Race / Ethnicity

Kirwan Update July/August 2009

Building a Just and Vibrant Economy Executive Notes Jason Reece, Senior Researcher Christy Rogers, Senior Research Associate The stimulus and recovery package is now moving Escalating foreclosures and job losses, tight credit markets, growing bankruptcies, toward full swing. It will declining home values, and trillions in wealth lost on Wall Street: these disheartening be some time before the stories have dominated the headlines over the past year. In response to the global full effect of the recovery economic crisis, the United States has undertaken a number of significant policy steps is felt in the lives of aver- to stabilize the financial sector, save jobs, stem foreclosures, and help the housing age Americans; many may market. The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the federal takeover of Fannie Mae never again enjoy their Professor and Freddie Mac, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) represent former prosperity. john a. powell significant federal action and investment. What is happening in our Unfortunately, the recession is having a disparate impact on marginalized communities present society is unprec- of color. From waves of abandonment and foreclosure in urban inner city neighbor- edented. It is not just the economy that is hoods, to workers of color laid off as the economy transitions away from traditional being re-ordered, it is the world. What we manufacturing, the impacts of the recession threaten to reverse civil rights gains and do and fail to do over the next several years expand disparities in our society. The uneven effects of the economic recession are will give structure to a set of arrangements troubling because they threaten to exacerbate the existing “opportunity divide” facing and understandings that will not just shape many Americans. our world, but the world of our unborn children and grandchildren. United for a Fair Economy found that although the United States has been in a recession for more than a year, people of color have been in a recession for nearly five years One only has to look at how the actions and have entered a depression during the current economic crisis.1 Borrowers of color and missed opportunities of the New Deal received nearly half of our nation’s subprime loans despite the fact that some of them era of the 1930s and 1940s still shape our qualified for prime credit. Foreclosure relief is scattered and difficult to navigate, while lives today. What if the proposal for uni- the crisis is raging unabated in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods.2 Black versal health care had passed? Might the and Latino homeowners are collectively expected to lose roughly $250 billion in home auto industry have found a way to be viable equity from the foreclosure debacle.3 Without an intentional effort to stop these trends, today absent the enormous burden of health economic recovery policy may fall short. For example, Black men are leading the recent care costs? There are many things we can surge in unemployment,4 but African Americans and Latinos are under-represented in only speculate on—one is that many of the the industries targeted through the ARRA.5 lost opportunities of the 1970s were at least partly organized around race. Periods of crisis like this one are marked by rapid change and dislocation, but change opens a window—we have an opportunity to redesign policies and structures that fall With rare exceptions, we try to understand short. Our goal is to ensure that marginalized communities can benefit from the our current economic problem, and solu- recovery and grow into stronger civic participants in policy design. In a democratic tion, in race-neutral terms and offer race- society, those most affected by policies should have a say in their design, implementation, neutral solutions. That is a potentially fatal and evaluation. New reforms and initiatives should shrink the opportunity divide facing mistake. For example, the subprime mort- so many marginalized communities, not sustain or expand it. This requires intentional gage crisis was built on a redlining system civic inclusion, deliberate strategy, creative policy design, and responsible administra- which was inscribed into the housing and tion. A fair economic recovery can push our nation beyond this crossroads and into a credit market in the 1930s and 1940s in the fair, sustainable, and just future. United States, creating a dual credit market. Communities of color were locked out The Kirwan Institute has launched an initiative to support equitable federal and state (continued on page 2) economic recovery. Our goal is to monitor the current approach to federal economic recovery policy and learn from its results, enabling us to correct course if a policy is not producing its intended outcomes and to propose equitable future policies. (continued on page 3)

INSIDE: Kirwan in the News • Recession and Recovery Q&A • Kirwan eUpdate Newsletter International Perspectives • Kirwan Institute Blog • GIS Update • Talking about Race Race/Ethnicity Journal • Events • New Faculty/Staff Executive Notes (continued from page 1) of the prime credit market for housing, business, and other credit As we rethink and address the mortgage crisis, we need to con- services. This developed a lack of access to the credit market, as well sciously and deliberately end the dual credit market; we must make as a lack of fair access when credit was granted. In 1977, Congress credit available to people of color and communities of color so passed the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) to help address the these groups can participate effectively in the economic world. The problem of under-capitalized and underserved markets. The CRA requirement is not yet on the table. It is an opportunity we cannot was a move in the right direction but was also woefully inadequate afford to waste. to overcome the magnitude of the task. One may wonder why, with our dual credit market being so obviously racially coded, we are not moving to address it. One could ask similar questions about our dual housing market, our john a. powell, Executive Director dual school systems, or our dual labor market: the list goes on and on. These dual systems are interrelated and all have one thing in common—race.

