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BLACK LEADERS PROGRESS UPDATE: DECEMBER 22, 2020 Travis and Williamson Counties
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
PROGRESS UPDATE:DECEMBER 22, 2020
Travis and Williamson Counties
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
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The following tables anddocuments have beenupdated to reflect thework completed as of
December 2020.
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
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O U R P R I O R I T I E SWe know it is our responsibility as leaders in the Black community toidentify and solve issues that affect us today and our future. TheBlack Leaders Collective has spent six months working on ourpriorities and actions for 2020.
The Priorities and Action plan work was done collaboratively withineight of our Issue Groups, which are made up of Black leaderspassionate about change, reform, and reimagining our future. Startingin June 2020, these groups have met to define the issues we wantedto address. The BLC has worked from this platform through the endof 2020 and use it as a springboard for the visioning work we will dotogether in 2021 to further address breaking down systems of whitesupremacy in Travis and Williamson counties.
We invite you to join us. Sign up to participate in a BLC Issue Groupthat speaks to your interests and expertise. This is our work. Wemust own it and do it together.
We also want to say thank you to all of our leaders who contributedto the creation of this document, and to Jamarr Brown for helping todesign a strategic planning process for us to follow.
Thank you for your support and for our continued work together.
With love,Terry P. Mitchell, FounderShuronda Robinson, Moderator
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
C O L L A B O R A T O R SAmber Watts, Austin Justice CoalitionAlexander Williams, Aurara in WaterAutumn Caviness, Huston-Tillotson UniversityAyeola Williams, Austin Black Lawyers Association Bill Wallace, Tomorrow's Promise FoundationBobbie Mack, Goal Chasers Brother Robert Muhammad, Nation of Islam Bud Donald Dallas, Community Leader Carol Hadnot, Austin Area Black Contractors AssociationCarre Adams, Carver MuseumCiara Parks, Black Lawyers AssociationJonathan 'Chaka' Mahone, Riders Against the Storm, DAWAChas Moore, Austin Justice CoalitionCherrelle Vanbrakle, Public Health AdvocateChris Harris, Community Leader Cluren Williams, Community leaderDr. Colette Burnette, Huston-Tillotson UniversityDr. Courtney Robinson, Excellence and Advancement FoundationEcleamus Ricks, Jr., Pflugerville Black Business BuildersElle Smith, Central Texas GSA Coalition | Queering EducationEric Byrd, Community Leader Fatima Mann, Community Advocacy & Healing ProjectGregory Harrington, Black Professionals AllianceGreg Smith, Austin Revitalization Authority Heath Creech, Soulciti and African American Leadership InstituteHope Green, Emojis Grilled CheeseJamarr Brown, Black Austin DemocratsJanice Omadeke, The Mentor MethodJereka Thomas-Hockaday, PhD., Central Texas Allied Health InstituteJoi Chevallier, The Cook's Nook and WomenWinK Paul Wallace, Community leaderKelene Blake-Fallon, Black Mamas ATXKendra Garrett, Austin Justice CoalitionLarry Wallace Sr, Health Advocate
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
C O L L A B O R A T O R SMaria Brown, Hearts2HealMarva Overton, Austin's Alliance for African American HealthMeme Styles, MEASUREMichael Ward Jr., Austin Urban Technology MovementHon. Sheryl Cole, Texas House of RepresentativesHon. Natasha Harper Madison, City of AustinHon. Rudolph “Rudy” K. Metayer, City of PflugervilleHon. Jeff Travillion, Travis CountyHon. Dr. Larry Wallace Jr., City of ManorHon. Dr. Kevin Michael Foster, Austin Independent School DistrictHon. Tiffanie Harrison, Round Rock Independent School DistrictHon. Anne Weir, City of ManorMichael Blaylark, Community LeaderNakeenya Wilson, Huston-Tillotson UniversityNelson Linder, NAACP AustinNook Turner, Jump On It | Black Austin CoalitionPamela Benson Owens, Six SquarePastor Lea Walker-ClarkPriscilla A. Hale, allgoQuincy Dunlap, Austin Area Urban LeagueReese Herd II, Dream Out LoudRose Smith, Black Women In BusinessRoxanne Evans, East Austin Coalition for Quality EducationRyan