 
We have choices to make everyday that reflect our
core values. February as Black History Month is an opportunity to test our
commitment to solidarity, and growing a Beloved Community in Rhode island.
Where are we? Do we see less barriers to good employment today? Are our
communities, clean safe, and thriving? In some ways yes, we have seen the
conversation of racial equity change over the last year. I know that
thousands of conversations have been launched about white privilege/ guilt,
and about basic issues -of equity.
So what does this mean for Rhode island jobs with
Justice? In short it means we can do better. Our coalition is strong and
committed yet Rhode Island's African American community is
woefully under represented in our ranks. As an African American I cannot
separate my civil rights from my rights on the job. I also cannot separate my
every day life from civil rights and labor rights. I cannot afford to have
compartments or silos for my life. If I am passed over for promotion,
if I am pulled over, if I am steered into sub-standard housing, If my children
are punished at a higher rate, if rates of asthma is exploding in my
neighborhood, if my water is poisonous, I correctly identify this as racism.
Workers of color in RI make up 21% of the work
force yet our recovery has left so many behind. African Americans,
Indigenous, South East Asian, and Latino workers earn only a fraction of that
of white workers. Unemployment in predominantly minority neighborhoods
average out to nearly 13%, more than twice that of the majority workforce.
We need to do better. We need to work for an
economy that includes every worker. Please get your church, union, or
community group to join the coalition. Please donate to ensure that the
legacy continues.
Mike Araujo Executive Director
RI Jobs With Justice.
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Friday, February 19, 2016
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