Kirwan in the News A B O U T T H E I N S T I T U T E The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race Kathy Baird, Director of Communications and Ethnicity is a university-wide inter- disciplinary research institute. Its goal is In March through May, Kirwan staff continued to be widely profiled in the media. In to deepen our understanding of the causes addition to a variety of local and campus coverage, key national coverage included: of and solutions to racial and ethnic disparities and hierarchies. This includes an • A U.S. News & World Report interview with john powell, Kirwan’s executive director, explicit focus not only on Ohio and the about President Obama’s first 100 days. United States, but also on the Americas and our larger global community. Our primary • A CSPAN Book TV interview with Hasan Jeffries, associate professor of history focus is to increase general understanding with a joint appointment at the Kirwan Institute, about his upcoming book, Bloody that, despite many differences, human des- Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt, a look at civil rights tinies are intertwined. Thus, the institute explores and illustrates both our diversity reform of the 1960s. and common humanity in real terms. • A WHDH-NBC Boston Urban Update talk show interview with Andrew Grant- The institute brings together a diverse and Thomas, Kirwan’s deputy director, discussing Kirwan’s opportunity mapping study creative group of scholars and researchers in Massachusetts. from various disciplines to focus on the his- tories, present conditions, and the future • An Afro News Washington D.C. interview with john powell about a Wealth Building prospects of racially and ethnically mar- for Minorities conference. ginalized people. Informed by real-world needs, its work strives to meaningfully • john powell was also interviewed extensively about a collaborative initiative, influence policies and practices. Americans for American Values, which will study the role of implicit bias in voting decisions. Key media outlets included the Associated Press and the national radio The institute also focuses on the interrelatedness of race and ethnicity with other fac- program Tavis Talks. tors, such as gender, class, and culture, and • Key Kirwan staff commentary articles included: “Why the U.S. Must Go to the Race how these are embedded in structures and Conference,” by john powell, on The Root, and “Are You Poor? There’ll Be An Extra systems. Collaboration with other institutions and organizations around the world Charge for That,” by Andrew Grant-Thomas, on RaceWire. and ongoing relationships with real people, • Kirwan staff also provided background information for a number of reporters in an real communities, and real issues are a vital effort to develop a broader understanding of structural racism and related issues. part of its work. The institute employs many approaches to fulfilling its mission: original research, publications, comparative analyses, sur- The Kirwan Update is produced by the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity veys, convenings, and conferences. It is part at The Ohio State University, 433 Mendenhall Lab, 125 South Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210. of a rich intellectual community and draws upon the insight and energy of the faculty For questions or comments about this publication, please contact and students at Ohio State. Kirwan Update editor Angela Stanley at (614) 247-6329 or [email protected]. While the institute focuses on marginalized racial and ethnic communities, it Contributing Staff Editors understands that these communities exist Kathy Baird, Director of Communications in relation to other communities and that Philip Kim, Assistant Editor fostering these relationships deepens the possibility of change. It is the sincere hope kirwaninstitute.org and goal of all of us that the institute gives transformative meaning to both our diversity and our common humanity.

2 Building a Just and Vibrant Economy (continued from page 1) Our recently launched initiative involves Center on a pilot project geared to produc- regarding the White House oversight role research, organizing, collaboration, and ing timely, useful, and easily accessible for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; to sug- strategy development at the national, knowledge of how existing and proposed gest how the federal government can help state, and local levels. The institute is federal and state spending can contribute to provide equitable credit to marginalized actively involved in partnerships with the racial justice and community change. communities; and to rethink the applica- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the tion of equitable investment measures like We will also partner with local advocates Opportunity Agenda, the Insight Center for the Community Reinvestment Act. We will to evaluate the impacts of programs like Community and Economic Development, evaluate how federal housing programs and the Neighborhood Stabilization program, and the Center for Social Inclusion around related economic recovery initiatives can stimulus transportation investments, hous- equitable recovery advocacy. address racial inequity and promote fair ing relief programs, and other recovery housing, and we will develop a broad advo- Our newly launched web site, found at related initiatives and investments. The goal cacy platform promoting true integration FairRecovery.org, will compile and analyze of these assessments is to inform smarter into opportunity for all. recovery spending as data becomes avail- policy design and implementation for future able. A newsroom section on the web site recovery investments and initiatives at the Please join us at FairRecovery.org for more will carry key reference materials for media state and federal level. In short, federal information. and regularly updated information about initiatives and investments should be 1 United for a Fair Economy, Foreclosed: State new developments. Additionally, recovery guided by three principles: of the Dream 2008. faireconomy.org/files/ efforts must be accountable to civil rights 1. Recovery fund investments must be StateOfDream_01_16_08_Web.pdf. laws and provisions, such as statewide marked by full transparency and 2 Michael Powell and Janet Roberts, W/MBE procurement targets. Kirwan staff- accountability. “Minorities Affected Most as New York ers will coordinate legal resources to help Foreclosures Rise.” New York Times on-line people and businesses navigate the legal and 2. Families and communities hit hardest (May 16, 2009). Accessed at nytimes.com/ legislative landscape of ARRA, TARP, and by the economic crisis merit focused 2009/05/16/nyregion/16foreclose.html. other economic recovery policies. attention in the recovery process. 3 United for a Fair Economy, Foreclosed: State As the various programs related to the eco- 3. Investments must be designed and made of the Dream 2008. faireconomy.org/files/ nomic recovery policies are implemented to promote equity and expand opportu- StateOfDream_01_16_08_Web.pdf. and stimulus funds are allocated in com- nity for all. 4 Alexandra Cawthorne, “Weathering munities, diligent tracking and evaluation the Storm: Black Men in the Recession.” To address the origins of the foreclosure of the impact of these programs is crucial. April 2009. Center for American Progress. crisis and propose solutions, Kirwan was In particular, analysis must be undertaken Accessed at americanprogress.org/issues/ recently awarded a grant to coordinate to assure these programs and investments 2009/04/black_men_recession.html. national advocacy and planning for the 5 are reaching those most impacted by the C. Nicole Mason, PhD, “Race, Gender future of fair housing. This project will economic and housing crisis and to actively and the Recession: Job Creation and capitalize on the opportunity to remedy expand opportunities for marginalized Employment.” Women of Color Policy the disastrous impacts of the housing crisis, Network. wagner.nyu.edu/wocpn/news/ communities and populations. We are as well as create transformative change in Race_Gender_and_the_Recession_Job_ undertaking several state level analyses of communities of color by assuring that fed- Creation_PR.pdf. the “equity” impacts of economic recovery eral fair housing promotes true integration activities and stimulus investments. Kirwan into opportunity. We will convene experts has partnered with the Miami Workers to make concrete recommendations

