I would argue that desegregation is not the issue. The issue in Minneapolis is (and has long been) racism. In the 70's, Minneapolis came up with a desegregation plan for the schools. What happened? White flight. What causes white flight? Racism.
The Minneapolis Fire Dept. was given lots of time to comply with a federal desegrgation order, but they resisted until the last minute. Why? Racism.
The various Phillips and Near North communities are among the most integrated in the city. These neighborhoods are very, very diverse and only recently became majority non-white. So why the continued concentration of poverty? Racism.
It is not enough to strive to empower people of color, though that is a most worthy goal. White folks must *relinquish* power to those who have traditionally been marginalized. This struggle virtually destroyed the Central Neighborhood NRP group several years ago and it is a serious issue in many organizations today.
White folks in Minneapolis are still running the show for the most part. They make the rules, enforce the rules and change the rules as they see fit. Anti-racism supposes that white folks ought to give up their privilege, accept the perceptions and experiences of people of color as valid and real, and work to improve those experiences for all. This is not something that City Hall or agencies can do. This is something that individuals do, individually. This involves personal change - and that is why it is so difficult.
There are several organizations that promote anti-racism in our fair city. The YWCA, Freeport West, Sabathani and WAMM all sponsor cross-cultural dialogues, film series, speakers & trainings, all geared toward fostering an anti-racist Minneapolis. I am sure there are others as well. But the key aspect is that it all depends on individual change in action and attitude of the majority culture - that is - white folks. Racism is our problem, not the problem of those who suffer because of its affects.
You can have plans and policies which promote or even force desegregation, but there are folks (in and out of government) who will always resist, who will find the loopholes, who will sneak out the back door rather than accept true integration.
Eric Oines Lind-Bohanon North Minneapolis
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall - think of it, always."
~ Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), Agitator
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