution and what they are doing to continue the learning and practices, he indicated that the dialogs generated at regularly scheduled community dinners address that need. Participants talk openly about how to keep the momentum going. A question was asked about the ethnic make-up of the Lansing State Journal, specifically, the numbers of Asians and Hispanics. Roni Waters Rucker replied that the Lansing State Journal is owned by the Gannett Corporation, which operates 100 newspapers in the country. They are leaders in newsrooms being diverse and ensuring that their product demonstrates diversity. The newsroom staff has to be diverse and is involved in decision making. Community members serve on an editorial board for a year. The Voices column provides an opportunity for guest writers to present articles. They conduct outreach meetings at community centers of all ethnicities to enable listening to the community at the paper's initiation. They promote meaningful inclusion of minorities in the community. No racial description is used unless it's complete information; height, weight, clothing, not just race. This is an ongoing practice at the Lansing State Journal. Co -Chair Sharon Peters said that the potential for community participation needs to be explored and that a recommendation may be made that this type of inservicing/training will be a positive route. Herb Yaminishi referred to the ongoing need of sensitivity to changes e.g., Sudanese boys being placed in Lansing homes and attending the Lansing School District. He pointed out that the Asian American community culture and perception is different, and that we all need to be educated and trained to be sensitive to specific attributes/needs. Supplier Diversity — Amy Magistro, Lansing's Purchasing Director The Lansing Area Public Purchasing Group is newly formed to explore procurement practices and initiatives. Members represent the sectors of Lansing Community College, Board of Water & Light, Lansing School District, MSU, Ingham County, and the State of Michigan who came together as a response to a common goal of expanding diversity in purchasing. There's a cohesive need to promote diverse vendors. Amy provided an overview of the upcoming March 2nd Reggie Williams Seminar focusing on public procurement and supplier diversity. This will be a forum where end -users will be trained to procure bids with an emphasis on creating advocates, not adversaries. MSU will be providing policy and procedure decision makers. A short-term goal that the seminar will be exploring is creating supplier diversity programs within each participating sector.. Networking among participants will be strongly encouraged.' She explained how diversity promotes a stronger Lansing economy. She said there's a need to promote better relationships with the media. A long-term outcome is a standardized vendor application of a universal nature that will be more user-friendly to suppliers. Trade fairs and educational forums will be scheduled. There's a need to break the mold of closed -door contract grantors. At the minimum, any size vendor should be a quote participant. Amy used the analogy comparing a reputable firm to mashed potatoes in purchasing; the gravy is represented as diversity in the firm. The foundation has to be quality goods. The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is establishing a diversity task force of public and private members. Their focus will mainly be diversifying public sector buying. They will also promote supplier certification. Certification assistance is being developed. A small business procurement symposium will be developed soon. Chief Alley remarked that he's impressed that there are so many groups being involved in purchasing areas to address this as a regional problem. Queen McMiller pointed out that women need to be represented as minority vendors as well as diverse ethnic groups. Paulette Granberry -Russell stated that MSU is concerned about big contract competition; big dollars always go to the major suppliers; small minority vendors can subcontract through the big dollar door and be shown how to become a part of the larger contracts. Amy Magistro said that currently there is training offered to minority vendors through the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Councilmember Larry Meyer pointed out that the thrust of the drive is the low bid and that strategic relationships within the purchasing infrastructure is necessary. Banks look strictly at dollars. In the arena of minority contractors/vendors, the playing field needs to be leveled; affordability is an impact. A question was asked as to how to find minority vendors in the Lansing area. MSU has a database. Sharon Peters commented that there is a dire need to develop a resource; oftentimes directories become obsolete shortly after they become available. Co -Chair Mike Bryanton mentioned that the next meeting will be held on March 9d' and that both the cities of Flint and Grand Rapids will make presentations of their diversity programs. At the March 23`d meeting, Genice Rhodes -Reed will give an overview of her department's efforts and the remainder of the meeting will focus on the report to the city council and what the task force wants to do following the presentation of the report. Co -Chair Sharon Peters suggested that an exploration activity following the endpoint of the task force in March is a possibility. She asked the group to think about offering an interim report and suggesting a long-term activity. She remarked that the issues surrounding this topic are so broad and all-encompasing, that it will be difficult to finish in March. Perhaps a community - based open dialog forum would be feasible. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 A.M. City of Lansing Task Force on Promoting Racial Justice and Unity March 23, 2001 Lansing City Council Conference Room Minutes In Attendance:, Geneva Smith, Councilmember Joan Bauer, Councilmember Larry Meyer, Noel Coppico, Queen McMitter, Chief Mark Alley, Assistant Chief Andy George, Bill Drutiner, Summer Hallwood, Rev. Kirklin Halt, Joan Jackson Johnson, Genice Rhodes -Reed, Herb Yamanishi, Monica Zuchkowski, Paulette Granberry -Russell, Tony Benavides, Paul Nowak, Mary Zeineh, The agenda was amended to begin with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce presentation. Bill Druliner was introduced to the task force. Bill works with the LRCC diversity component whose goal is that of adding minority members to the Chamber. He reported that their Diversity Task Force generated a handout defining the Diversity Initiative of the LRCC. Racial and ethnic groups, women, as well as individuals with disabilities are specifically targeted. This is an inclusive rather than exclusive initiative. The LRCC is currently developing a Small Business Resource Guide listing local resources to help begin a new small business. The guide has an April completion date. Financing options for these groups is especially focused. The guide will highlight targeted business opportunities. The LRCC will soon be featuring a Procurement Symposium with the goal of increasing visibility of diverse members. The SBA awards guidelines are being revised to recognize commitment to diversity and the ability to overcome a hardship. A 50% increase in listings of minority vendors is anticipated. The Chamber is encouraging diverse business success and is aware that they have been lacking in providing business services providing minority outreach. Herb Yamanishi asked Bill, .how the Chamber is addressing racism. Bill responded that the Chamber doesn't explicitly address the core issue of racism, but provides resources and creates an environment that is more diverse. Joan Jackson Johnson, a prominent self- employed, local psychologist, said that she feels that as a former LRCC member, the Chamber discourages minority members and isn't representative of issues important to a minority business owner. She suggested that the Chamber try to contact former members who left because of non -representation. Bill offered that the Chamber has recently had a leadership change and is currently taking positive steps to be more inclusive and representative of all members. Genice Rhodes -Reed pointed out that Jim Butler, of IBM, who is an African -American, is this year's LRCC president, and that his appointment is indicative of the inclusive direction in which the Chamber is headed. Genice Rhodes -Reed explained that the Human Relations component and Human Resources department of the City were combined in the early 1990's to become the Human Relations and Community Resources Department. The new, joint department is responsible for Affirmative Action compliance, as well as Equal Opportunity Employment compliance in the City Of Lansing. She stated that the current representation of minorities is dismal and that there is no strategic movement to ensure a change in the pattern. By way of example, she pointed out that most of city budget dollars are targeted at construction costs and that there is a relatively small number of minority -owned businesses in the trade. She emphasized the need to recruit outside of Lansing to encourage minority construction workers. Genice met with Cordell Henderson, Principal at the Hill Center of the Lansing School District, to discuss ways in which to encourage minority students in the school district to pursue trades where hiring opportunities are great. She reported that the department has secured grants for services to the homeless primarily and also provides supportive housing &t emergency services. Doak Bloss, a prominent local grantwriter, is writing grants for the department. Currently the Human Relations and Community Resources Department is involved in providing insurance for those for whom it's unaffordable. Joan Jackson Johnson praised the department saying that Genice minimized the positive effects of her department; they have risen to immediate needs of the community amazingly well. Councilmember Meyer concurred and asked how the Human Relations and Community Resources department reaches out to the region. He pointed out the need to identify strategies that address the entire area, not just confinement to the City of Lansing. He emphasized that the lack of minority business procurement is not necessarily a city governmental initiative; there's a serious need to look beyond. An intrinsic need for an assessment of the region of all business exists; a measure to aid in gauging progress. Herb Yaminishi said that the Lansing Police Department's racial profiling report should go beyond our city's police department. He suggested bringing in surrounding suburban police departments to buy into this regional issue. He pointed out that by addressing racism as early as the school classroom affects how folks look at the city. Co -Chair Bryanton reported that he and Co -Chair Sharon Peters have asked Paulette Granberry Russell and Beverly Beasley Knight to work with them in preparing the final report of the task force. Councilmembers were asked for their expectations in what they are looking for in the final report. Representative Murphy indicated that he's looking for a 4 or 5 page overview. He sees a need to be candid and identify the needs, while simultaneously being respectful of putting anyone in a politically embarrassing situation. The National League of Cities and City of Lansing acknowledge that this is not a problem isolated in the city, but also a regional problem to be acknowledged and tackled. Joan Bauer said that she expects the final document that verify whether or not there is a problem. Is there racism in Lansing? She's looking for a statement of status from the group; an assessment. It's not a document that is expected to be particularly indepth because of the time constraints. She's also hoping for definite recommendations, realizing that there will be limited dollars with which to work. She hopes that the task force will recommend using funds for training and dialogs for the community. She wants to see next steps defined; what do we do next? What roles does the City play? Councilmember Benavides confirmed the commitment and responsibility to the citizenry that all are treated equally