Kirwan Institute Affiliated Faculty and Staff Initiative

Kirwan Institute Seeks Affiliated Faculty and Staff The Kirwan Institute is seeking informal partnerships with Ohio State faculty and staff who are engaged in research, scholarship, instruction, administration, or service that connects to one or more of the institute’s major research themes related to race, ethnicity, and social justice. The Kirwan Institute Affiliated Faculty and Staff Initiative—an expansion of the current Affiliated Faculty Program—is designed to create opportunities for meaningful collaboration across disciplines at Ohio State and to mutually enhance the capacity of the institute and the university to engage in relevant research, instruction, service, and policymaking. For additional information about the Kirwan Institute Affiliated Faculty and Staff Initiative, please visit kirwaninstitute.org/about-us/get-affiliated/affiliated-faculty-staff.php or contact Tom Rudd, senior researcher, at (614) 247‑8458 or [email protected].

3 Questions in this section are chosen by our staff to address a particular topic as it relates to our work at the institute. To submit a question for consideration, please e-mail [email protected].

Q&A: Recession and Recovery

Danielle Gadomski, Summer Law Intern Stephen Menendian, Senior Research Associate

What is the American What is the unemployment has risen 4.7 percentage Q1: Recovery and Q3: government doing points to 10.9 percent, and Black unemploy- Reinvestment Act? to prevent more ment has risen 4.5 points to 13.4 percent, while White unemployment has risen foreclosures? The American Recovery and 2.9 points to 7.3 percent. Nearly half of all A1: Reinvestment Act is the extensive A3: The government has instituted subprime loans went to African American stimulus bill that was enacted in several programs to try to keep and Latino borrowers even though many early 2009. It invests billions of families in their homes. In 2008, qualified for prime loans. African American dollars in many areas, including creating Congress passed the HOPE for Homeowners and Latino homeowners are expected to and saving jobs, repairing and building new Act which allotted $300 billion to guarantee lose between $164 and $213 billion in assets infrastructure, and modernizing the health home loans for distressed borrowers who due to the crisis. care system. Some of those investment dol- did not already qualify for Federal Housing lars will be given to state and local govern- Administration (FHA) insured loans. This ments, while other investment dollars will program has been extremely unsuccessful, What is a fair go directly to individual organizations. It and as of March 2009 only one homeowner Q5: recovery and why also includes a commitment to transparency had been able to refinance under the pro- is it important? and accountability, with the government gram. In May 2009, the Helping Families pledging to make available on its web site Save Their Homes Act of 2009 modified A fair recovery is an economic (recovery.gov) information about how the the FHA insured loans program to further A5: recovery that ensures all com- act is working and how funds are being used. encourage lenders to allow modifications munities affected, and especially of mortgages. The bill that was passed did those hardest hit, share in the not include the cram down provision passed recovery programs. A fair recovery includes What is “the bailout”? by the House that would have allowed recovery fund investments marked by full Q2: bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages in transparency and accountability, focused The government program most Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Modifications could attention on families and communities often referred to as “the bail- have included lower interest rates, longer hit hardest by the economic crisis, and out” is the Troubled Assets repayment periods, and reduction of the investments designed to promote equity A2: Relief Program (TARP). principal amount owed to match the current and expand opportunity for all. Periods of TARP is a major component value of the house. crisis provide a window for change and an of the Emergency Economic opportunity to redesign failing systems. As Stabilization Act of 2008. It initially allowed our nation reshapes institutions and poli- the United States Department of Treasury Who is most cies and designs initiatives to respond to to purchase or insure up to $700 billion Q4: impacted by the this crisis, marginalized communities can of troubled assets, but this was changed current recession? and should benefit from this tremendous to $575 billion in May 2009. Troubled opportunity. assets include residential and commercial Not surprisingly, communities mortgages; securities, obligations, or other A4: already marginalized in the instruments based on such mortgages; and American economy have been Why won’t any other financial instrument the pur- bearing the brunt of the cur- Q6: a universal chase of which the Secretary of Treasury rent economic recession. United for a Fair approach work? determines would promote financial market Economy found that although the United stability. Recipients of TARP money include States has been in a recession for more than Universal policies often fail to AIG, Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan a year, people of color have been in a reces- A6: account for the fact that different Chase, Wells Fargo, General Motors, sion for nearly five years and have entered a communities and populations Chrysler, and GMAC. depression during the current economic possess unique resources and crisis. Since the recession began, in needs. Universal programs may not fulfill December 2007 to March 2009, Latino their anticipated impact due to communities being constrained under multiple layers