Coaxum, BankerShannon Jones, Public Health AdvocateSheri Marshall, U Move It We Clean ItShuronda Robinson, Adisa CommunicationsSis. Christina Muhammad, 10K Fearless First Responders | Nation of IslamSteven Brown, Givens BoardTam Hawkins, Greater Austin Black Chamber of CommerceTarik Daniels, What's in the Mirror | Center of Health EmpowermentTerrance Green, UT Department of Educational Leadership & PolicyTerry P. Mitchell, Serial EntrepreneurTiffanie Harrison, Radical Equity FundTerri Broussard Williams, Movement MakerTommy Wyatt, The VillagerTyra Clark, TXCROSS, No More No MásVirginia Cumberbatch, Rosa RebellionWendolyn Washington, Business OwnerWinston Williams, Black Professional AllianceYasmine Smith, Attorney
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I S S U E G R O U P :C R I M I N A L J U S T I C E & P U B L I C S A F E T Y
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1 :Advocate for thereallocation of APDbudget to socialservices.
Action 1.1: Amplify the calls bythe Austin Justice Coalition for$100 million to be reallocatedto public health, socialservices, civil rights, andprograms that are Black-led.
Action 1.2: Educate Blackleaders on the 2021 FY City ofAustin budget, process andhow to provide input that isBlack-centered
Priority #2: Raiseawareness ofservices by 10KFirst Responders interms of localresponse team
Action 2.1: Support the fundingfor the creation of a website,need to know what’s needed inorder to find funding andresources
Action 2.2: Promote the work of10K First Responders throughBLC networks, platforms
Action 2.3: 10K capacity buildingbudget proposal in order toprepare for funding
Priority #3: Supportthe existingcommunity widecall for change inleadership in APD
Action 3.1: BLC Public Safetyissue group to have a call withSpencer Cronk (CHAS to set upcall) Action
3.2: Submit a joint-letter to AustinCity Manager Spencer Cronk fromthe BLC Leadership Team(contingent on call with Cronk)
Complete
In ProgressTalks areongoing
with AustinCity
Managerand Council
CompleteNext Step:Meetingwith APD
Chief in 1stquarter 2021
Complete
In Progress
In Progress
Complete
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Final Action Items
I S S U E G R O U P :C R I M I N A L J U S T I C E & P U B L I C S A F E T Y
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #4: Promoteself-defensetraining andprograms that areBlack-led for Blackleaders andmembers to be safein the community
Action 4.1: Form partnerships withBlack trainers and teachers whoprovide self defense, negotiate adeal to where BLC members willget a discount or additionalservices.
Action 4.2: BLC to serve in acapacity building grant topropose funding for communitytraining from the $47milreallocation budget
Priority #5: Supportthe creation of CivilRights Office forthe City of Austin
Action 5.1: Ask each BLC memberto engage with their electedCouncil Member or CouncilMembers where they canleverage relationships to vote forthe approval of the budget itemcreating the Civil Rights OfficeAction
5.2: Request a briefing withCandace Cooper on the CivilRights Office to ensureaccountability and awareness
Priority #6:Justifying as muchof $47milreallocation toblack safety orgs
Action 6.1: Advocate funding forCrisis + Violence Intervention, 10KFirst Responders, neighborhoodaccountability training
NoProgress
CompleteNext Step:
Monitorhiring
processand workwith newdirector
In Progress
Complete
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
I S S U E G R O U P :P U B L I C H E A L T H
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status
Priority #1: Addressthe lack ofrepresentation andcultural proficiencyand responsivenessin leadership atCentral Health
Action 1.1: Present a joint letter fromBLC that addresses concerns abouthiring, contracting practices at aCentral Health full board meeting(4th Wednesday of every month),City of Austin Council meeting, andCommissioner Court meeting
Action 1.2: Hold meeting with CentralHealth Board, and leadership todevelop plan of action to addressconcerns, particularly in the EasternCrescent area of Austin/TravisCounty
Action 1.3: Recommendappointments to Central HealthBoard by the Black LeadersCollective
Action 1.4: Assign a liaison(s) toCentral Health from BLC to followthe progress on this priority byCentral Health. We see this asongoing work.