and fairly. He stated that a key component for the City is the implementation of the recommendations and strongly recommended that an implementation committee be established which will ensure that addressing racism will be ongoing. He discounted the integrity of going through the motions of simply filing a document. He emphasized that accountability and funding need to be implemented and ensured. He suggested that annual reporting is a possibility from intergovernmental components and that, if done well, we could provide what would prove to be a statewide model. Councilmember Meyers emphasized the need to get the real substance of the issue on the table before worrying about funding. He pointed out the seriousness of recognizing the regional nature of racism. He questioned whether or not the predominately white suburbs will buy into being a part of the solution. He said that the city has "bitten the racial profiling bullet hard," but asked, "Where is the sheriff?" This is a more regionalized problem; not simply an isolated issue attributed exclusively to the City. He stated that the ongoing implementation is partly ascribed to how to imbed fairness and equity culturally within the region. He said that while it's not easy, there's a serious need to move beyond the acceptably "normal" means of approach. Summer Hallwood of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce asked, "How do you ensure suburban buy -in?" She pointed out that the options; that of approaching a regional buy -in, or the possibility of having the city conduct a pilot program. She specified that the initiative needs to be well publicized and positive and, by those very attributes, will bring on buy -in. Co -Chair Bryanton indicated that there's a need to begin with outside leaders, i.e., St. Johns, Dewitt, etc. He said that the regional summits which Genice Rhodes Reed had referred to could be a possibility; not necessarily an avenue that would be easy, but doable. He suggested that the initiative could possibly come under the purview of the Human Relations and Community Resources department. Councilmember Benavides emphasized that independence is going to be important. If a regionalized initiative is to be pursued, it must not be tied into local politics. Reverend Kirklin Hall invited community leaders for to be the first to volunteer for training or first to be the first to approach the table to give input for an acceptable agenda. Co -Chair Bryanton reponded that it's likely too late to back up for input; this is specifically a City of Lansing initiative, which doesn't necessarily forgo broadening the recommendations of the report to suggest that key leaders be approached. Herb Yaminishi suggested .that the task force consider looking into forming an independent entity which would provide the monitoring and coordination with a regionwide scope and build upon a variety of training programs. He said that we've learned that no one particular training is the answer; all of those presented to the task force have benefits and strong points. He said that perhaps forming an initiative similar to that of the Grand Rapids Institute, with a buy -in of involvement and funding from foundations and organizations in the community is a viable beginning. He stated that, ultimately, it will have to be an institutionalized effort which recognizes the ever changing population. He asked how we monitor that and address racism issues on a regular basis. You can't have a strictly volunteer operation that doesn't address the broader issue. The history 'of the experience of the Coalition for Community Concerns is an example of what can't be done. Councilmember Benavides indicated that leadership is at risk. He stated that when you target the Lansing School District or Lansing Community College or the City of Lansing, it's difficult to take the hard line. We are at the point where it is necessary that we implement change. Co -Chair Bryanton said that many have been energized and encouraged by the prolific forces of this task force's members. He suggested that the potential exists to expand the focus to include regional representation. He cautioned the group that this is a political minefield - one that will be subject to the same dynamics and exposure as the Coalition for Community Concerns.. B1 Councilmember Meyer reinforced the need for the system to intellectually look at issue, rather than emphasizing the possibilities of political capital; there's an inherent need to institutionalize the mission, and then move forward toward the regional approach. The task force has a mission and a call to facilitation to move the initiative through, and to be able to accomplish the vision. He asked if Lansing can do what Grand Rapids is doing and how do we ensure that training and education be ongoing and substantive? Summer Hallwood asked if the task force has explored the possibility of pursuing any grants. Bill Druline stated that it's perplexing as to how you go about changing such a regional problem that is really individual. How do you change individuals? He asked if the primary emhasis will be on training/education. Co -Chair Bryanton emphasized that Train the Trainer, a permanent resource in the area, has provided thought -provoking actions in other communities that literally change people's lives forever. Monica Zuckowski pointed out that the Grand Rapids Initiative was spearheaded by the business community. The Institute focuses on upper management and clearly, that has been a successful approach to get the ball rolling. Peer pressure was an interesting method of approach. She mentioned that the Lansing Police Department has taken on the racial profiling issue from top down; they've clearly presented a perfect example of the importance of the need for regional training; the issue affects all citizens of the Greater Lansing area. She affirmed her opinion that the training approach of top leaders was a great thing to do. Paulette Granberry Russell made mention of building on the idea of an Institute. The goal, as Bill Druliner said, is to change individuals; that's the key. External