4 Don’t Miss Kirwan’s eUpdate Newsletter

If you look forward to reading this newsletter, you can now double your enjoy- ment. The Kirwan Institute offers an electronic newsletter, eUpdate, midway between each print edition of Kirwan Update. Readers of the print edition can sign up to receive eUpdate on the Kirwan web site. (Go to kirwaninstitute.org/about-us/subscribe.php, check “newsletters,” and include your e-mail address.) Archived electronic newsletters are also available online under “publications.” The May/June eUpdate features commentary on the world conference on racism, an analysis of a recent Supreme Court case charging “reverse discrimination,” overviews of three recent books by Kirwan staff, and Kirwan presentations on of disadvantage. “Universal” policies are subjects ranging from the death penalty to the Somali Diaspora, the racial often based on a non-universal standard. implications of drug-related prison sentences, and much more. For example, social security is technically eUpdate is published in January/February, May/June, and September/October; available to everyone but mostly benefits the print Update is published in March/April, July/August, and November/ able-bodied white males working full-time December. Be sure to join the e-newsletter list. We look forward to keeping outside the home for pay. The alternative you updated. to the universal approach, the Kirwan Institute suggests, is targeted universalism.

What is targeted Q6: universalism? Targeted universalism is an alternative to universal policies that A6: acknowledges how people are situated differently and recog- nizes our linked fate. Targeting within universalism means identifying a problem that afflicts marginalized communities, proposing a solution, and then broadening its scope to cover as many people as possible. For example, recovery funds for transportation could be used to fund different road proposals across states. This may produce jobs in the short-term, but it will not produce sustainable or equitable growth. Instead, we need to direct funds to investment-deprived communities. By making these communities more functional, the city and region would become more economically competitive, thus forming a growth engine for our economy.

Sources: • Christie, Lee, “HOPE Prevents 1 Foreclo- sure,” CNNMoney.com. • Eye on the Bailout, ProPublica, bailout. propublica.org/main/list/index. • FairRecovery.org, The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. • MSNBC, “Latinos, Blacks Losing Jobs at Faster Rate,” msnbc.msn.com/id/29843053. • United for a Fair Economy, “Foreclosed: State of the Dream 2008.”

