CAN WE TALK RACIAL EQUITY IN ATX Becoming

CAN WE TALK? RACIAL EQUITY IN ATX Becoming Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable February 13, 2019 ASHTON CUMBERBATCH JR. VIRGINIA A. CUMBERBATCH JAY HAILEY

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

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.

AUSTIN, A CITY ALWAYS DIVIDED

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.

"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

“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

AUSTIN, A CITY ALWAYS DIVIDED █ White █ Black █ Hispanic/Other (1980 -90) ▬ East Avenue/I-35

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 • #8 th 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)

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

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

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

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

Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism & Systemic Inequities 2017 CO- CHAIRS COLLETTE PIERCE BURNETTE, PHD / PRES. HTU PAUL CRUZ, PHD / SUPERINTENDENT, AUSTIN ISD

BACKGROUND Mayor’s Charge: Identify recommendations to dismantle institutional racism & systemic inequities in Austin region (6 months) Convened Steering Committee & 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

IRSI PROCESS 250 RECOMMENDATIONS PRIORIZATION VIA IBM Design Thinking Workshop June 2018

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

www. leadershipaustin. org

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

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

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

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 Equidad ATX 25

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. A POWERFUL TRANSFORMATION 1995 TODAY Dilapidated, dangerous public housing project Beautiful and thriving mixed-income community Crime rate 18 x national average Violent crimes cut by 95% High school grad rate < 30% Graduation rate near 90% Employment rate 13. 5% All eligible adults are working or in job training Equidad ATX 26

OUR STRATEGY 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 High Quality Education Health and Wellness 2 Equidad ATX 7

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

OUR OPPORTUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD Colony Park/Lakeside Equidad ATX 29

PBC NETWORK (22/21 CITIES) Equidad ATX 30

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

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

Equidad ATX Founding Board Members Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr. Esq. Volunteer Policy Advisor for Mayor Steve Adler Former Executive, The Seton Healthcare Family Former Police Monitor for City of Austin Board Member: Housing. Works; E 3 Alliance Past President, Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) Past Chair, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce Mc. Ginnis Lochridge, LLP Barbara Scott Jay Hailey President, Colony Park/Lakeside Neighborhood Association Real estate lawyer in Austin for 50 years Colony Park resident for over 40 years Immediate Past Chair, AARO Social Equity Committee Retired after 37 -year career with Southwestern Bell Mayor's Task Force on Institutional Racism & Systemic Inequities Communication & South Central Bell Urban Land Institute Member & Past Chair-ULI Austin Equidad ATX 17

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

"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.

QUESTIONS?