Action 1.5: Educate and engageelected officials, Public Healthofficials, community members andleaders, including parents,educators, churches, etc. aboutdeficiencies at CH and plans toaddress them
Notes
Next Step:Recruit
potentialnew boardmembersfor Central
Health
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
I S S U E G R O U P :P U B L I C H E A L T H
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #2:Advocate foradditionalfunding andresources toAustin PublicHealth,particularly inthe areas offood insecurity,mental andmaternal health
Action 2.1: Educate Black leaders onthe 20-21 FY City of Austin budgetitems that address food insecurityand mental health.
Action 2.2: Ask each BLC member toengage with their Council Member orCouncil Members where they canleverage relationships to vote for theapproval of the budget item thatcreates the Food Sustainabilityecosystem plan
Action 2.3: Encourage sign on topetition/support of Food Insecurityfunding item in 20-21FY budget (20-21FY budget item)
Action 2.4: Work with local foodeducators, farmers, and grocerystores in targeted areas to provideculturally appropriate cooking andshopping classes to underservedcitizens in these stores on a routinebasis to enhance and improve healthoutcomes. Additionally, helpingthese same populations understandhow to shop and read food labels toimprove health and reduce disease.
Complete
Complete
Complete
In Progress
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Final Action Items
Action 3.1: Host COVID-19/CARESbriefing with Black LeadersCollective to promote
Action 3.2: Promote the RISE Funds,which provides direct cashassistance (20-21FY budget item)
Action 3.3: BLC-led drive to stock theDisaster Resource Pantry, and adoptthe Charitable Organization Permit toease pantry permitting and costs inorder to expand pantry availabilityand access.
Action 3.4: Support the developmentof a Minority Male Health Clinic thatfocuses on screening, education,mental health and primary careservices. Life expectancy is thelowest among African Americans andHispanic males who receive limitedto no services that focus on them.The focus should be on multi-generational male populations.
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :P U B L I C H E A L T H
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #3: SupportBlack-led programsthat provide directaid/supports inareas of public,mental health, andsexual health
Priority #4:Creation of theAustin PublicHealthCommission.
Action 4.1: Write the bullets forsubcommittee; Write resolutions
Action 4.2: Request Council to createa public health commission andidentify a number of commissioners.
Action 4.3: Educate leaders on theimportance of skills needed andencourage representation on thePublic Health Commission.
Priority #5:Justifying as muchof $47mil Policebudget reallocationto black health orgs.
(SEE PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE GROUPPRIORITY #6)
Complete
Next Step:Continuefocus onMinority
MaleHealthClinic
launch
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
In Progress
No Progress
No Progress
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Final Action Items
Priority #2: Buildpartnerships withcommunity andeducationorganizations toprovide resources toparents, students, andfamilies that willensure qualityeducation during theCOVID-19 pandemic
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :E D U C A T I O N
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1:Challenge schooldistricts in CentralTexas to reduceSROs (schoolresource officers)
Action 1.1: Work with other organizersto stop the funding and developmentof Round Rock ISD Police Department
Action 1.2: Research and publicize thedata related to disciplinary practicesand the intersections between SpecialEducation and lack of participation inadvanced courses/magnet schools inCentral Texas school districts relatedto Black students.
Action 1.3: Educate and engageelected officials, school boardmembers, community members andleaders, including parents, educators,churches, etc. about the use of SROs,disciplinary practices, mental health,evidenced based practices to improveacademic achievement.
Action 2.1: Identify organizationsthat are already providing services,planning to continue those services
Action 2.2: Provide a resourceguide related to COVID-19
Priority #3: Work withHuston-Tillotson toincrease capacity fortraining andmentoring ofteachers
Action 3.1: Assessment of what HTUneeds to increase teacher trainingcapacity
In Progress
Next Step:Continuemonthlymeetingswith AISD.Establishmeetings
withRRISD.