5 International Perspectives multiethnic population, competition for resources between regions and minorities, the phenomenon of the “working poor,” the graying of the society, and the problem of migration.6 Similarly, among the Facing the Brick Wall in BRIC countries, India “receives low marks for education indicators, particularly at the primary and secondary levels.” After all, many Booming Economies cross-country studies have found positive and statistically signifi- S. P. Udayakumar, Research Fellow cant correlations between schooling and growth rates of per capita for the Kirwan Institute GDP. Higher education is also helpful in contributing to more rapid growth and catch up. “India has the most work to do in expanding ccording to economists, the fast-growing economies of education.”7 Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) will grow their share of the world economy even faster than the original In other words, the overall international and national economic forecast.A As one of them put it, “Of the four BRIC countries, Russia, disparities and opportunity impediments are likely to prevail (or China, and India have all grown on average 2 percent more than worsen) in spite of economic growth at national levels because of the we suggested [in 2003]… they are now collectively 16 percent of global meltdown. One may wonder what would happen to the state global gross domestic product (GDP), so it is all happening a lot of those who are already lagging behind such as women, minorities, quicker.”1 A 2004 Goldman Sachs study predicted that the number the landless peasants, the urban poor, unorganized workers, and of people with income over $3,000 per capita in the BRIC countries other weaker sections. If we combine this economic discrimination could double in the next three years. According to the study, “In with equally (if not more) debilitating racial/ethnic discrimination a decade, over 800 million people across the four economies may and political disempowerment, we encounter a heinous system or have crossed that threshold. A substantial pool will be much richer. structure that builds on and feeds into all of the building blocks: By 2025, over 200 million people in the BRICs could have incomes poverty, marginalization, discrimination, disempowerment, regress, over $15,000—larger than Japan’s and Germany’s 2025 population violence, degeneration, and so forth. As an Indian CEO has said, combined.”2 “Global trade bodies have to reexamine their policies, which were more apt for an industrial age, and tailor them for the knowledge The conclusions of an earlier 2003 Goldman Sachs study were era. How well we manage this change is going to determine our divided under five main topics—economic size, economic growth, future. If this change is not handled in a mature fashion, the result incomes and demographics, global demand patterns, and currency will be turmoil. For instance, global terrorism is to some extent a movements. However, under the “incomes and demographics” sec- fallout of large-scale economic and social changes.”8 tion, the study posits that “[d]espite much faster growth, individuals in the BRICs are still likely to be poorer on average than individuals in the G6 economies by 2050.” As India’s population continues 1 “Tumbling Western economy to help BRIC,” Deccan Chronicle, June 9, 2008. to grow throughout the next 50 years, it will have “the potential to 2 Dominic Wilson, Roopa Purushothaman and Themistoklis Fiotakis, The BRICs and raise its U.S. dollar income per capita in 2050 to 35 times current Global Markets: Crude, Cars and Capital (Global Economics Paper No. 118). New York: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2004. p. 11. levels. Still, India’s income per capita will be significantly lower than 3 Quoted in “BRICs set for dramatic transformation,” Swift, February 20, 2006. any of the countries we look at.” Similarly, the study posits rightly 4 Ibid., pp. 8, 10, 15. that “[w]here labour force and population growth is rapid, income 5 Dominic Wilson et. al., 2004. pp. 9, 6. per capita tends to rise more slowly as higher investment is needed 6 From the presentations at the international conference that was held in September just to keep up with population growth.” 2005 in Berlin on BRICS+G. 7 India’s GDP grew by 6.9 percent in 2005, making it the fastest grow- Wilson and Purushothaman, 2003, pp. 10, 13, 14. 8 ing economy after China. Indian foreign exchange reserves have 9th Annual Global CEO Survey, 2006, p. 28. increased from $1 billion to $1.4 billion, making it a creditor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), not a borrower.3 In the case of Brazil, investment and savings are lower but public and foreign The Durban Review Conference: debt is much higher.4 A follow-up Goldman Sachs study posits that Hopefully More Than Words the BRICs weight in the world economy could rise over the next few Lidija Knuth, Research Fellow for the Kirwan Institute decades quite considerably; their share of world GDP could be as much as 45 percent in U.S. dollar terms by 2025 (60 percent in pur- n Monday, April 20, activities began early at the United chasing power parity, or PPP, terms). However, “[i]ndividuals in the Nations building in Switzerland where representatives of BRICs are still likely to be poorer on average than individuals in the organizations accredited to the Durban Review Conference G6 economies, except in Russia.”5 Although the Chinese economy Ostood in long lines to register for the badges to access the U.N. could overtake the U.S. economy by 2039, per capita income in the Durban Review Conference. For a full week, state representatives United States could reach roughly $80,000 by 2050, and China’s per from all around the world reviewed progress toward implement- capita income could only be about $30,000. India’s GDP may outstrip ing the measures adopted at the 2001 U.N. World Conference that of Japan by 2032. Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance (WCAR) in Durban. One of the major challenges China faces today, according to the vice minister of State Environmental Protection Administration, is Unfortunately the conference took place with many fewer partici- the fact that 300 million people do not have access to clean water. pants than initially expected. Joining Israel, Canada, the United The country also faces the problems of desertification, water pol- States, Italy, and Australia in announcing boycotts one weekend lution, new pollutants, and increasing CO2 emissions. China also before the start of the conference were Germany, the Netherlands, confronts poverty, income disparity, unemployment, poor produc- Poland, and Sweden. These countries declared their decision with tion conditions, and soaring traffic. Russia faces problems such as the fear that the conference may turn out to be a platform for

6 anti-Semitic statements. The U.S. administration has been widely administration to first adopt it and then start implementing it at criticized by U.S. human rights and anti-racism organizations for national and local levels. boycotting such an important and unique conference, arguing that The declaration omits references to “defamation of religion,” and it the United States needs to engage in a dialogue, take a position, and does not single out Israel or the question of the Middle East conflict. condemn such statements at the conference and not just withdraw. Also, the problematic language around “negative stereotypes of reli- This conference was very important for the victims all over the world gion” has been amended. It’s not quite far enough, but it addresses who need states to agree on some global guidelines, global strategies some important issues (e.g., migrant rights and the identification to implement best practices to combat racism, racial discrimina- of Roma Gypsies as one of the most vulnerable groups having been tion, xenophobia, and related intolerances. The major outcome of the subjected to a very specific situation of concern). Indeed, it can be Durban Review Conference is the declaration, which is by various said that the document is a basis and a call for states, intergovern- civil society groups viewed as an important achievement. At the same mental organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), time, they regret that major countries, such as the U.S. and Germany, and civil society to finally take action and protect victims of racism, have not adopted it. However, this document shall be seen as a new intolerance, and discrimination at the international, national, and starting point for lobbying with the U.S. government, requiring the subnational levels.

