History Months and Future Days

Black History Month is over, but Black Future is being shaped today and every day. It’s being shaped by systemic inequities - current and historical - and by a million seemingly small choices made daily by educational institutions, homeowners associations, public officials and employers.

In the latest "Opportunity Wrap," Opportunity@Work’s Martin Evelyn reflects on ways to address systemic racism and inequities faced by those from underrepresented backgrounds in the U.S. labor market and workforce: not only from historical injustices, but from hiring practices today. 

• Clair Minson, LCPC, NCC (she/her) argues the history of racial bias in workforce development has left current workforce practitioners unable to address the challenges faced by a diverse workforce. She recommends members of the workforce ecosystem acknowledge and address the structural racism that still exists if they hope to build an equitable labor market. https://buff.ly/2O5Jxx6
• Minorities and women are underrepresented in green infrastructure jobs, excluding them from a well-paying and fast-growing field. Experts believe local governments should sponsor green jobs training programs for these underrepresented groups to increase diversity. https://buff.ly/3bH7ymi
• Arizona’s state legislature passed a bill allowing the state’s community colleges to offer four-year bachelor's degrees to students. If it becomes law, the legislation could significantly increase the affordability and accessibility of a bachelor's degree to students who otherwise would not – or could not – pursue the option. https://buff.ly/2O2t90c

As we work to rewire the U.S. job market and rebuild America, we must acknowledge that racism and inequities are pre-existing conditions. Now is the time to change hiring practices and expand opportunities so people who can do the job get the job. Can we do it? Yes, we can! 

All the best,

Byron