State of Black Madison coalition sets action priorities

By Scott Gray, President and CEO o fthe Urban League of Greater Madison

The State of Black Madison Coalition hasn't rested on its laurels since the release of the groundbreaking report in April 2008. The State of Black Madison 2008: Before the Tipping Point quantified the disturbing racial disparities in the areas of criminal justice, economic well-being, education, health care, housing, and political influence and provided recommendations for closing the gaps.
First to be addressed in the newly announced action plan are the priority areas of financial well-being, education, corporate interaction, nonprofit donor development, community building, and political influence. Across these priorities runs a common theme, which allowed the coalition to identify potential strategic partners who can help directly or indirectly in closing the gaps. Over the next year, the coalition will request meetings with representatives of those potential partner entities in hopes of beginning dialogue and engaging each entity in an ongoing effort to create meaningful strategies for change.
"We feel that each potential strategic partner can play a role in closing the White-Black gap in the areas of African American job growth at both entry and professional levels], homeownership and wealth building, and the creation of viable African American businesses." says Scott Gray, coalition member and president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison.
As progress is made, the coalition and its partners will develop communication tools and measurements to show collaborations and outcomes.
In addition to strategic partnerships, the action plan calls for implementation teams. African American community building is a vital part of closing and addressing the large and complex issues Dane County Blacks face. Community participation on the implementation teams and in positive dialogue sessions slated to begin in fall 2008 is a key component of the action plan.
The coalition encourages community members to step up continue existing effort, and join in these new initiatives. In the end, it will take the whole community to make Dane County a place where African Americans thrive.