In Progress
Complete
No Progress
No Progress
In Progress
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Final Action Items
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :E D U C A T I O N
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #4: Workwith Central Texasschool districts torecruit andgraduate moreBlack teachers
Action 4.1: Identify the processesand pipelines for recruitment byeach school district’s HumanResource officers and Equity Office
Action 4.2: Identify affinity groupsfor Black teachers and how thedistricts supports those groups
Action 4.3: Add longevity to blackeducators in their careers
Priority #5: Cultivatethe sustainability ofcommunity-basedprograms that focuson youthdevelopment thathave less than $500Kin revenue
Action 5.1: Identify communitybased groups and communityleaders that are providing youthdevelopment services
Action 5.2: Initiate online trainingsand ways to for community-basedinitiatives to formalize nonprofitstatus, with the goal of supportingat least one group in 2020 (i.eMission Capital)
No Progress
No Progress
No Progress
In Progress
No Progress
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Final Action Items
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :E C O N O M I C + W O R K F O R C E
D E V E L O P M E N T
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1: Promoteand connect BLCmembers to existingtraining programsthat focus on how todo business withpublic-sector entities
Action 1.1: Conduct roundtablewith public sector SMBE, WBE, UTprograms in Central Texas tounderstand barriers to Blackbusiness participation Action 1.2: Develop a training onhow to gain certification andtaking action toward biddingpublic-sector contracting traininginitiative rollout
Priority #2: Supportthe creation of apolicy thatintroduces equityinto procurementprocesses for CentralTexas government
Next Steps:Continuetalks with
publicsector
resourceoffices
In Progress
In Progress
No Progress
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :E C O N O M I C + W O R K F O R C E
D E V E L O P M E N T
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #3:Encourageparticipation in COADisparity Study byBlack-ownedbusinesses in CentralTexas
Action 3.1: Develop database ofBlack-owned businesses andshare information with them onDisparity Study (TAAACC)
Action 3.2: Ask BLC members toattend Fall 2020 Disparity Studysessions*should allow the studyto make certain guides andrecommendations, to be used forbudget 2021
Priority #4: Influencethe positive change in how Black-lednonprofits are fundedby individuals,companies, andfoundations in CentralTexas
Action 4.1: Conduct a study of theofferings, impact and needs ofBlack-led nonprofits in CentralTexas
Action 4.2: Tell the story of ournonprofits and create a narrativearound impact and need
In Progress
In Progress
Next Step:Have talk
with ColetteHolt who isin charge ofconducting
disparitystudy
In Progress
In Progress
Next Step:Have non-profits fill
out surveyby end ofJanuary2021
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
Final Action Items
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1:Transparency &Interconnectivity.Transparent Data-driven equitableinitiatives
Action 1.1: Gather data alreadypublic. Look at a specific area andask where is your investmenthere? How is this going to impactwait time on routes? What planare you putting in place to ensurethe community is covered?Sidewalks, routes, route times etc.
Action 1.2: BLC to host a publicRoundtable with Capital Metro,City of Austin, CRT, PUMA, BLCand County Commissioners, andcommunity members.
Action 1.3: Have 4-5 BLCmembers strategically challengeCampo during September publicmeeting.
Action 1.4: Send a joint letterCampo, Cap Metro etc that laysout goals and expected outcomes
Priority #2: Policy -Shifting the powerdynamics and variedstructures within everynuance of creation toeffectuation andmaintenance so thatthe public good isdistributed equitably.Make sure Blackpeople are at the table.
Action 2.1: Have Cap Metro to giveus an EEOC assessment of everyposition, analyze the organizationto see where African Americansare placed
No Progress
Complete
No Progress
Complete
In Progress
NextStep:
Continueto followup with
EricBustosfromCap
Metro
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #3: EducateBlack leaders andblack Austin on theNovember mobilityand Project Connectmeasures *culturalhistory
Action 3.1: make presentation offindings for body meeting
Action 3.2: Develop and executevoter contact plan to ensure thatBLC members and supportingorganization members turn out tovote in the election in October orNovember (early voting, mail-invoting, and Election Day voting).