funding is a more neutral way of approach. She referred to the intellectual capital at MSU and LCC - locally there's a plethora of scholars who are skilled at getting grant dollars; there's likely resources available to explore. She knows that,. MSU receives funding dollars for research in race. There may already be funding available that needs a host. She emphasized the importance of establishing clear parameters that can be explored in the report. The next steps will need to be an exploratory approach to globally structured. She said that she's curious about what the other members are looking for, but feels there's a strong consensus on the need for training. Assistant Chief Andy George wants an outcome for investment of time spent on task force. He said that the training piece for key leaders in the region may be Step 1 and indicated that we can't solve the problems of the region within the confines of this task force. He suggested that Step 2 is to identify those leaders, train them, and have high expectations of them sharing what they've learned with their workforce. He asked the question, "What do the key players want to commit to?" Queen McMiller said that, as an educator, she strongly believes in training, but in the area of undoing racism, sustainability is a very important aspect. She knows of individuals who have participated in training, who came out of it, and continued to engage in the same behaviors. Outcomes are an important issue. She asked what it is that we really want to accomplish. Training may not impact behavior. Is it awareness, self -assessment... what are we looking at to help individuals within the community change their behavior? She said that paradigm shift is difficult in a lifetime for many. What can we realistically accomplish? We can train without question. But, how are we going to measure the impact in the community? Sustainability. We need to find a means to generate enthusiasm: from the big players. Using LCC as an example, she asked how the employer can be assessed as to whether or not they are really committed to the concept. Send 2 or 3 folks for training will not solve the problem. Deans need to be trained and they, in turn, need to cause a trickle -down effect. She likes the concept of an Institute, but questioned whether there would be strong and positive attendance each time an institute is conducted. Do we invite others to the table each time? She would like to clearly identify what training will do for LCC. Noel Coppico said that the task force has produced many grand ideas at this table from day one and that he continues to encourage the use of dialog circles because of the evidence supporting their success. He noted that most individuals were highly engaged. Tenacity and continuation are key to ending racism. Chief Mark Alley concurs that you have to start at top of organizations. He referred back to the story of the minority Santa Christmas wrapping paper on her office door that Dr. Sharon Banks told at the initial meeting. He said that if we aren't looking at the kids in the schools now, how are we going to get long-range understanding of racism, see how it affects society, and effectively end it. We can change some folks, but not all. Working on changing them early - targeting'the kids in school - is an important beginning step. Geneva Smith asked where the work of the task force is headed. She said that she's still not quite sure. It's easy to talk the talk, how are we going to walk the walk? Throughout the sessions, there's been a lot of talk, but what are we really going to do? She's looking for positive action and moving ahead. She said that while some adults are workable, starting with youngsters is key. She's been frustrated in the past on other task forces to see that recommendations are not implemented; it can become a mere "going through the motions" exercise and a waste of all participants' time. Follow through is necessary. She said that she's willing to work to implement change, but not just push it off on a department and set it aside; that's a waste of all members' time. She asked if we're really serious about an institute. She pointed out that while volunteers are important in any initiative, they don't always determine success,..paid staff is necessary to see the recommendations through to implementation. Joan Jackson Johnson feels that the institutional concept is key. She commended Chief Alley for being right on target in specifying that the work must begin with school -aged kids. She emphasized the philosophy that education and training make a valid attempt to reach individuals. It's not necessarily important as to the numbers of individuals whose behaviors are changed, but that, through education, change is initiated. Monica Zuckowski indicated that there's a vast array of ethnic and cultural groups in the Greater Lansing regional area. She reaffirmed Joan Jackson Johnson's recommendation. She also said that some folks think that there isn't a racism problem in our community and suggested that the report should -list all of the rich cultural resources available in the City of Lansing. Genice Rhodes -Reed specified that there are two paradigms here and, clearly, a need to clarify for ourselves where we are going. Institutes are one way to address racism. Policies and Procedures also have to be scrutinized and that comes under the National League of Cities' realm. Regional assessment is necessary. There needs to be an ability to measure any change we bring about. It's important to assess the need first and then identify steps for change. She agrees with Queen McMiller in that outcomes are extremely important. There needs to exist a means to evaluate successes: 1 Co -Chair Mike Bryanton thanked all the members of the task force for their participation. He will be out of town and unable to attend the next and final session of the task force. He said that we have certainly produced lots to think about. He indicated that the next session will be entirely geared to brainstorming to establish the focus of the final report. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.