Today we are uplifting the next article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, 'Our Journey to a Consciousness of all' by our CEO Dr. Michael McAfee and President Ashleigh Gardere.
A quarter-century ago, PolicyLink set out on a groundbreaking mission to create a Black-led policy organization dedicated to advancing racial equity, far from the traditional power centers in Washington, DC. At the time, this idea was seen as radical and faced skepticism from those who believed that the nation wasn’t ready for such a concept, fearing that focusing on equity might overshadow discussions of equality and justice. PolicyLink's new vision demanded a broader and more inclusive approach, one that embraced equity as essential for true participation and prosperity for all.
The term "equity" has since become a staple in public discourse, with PolicyLink influencing policy changes and achieving victories across various sectors. Despite these successes, the political and social landscape has remained turbulent, with ongoing challenges highlighting the persistence of systemic inequities and ideological divisions. While progress has been made, the journey is far from complete. Our CEO Michael McAfee and President Ashleigh Gardere continue to call for a renewed commitment to our mission, urging a deep reflection on past practices and a courageous adaptation to new challenges. This requires us to reclaim "all" as the fullest expression of equity and the path to the future we envision: a society where race or zip code doesn't determine life outcomes, and where no one faces violence, poverty, hunger, or deprivation. It's about dismantling social systems that uphold oppressive hierarchies so that we may work in service of everyone's flourishing.
Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gcMjTEJB
#MultiracialDemocracy #RacialEquity #ThrivingCommunities #EquitySummit2024
We loved having you on, Angela!