Kirwan Institute Blog (kirwaninstitute.blogspot.com) This blog is devoted to stimulate and sustain dialogue around issues of race, ethnicity, social hierarchy, democratic principles, and other intersections of MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009 social justice. To initiate a new discussion… Deep Faith e-mail [email protected]. By Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Assistant Professor of History with a joint appointment at the Kirwan Institute

A recent New York Times/CBS News Poll found that two-thirds also the widely held view among African Americans that the of Americans say that race relations are generally good, up sig- spotlight shining brightly on the Obamas will reflect positively nificantly from slightly more than half in July 2008.1 on African Americans as a whole, prompting white Americans to abandon long held prejudicial beliefs and behaviors. When Most notably, the percentage of African Americans who say asked in the same poll if, in the next four years, Barack that race relations are good has doubled during the same Obama’s presidency will bring together or divide different period, from 29 percent to 59 percent, reaching a historic high. groups of Americans, 94 percent of African Americans said The presence of Barack and Michelle Obama in the White that it would bring people together and only 3 percent said that House is clearly the source of this newfound optimism. it would drive people apart. At the same time, however, 55 per- According to the Times/CBS poll, Barack Obama’s approval cent of white Americans said that Obama’s presidency would rating among African Americans is a statistically unheard of 96 bring different groups together, while 31 percent said that it percent, while the percentage of African Americans who disap- would not. prove of his performance is 0. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama’s The difference between the two groups is telling, pointing to approval rating is 88 percent, falling 8 percentage points below the very real possibility that African Americans are overesti- her husband because 12 percent of the respondents were either mating the power of the Obamas’ presence and effectiveness in undecided or did not have enough information to make a the White House to improve race relations. Only time will tell reasonable judgment. But like her husband, the percentage of if they are right or wrong. At the very least, though, these poll African Americans who disapprove of her performance is 0. numbers for African Americans demonstrate the deep faith These are the highest favorable ratings accorded any president that black people have in the Obamas, a faith that transformed and first lady by African Americans. a presidential campaign into a social movement and seeks to There is a direct correlation between the Obamas’ high rating transform a presidency into the salvation of the nation. among African Americans and the rise in the percentage of 1 For complete poll results see documents.nytimes.com/new-york-times- African Americans who say that race relations are generally cbs-news-poll-obama-s-100th-day-in-office/page/1#p=1. good. The Obamas’ favorable ratings not only reflect a linger- ing euphoria over his election and a genuine satisfaction with Coming Soon—racetalk— his and the First Lady’s first 100 days in the White House, but a new blog managed by Kirwan.

This is a sample of an entry on the Kirwan Institute blog. Please visit our web site at kirwaninstitute.org to view and comment on current postings. 7 GIS Update Opportunity Mapping and the Recession Connecticut Opportunity Connecticut: Race and Foreclosure by Census Tract Mapping Project This map compares areas with high foreclosure rates between January 2007 and June 2008 to areas with high non-White population per Census tract . The data reflects that 55.6 percent The Kirwan Institute is conducting research on community of the population in tracts with the highest foreclosure rates (6.6 percent or greater) is non-White, showing a strong correlation development issues in the State of Connecticut for the Maps prepared for the between race and foreclosure. Connecticut Fair Housing Center by:

Connecticut Fair Housing Center. An opportunity mapping 0 9 18 27 36 391 122 Freeway System Miles Massachusetts 495 framework is being used to assess conditions and to promote State Boundaries 24 County Boundaries 146 Race 291 equitable community development and fair housing. 1 Dot = 500 91 395 44 295 Non White 987G 84 Foreclosure 384140 Rates 44 TOLLAND 0% - 2.2% 84 2 The proposed Connecticut opportunity mapping Hartford WINDHAM 6 2.3% - 4% 202 291 10 91 LITCHFIELD 695 423 195 4.1% - 6.5% HARTFORD 384 3 assessment contains three core research areas. The first 9 Hartford 6.6% - 9.2% 79 423 3 9.3% - 14.1% Rhode Island No Data is a basic opportunity mapping analysis for the State 72 4 24 15 Waterbury 2 of Connecticut with analysis of the distribution of 2 New York 114 846 691 8 affordable housing and racial populations in context of 138 NEW LONDON MIDDLESEX 9 low and high opportunity neighborhoods. The second 95 NEW HAVEN 1 78 8 New Haven component will focus on mapping subprime lending, 15 Bridgeport loan performance, and foreclosures to assess how the 95 FAIRFIELD Bridgeport current subprime lending crisis creates challenges and 684 987 opportunities for the state’s neighborhoods (see mapping 15 7 8 spread). The third component includes qualitative research 91 287

