Can we talk? Racial equity in ATX Becoming Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

1. Can we talk?Racial equity in ATXBecoming Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable February 13, 2019 ASHTON CUMBERBATCH JR. VIRGINIA A. CUMBERBATCH JAY HAILEY

2. PRINCIPLES OF THE DAY • 1) Don’t attain information without taking responsibility for transformation • 2) Don’t mistake the system (workshop) as the solution • 3) Don’t conflate discomfort with being unsafe • 4) Do challenge yourself to listen and learn • 5) Do bring your full (authentic) selves to the conversation

3. UNDERSTANDING THE ATX CONTEXT • Austin and the United States are undergoing rapid change and the impact on black and Latino communities is arguably socially, politically and spatially displacing such spaces, further impacting traditionally underserved communities. • We acknowledge these challenges as an opportunity for individuals and institutions to intentionally shift their internal and external narrative to drive diversity, inclusion and equity through authentic, intentional and ongoing storytelling.

5. Austin, a City Always divided

6. Austin, a City Always divided • Evolution of a ‘Negro District’ • In Austin, the strategy to isolate minorities came in the form of the Koch and Fowler city plan, which in 1928 proposed the creation of a “Negro District” — making it the only part of the city where African-Americans could access schools and other public services. • Koch and Fowler also proposed that the district have the city’s weakest zoning restrictions, allowing the development of “a number of slightly objectionable industrial uses” — essentially, any use that wasn’t specifically outlawed.

7. "There has been considerable talk in Austin, as well as other cities, in regard to the race segregation problem. This problem cannot be solved legally under any zoning law known to us at present. Practically all attempts of such have been proven unconstitutional. In our studies in Austin we have found that the Negroes are present in small numbers, in practically all sections of the city, excepting the area just east of East Avenue and south of the City Cemetery. This area seems to be all Negro population. It is our recommendation that the nearest approach to the solution of the race segregation problem will be the recommendation of this district as a Negro district. This will eliminate the necessity of duplication of white and black schools, white and black parks, and other duplicate facilities." 1928 City Plan: Austin, Texas

8. “We hold these Truths to be self evident, that all Men [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...”The Declaration of Independence

9. Austin, a City Always divided █ White█ Black█ Hispanic/Other (1980-90)▬ East Avenue/I-35

10. C O N T E X T (STORY #1) CONVENIENT TRUTH Austin, Texas: • #1 Fastest Growing Economy re large metro area (Austin-Round Rock) (2017) • #9 Best Place to Retire  • #6 Among Best Big Cities to Live in  • #8th Most Creative City in U.S.  • #1 on Super Cool U.S. Cities to Visit  • #9 on Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family  • #1 Best Place to Live in the USA  (USN&WR 2017+2018)

11. C O N T E X T (STORY #1) INCONVENIENT TRUTH Austin, Texas: • #1 City for economic Segregation (income + education + occupation) • #1 City for Suburbanization of Poverty • Youth Poverty Rate = 21% • Only large MSA to lose Black population, as overall population grows

13. ”Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

14. 100 “How much does race influence your daily life?” %

15. C O N T E X T (STORY #1) RACIAL EQUITY Austin, Texas: • Race not be the only cause for disparities, but it is the factor that those in power/authority have failed to adequately acknowledge or address. • Race continues to be systemically ignored by leadership • We must face our historic and contemporary complicities in order to create change and disrupt oppressive systems

17. Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism & Systemic Inequities 2017 Co- Chairs Collette Pierce Burnette, PhD / Pres. HTU Paul Cruz, PHD / Superintendent, Austin ISD

18. Background • Mayor’s Charge: Identify recommendations to dismantle institutional racism & systemic inequities in Austin region (6 months) • Convened Steering Committee & Working Groups • Working Groups: Criminal & Civil Justice; Finance, Banking, & Industry; Education; Health; and Real Estate & Housing • Final report submitted to/received by Mayor/City Council (April 9) • Focus on next steps to review and implement the Task Force’s over 200 recommendations

19. IRSI Process • 250 RECOMMENDATIONS • PRIORIZATION VIA IBM Design Thinking Workshop June 2018

20. FEEDBACK TO DATE 89 Apple 69 Amazon 68 Jet Blue 38 Google

21. www.leadershipaustin.org

22. Equity A belief that recognizes that the playing field is unequal and assures that  all have opportunity and support to succeed.  

23. Equidad ATX Thriving Communities Everywhere. No Barriers. No Boundaries.

24. STATUS QUO IS NOT AN OPTION Gentrification & displacement Lasting effects of institutional racism and systemic inequities cannot be overcome without a focused, holistic, and sustained public/private approach. has pushed the dividing line further East and displaced vulnerable long-time residents.

25. Equidad ATX is a catalyst for collaboration among neighborhood leaders and community stakeholders to accelerate holistic, equitable + sustainable development in Austin’s Eastern Crescent, with a focus on mixed-income housing, world-class education (PK-career) + health and wellness. Our Mission

26. Purpose Built Communities East Lake Success Story Rebirth of a Neighborhood The blueprint for what we envision is the revitalization of the East Lake neighborhood in Atlanta under the leadership of Tom Cousins.

27. OUR STRATEGY Equidad ATX is a catalyst for collaboration High Quality Education Mixed Income Housing Health and Wellness among neighborhood leaders and community stakeholders to accelerate holistic, equitable, sustainable development in Austin's Eastern Crescent, with a focus on:

28. Community Colony Park Neighborhood Association Colony Park/Lakeside Community Development Corporation City of Austin Travis County Our Strategic Partners Commerce Health & Wellness Education UT-Dell Medical School Population Health Department Central Health YMCA of Austin Greater Austin Black, Hispanic, and Asian Chambers of Commerce Rodeo Austin UFCU Austin Area Urban League Texas Capital Bank LBJ School of Public Affairs Huston Tillotson University Greater Austin Community Schools Coalition Austin ISD Manor ISD Del Valle ISD 18

29. OUR OPPORTUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD Colony Park/Lakeside

30. PBC NETWORK (22/21CITIES)

31. Regional Context +1 23 987 6554 kalle@email.com

32. Colony Park District +1 23 987 6554 kalle@email.com

33. Equidad ATX Founding Board Members Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr. Esq. Barbara Scott JayHailey Volunteer Policy Advisor for Mayor Steve Adler Former Executive, The Seton Healthcare Family Former Police Monitor for City of Austin Board Member: HousingWorks; E3 Alliance Past President, Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) Past Chair, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce McGinnis Lochridge, LLP President, Colony Park/Lakeside Neighborhood Association Colony Park resident for over 40 years Retired after 37-year career with Southwestern Bell Communication & South Central Bell Real estate lawyer in Austin for 50 years Immediate Past Chair, AARO Social Equity Committee Mayor's Task Force on Institutional Racism & Systemic Inequities Urban Land Institute Member & Past Chair-ULI Austin 17

34. Thank You Equidad ATX +1 23 987 6554 kalle@email.com www.fabrikam.com

35. "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

37. QUESTIONS?