Racial Equity Guiding Concepts

Transcription

1 Racial Equity Guiding Concepts A NNUA L CONVENING MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Oct. 2-4, 2013 Grand Rapids, Mich. W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION

2 INTRODUCTION: These guiding concepts were developed in response to requests from communities and grantees about how to apply a racial equity lens in their work. Recognizing that these are universal concepts, great care was taken in selecting the eight symbols included in this pamphlet. The goal is to use these concepts to help frame and guide a conversation during the W.K. Kellogg Foundation s Michigan Communities in Action Annual Convening. These symbols, representing a diverse mix of cultures, signify the spirit of each of the convening s racial equity guiding concepts. When looked at

3 individually, each concept can be seen as proprietary This is mine, this is what I do, this is my territory. When taken as a whole, however, each concept appears as a strong link in an interconnected chain that offers a seamless web of commitment. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: There was deep intention in linking the symbols and the guiding concepts to make sure they are respectful of the communities they represent. A cultural anthropologist guided this process to ensure the history and use of these symbols was respected. We would like to acknowledge the power of these symbols and the communities they represent. We are inspired by the value they add for all of us.

4 STARTING NOW There are no perfect set of conditions that will make it the right time to take action. Now is the right time to take action. BEAR PAW: COURAGE Just as the bear hibernates during the winter, the bear reminds us that we must awaken and seek whatever opportunities are around us. To do what is right. ANISHNAABE MICHIGAN TRIBE Awakening - From dream into reality - From a stupor into clarity

5 BUILDING TRUST We know that creating safe spaces and deliberate opportunities or actions and conversations that reveal people s similarities and differences can lead to relationships built on trust. We believe building trust is critical to making progress towards achieving equity. CUAUHTLI; AZTEC EAGLE The foundation of trust who knows the underworld, ground, trees, skies and heaven.

6 RECOGNIZING FALLIBILITY Because human decisions are imperfect, strategies to promote social justice and equity will be monitored and assessed to track successes, identify mistakes and seek holistic solutions. BEE Day of Forgiveness and Rectitude Ajmac (Mayan) BE (BAY) PATH OR ROAD - Forgiveness (both to oneself and to others) - Journey (not linear, but circular)

7 PRIORITIZING LOVE AND HUMILITY The Michigan team s perspective is that We are with you in this work. Community transformation for equity is about humility. Also, we realize that this work is not one specific action, but a journey we are on together a journey with challenges and failures, opportunities and victories. CENTEREDNESS; HUMILITY TOGETHER WITH STRENGTH - Dwennimmen - Harmony with continuity and change

8 SUPPORTING RACIAL HEALING The racial trauma stemming from a legacy of structural inequity and oppression must be acknowledged, confronted, addressed and healed for equitable transformation to be sustainable. This work requires an understanding of the history of place and the collective consciousness. KNOT OF RECONCILIATION Peacemaking, Reconciliation Mpatapo TO BIND, TO SUPPORT (EUROPEAN, CELTIC) - Healing through shared (whether allies or adversaries) sacrifice - Unity through binding mediation

9 CREATING SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE STRATEGIC CHANGE Philanthropic investments will seek to engage communities to increase efficacy, transparency and accountability for social justice and equity while respecting cultures, traditions and values that they serve. I CHANGE OR TRANSFORM MY LIFE Transformation Sesa Wo Suban TRANSFORMATION - Empowerment

10 PROMOTING SELF-DETERMINATION We support communities inherent ability to resolve social problems and create equitable systems where all children and families thrive. Beaver reminds us to act on our dreams and make them reality. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people. ANISHNAABE MICHIGAN TRIBE Wisdom - Nothing happens for which you are not prepared - There are no unintended consequences

11 ELIMINATING STRUCTURAL INEQUITY AND REDUCING IMPLICIT BIAS Contemporary systems of inequality and marginalization must be transformed to dismantle imbedded inequities that impede fairness and progress for all communities, especially for vulnerable communities of color. CIRCLE/MEDICINE WHEEL - All-encompassing and inclusive within when combined

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