87 846 interviews with key stakeholders in neighborhoods 987 907 challenged most by escalating foreclosures. 95 83 84 97 908 46 27 Waterbury New Haven 25 Florida Opportunity Source:278 H.U.D., U.S. Census Bureau. Date: April 30, 2009 Mapping Project The Miami Workers Center in Florida contracted Estimated Foreclosures by Census Tract (represented by graduated symbols) with the Kirwan Institute to study spatial patterns of STATE OF CONNECTICUT opportunity distribution in four major metro areas This map displays the estimated number of foreclosures per Census tract between January 2007 and June 2008. in the State of Florida and to evaluate economic Maps prepared for the recovery investments and programs in relation Source: H.U.D., U.S. Census Bureau. Date: February 12, 2008. Connecticut Fair Housing Center by: 0 9 18 27 36 391 90 122 Miles Massachusetts to marginalized communities in the state. 495 24 Legend 146 291 Major Cities 91 44 Freeway System 395 295 987G HARTFORD The Kirwan Institute is working with local data State Boundaries 84 384

County Boundaries 44 140 providers and state and national databases to build and Census Tracts TOLLAND 84 2 6 202 Hartford WINDHAM Estimated Foreclosures 291 91 LITCHFIELD 10 0 - 29 HARTFORD 695 195 develop neighborhood-based opportunity indicator 384 3 Hartford 9 30 - 69 423 3 79 data. Our research will attempt to identify patterns of Rhode Island 72 70 - 171 4 24 Waterbury marginalization within Florida’s geography of opportunity 2 2 New York 8 846 691 114 by race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. 138

NEW LONDON Our evaluation of structural and institutional barriers to MIDDLESEX 9 FAIRFIELD NEW HAVEN 95 8 78 1 opportunity will include affordable housing programs, New Haven 15 housing stabilization initiatives (e.g., Neighborhood Bridgeport 95 FAIRFIELD Bridgeport Stabilization program), and economic recovery 684 987 LITCHFIELD 15 investments and programs in the State of Florida. Stamford 7 Norwalk HARTFORD 91 846 287 NEW HAVEN 84 987 87 NEW HAVEN We are working with our community stakeholders and 907

8 advocates to provide advocacy solutions to promote 95 83 97 46 25 27 Waterbury New Haven equitable use of future Community Development Block 678 908 Grant funds and other publicly supported neighborhood investment strategies and programs. Our research and policy analysis will support targeted policy interventions to expand affordable housing in high opportunity communities and to align economic recovery program benefits with the needs of impacted marginalized communities.

8 Estimated Foreclosure Rates by Census Tract STATE OF CONNECTICUT This map displays the estimated foreclosure rates of each Census tract between January 2007 and June 2008. Maps prepared for the Source: H.U.D., U.S. Census Bureau. Date: February 12, 2008. Connecticut Fair Housing Center by:

0 9 18 27 36 391 90 122 Miles Massachusetts 495 291 24 Legend 146

Major Cities 44 91 Freeway System 395 295 987G 384 State Boundaries 84

County Boundaries 44 140 84 Census Tracts TOLLAND 2 Connecticut: Race and Foreclosure by Census Tract Hartford WINDHAM 6 202 291 91 Foreclosure Rate LITCHFIELD 10 This map compares areas with high foreclosure rates between HARTFORD 695 195 2.5% or less 384 3 Hartford January 2007 and June 2008 to areas with high non-White 2.5 - 4.5% 423 3 79 4.5 - 7.0% population per Census tract . The data reflects that 55.6 percent Rhode Island 7.0 - 9.5% 72 of the population in tracts with the highest foreclosure rates Above 9.5% 4 24 Waterbury 0% 2 (6.6 percent or greater) is non-White, showing a strong correlation Maps prepared for the New York 2 846 114 between race and foreclosure. Connecticut Fair Housing Center by: 691 8 138 391 122 0 9 18 27 36 NEW LONDON MIDDLESEX 9 Freeway System Miles Massachusetts State Boundaries 495 24 NEW HAVEN 95 8 County Boundaries 146 78 1 New Haven Race 291 15 1 Dot = 500 91 395 44 295 Bridgeport Non White 95 987G 84 FAIRFIELD Foreclosure 384140 Bridgeport Rates 44 684 TOLLAND 987 84 2 0% - 2.2% Hartford WINDHAM 6 202 291 10 91 2.3% - 4% 15 LITCHFIELD 695 423 195 Stamford 4.1% - 6.5% HARTFORD 7 Norwalk 8 384 3 9 Hartford 6.6% - 9.2% 79 423 3 91 9.3% - 14.1% Rhode Island 287 No Data 72 846 4 24 987 87 15 907 Waterbury 2 84 2 New York 114 95 846 691 8 83 138 97 46 25 27 Waterbury New Haven NEW LONDON 678 MIDDLESEX 9 908 95 NEW HAVEN 78 1 8 New Haven 15 Bridgeport 95 FAIRFIELD Bridgeport 684 987 Economic Stimulus Projects and Unemployment 15 7 8 91 STATE OF OHIO 287 This map displays the spatial distribution of unemployment in relation to 87 846 987 907 jobs being created or retained because of Recovery Act investments.

95 83 84 97 908 46 Note: Some of the projects are missing information on jobs being created or saved. 27 Waterbury New Haven 25 Source:278 H.U.D., U.S. Census Bureau. Date: April 30, 2009 Source: ODOT, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 May 2009.