Complete
Complete
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Final Action Items
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :H O U S I N G & D I S P L A C E M E N T
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1: Begindevelopment of aplan to createaffordable housingfor individuals andfamilies andsupportive housingfor the Blackhomelesspopulations
Action 1.1: Compile a full andcomplete list of publicly-ownedland from the city, Travis andWilliamson County, state of Texas,Austin ISD and ISDs aroundCentral Texas that can beacquired or leased below market.
Action 1.2: Identify all BlackDevelopers and Propertymanagement and construction inCentral Texas
Action 1.3: Identify property andlandmarks that could get adesignation that could have it.
Action 1.4. Identify pre-existingsurveys around housing anddisplacement and filter throughBlack experience
Action 1.5 Establish goal forcreation of additional housingunits, recommendations for howto approach affordable housingand displacement
In Progress
In Progress
In Progress
In Progress
No Progress
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :C U L T U R E , A R T , & E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1: Supportthe development ofa fully-sourcedBlack centralizedhub/media outletthat promotesculture, arts,entertainment
Action 1.1 Explore funding modelsincluding a membership model forindividuals, businesses, etc.
Action 1.2 Launch an “If You Don’tKnow Now You Know” campaign forthe white audiences
Action 1.3 Develop database ofartists, filmmakers, creatives,entrepreneurs, arts writers(freelancers, reporters), professors
Priority #2:Organize aneffective campaignin support of theBlack Live MusicFund passage in away that ensures itis an ongoing that isexpanded annuallyto support Blackmusicians
Action 2.1 - story through Soulcitiwith call-to-action - redistributethis throughout all BLC memberchannels *site Soulciti
Action 2.2: discover what archivesCarver Museum has for blackmusic history of Austin, storymaps - see where businesseswere, where they were moved,what happened
Priority #3: Mobilizeengagement ofBlack community inthe GW CarverMuseum & CulturalCenter MasterPlanning process
Action 3.1: invite BLC to attendMaster Planning meeting set forOct 3 2020 - to let the city know
people are paying attention,accountability is required by
BLC, community at large
NextStep: Getproposal
fromHeath
Creechto Pam BensonOwens
In Progress
In Progress
In Progress
Complete
In Progress
In Progress
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Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #4: Buildcapacity of localBlack artists,creatives andentrepreneurs tostrengthen theecosystem, skillsfor our artists(legacy ATX mentorgroup)
Action 4.1: Host a “CreativeCapital” toolkit program - to helpartists build the bridge toentrepreneurship, helping artistsunderstand what pocket they arein.
Action 4.2: Secure scholarshipsfor attendees *secure sustainablefunding
Priority #5: Exploreand identify modelsto create aneconomic hubaround training,capacity building tosupport artists,creatives,entrepreneursinitiatives
Priority #6: Create avisual and artisticnarrative of BlackAustin for display*childrens book
CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :C U L T U R E , A R T , & E N T E R T A I N M E N T
No Progress
No Progress
In Progress
NextStep:
Reviewproposalwritten
byWinstonWilliams
In ProgressNext Step:
Createfunding
strategy forpublication
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CollectiveB L A C K L E A D E R S
P R I O R I T I E S & A C T I O N S
I S S U E G R O U P :P O L I C Y
Final Action Items
Priority Action Items Status Notes
Priority #1: Engagepublic toencourage Novvoting, and optionson how to vote dueto COVID-19
Action 1.1: educational content(ie. infographic, video)
Action 1.2: Project Orange dataand collaboration
Priority #2: Supportthe creation of CivilRights Office forthe City of Austin
Action 2.1: Request a briefingwith Candace Cooper on theCivil Rights Office to ensureaccountability and awareness
Complete
Next Step:Track the
hiringprogress ofthe office.
Complete
Complete
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