° Michigan ¦¨§90

Lake Erie UV2 Estimated Foreclosures by Census Tract Toledo

(represented by graduated symbols) ¦¨§80 ¦¨§475 STATE OF CONNECTICUT ¦¨§271 UV11 This map displays the estimated number of foreclosures Cleveland per Census tract between January 2007 and June 2008. ¤£422 Maps prepared for the UV82 Source: H.U.D., U.S. Census Bureau. Date: February 12, 2008. Connecticut Fair Housing Center by: UV8

0 9 18 27 36 391 90 122 ¦¨§76 Miles Akron Massachusetts 495 24 15 Legend UV 146 291 Pennsylvania Major Cities ¤£30 UV21 ¤£62 91 44 Freeway System 395 295 987G HARTFORD State Boundaries 84 384

County Boundaries 44 140 Census Tracts TOLLAND 84 2 Indiana 6 202 Hartford WINDHAM Estimated Foreclosures 291 91 LITCHFIELD 10 0 - 29 HARTFORD 695 195 384 3 Hartford 9 30 - 69 423 3 79 ¦¨§75 Rhode Island 72 70 - 171 4 24 77 Waterbury ¦¨§ 2 2 New York 8 UV7 846 691 114 138

NEW LONDON ¦¨§270 MIDDLESEX 9 FAIRFIELD Columbus ¦¨§470 NEW HAVEN 95 8 1 ¨§70 78 ¦ New Haven 15 Bridgeport 95 Dayton FAIRFIELD Bridgeport 684 675 987 ¦¨§ 71 LITCHFIELD ¦¨§ ¤£33 Stamford 15 7 Norwalk HARTFORD 91 £ 846 ¤23 287 NEW HAVEN 84 Cities 987 87 NEW HAVEN 907 Freeway¤£50 System Water 275 8 ¦¨§74 ¦¨§ Ohio Transportation Stimulus 95 83 Estimated Jobs Created/Retained 97 46 Cincinnati 0 - 151 25 27 Waterbury New Haven 678 152 - 480 908

32 79 UV 481 - 1100 ¦¨§

West Virginia 1101 - 4721

4722 - 16800

Counties Kentucky Unemployment Rate 4.6% - 5.7% 5.8% - 6.6% 6.7% - 7.7% 7.8% - 8.9% ¤£060 20 40 60 80 9% - 10.5% Miles UV4 9 Talking about Race

The Faces, Places, and However, among poor people with access to public transporta- Economics of Poverty1 tion, Latinos and African Americans (34 percent) are twice as Andrew Grant-Thomas, Deputy Director likely as Whites (17 percent) to report using it “regularly for commuting to school or work.”4 And while fewer than six in For those who like their insights about the economics of living 10 poor Black and Latino families have washing machines at in poverty well-leavened with research, I nominate Brookings’ home, seven in 10 poor Whites do. excellent studies on Kentucky, Philadelphia, and 12 major Poor White people have it hard. Poor people of color and their 2 metro areas across the country. If you prefer a bigger dollop of communities typically have it even harder. Let’s push those poignancy with your insight, try John Scalzi’s pithy observations responsible for distributing economic recovery dollars to keep 3 on “Being Poor.” that in mind in the months and years ahead. For those who like their insights about the economics of life in 1 This article first appeared on racewire.org. poverty leavened with both data and poignancy, I heartily rec- 2 You can find these studies at brookings.edu. ommend DeNeen Brown’s “primer” in the May 18 Washington 3 See whatever.scalzi.com/2005/09/03/being-poor. Post (“Poor? Pay Up”). 4 American Housing Survey for the United States: 2007. Available at The key point is this: It’s not just that poor people have less census.gov/prod/2008pubs/h150-07.pdf. money to buy the stuff other people buy. It’s that poor people pay more for that stuff with the less that they have. The cost of poverty is measured in “money, time, hassle, exhaustion, menace.” The Voting Rights Act: Time for Sustained Diligence and Adding New The piece is a quick read and I’ll recapitulate few of Brown’s Place Settings at the Advocacy Table excellent insights here. But I will grump about the way she mud- dies the waters about the role of geography, and says nothing Wendy G. Smooth, Assistant Professor about the play of race, in the dynamics of poverty. A reader could of Women’s Studies with a joint appointment at the Kirwan Institute leave Brown’s piece thinking that “poverty is poverty is poverty.” It’s not. Yes, whatever your race and wherever you live, if you’re On the eve of the most recent reauthorization of the Voting poor, you’re less likely to own a car than if you’re not, or less able Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, I published an essay that expressed to afford to fix the car you have if it breaks down—which is likely, concerns for the ways in which we continuously view the VRA since you probably had to buy a cheap clunker to begin with. So as exclusively a race-based, or at best, an ethnicity-based law.1 you can’t get to places like Costco’s or Trader Joe’s where the real In that essay, I proposed that an intersectionality analysis be food savings are, and in any case, don’t have $200 or $300 to buy employed to the VRA, which would illuminate ways in which the large-volume packets of meat, cleaning supplies, and other passing the act increased women’s representation in electoral items to realize those savings. politics. This shift in framing, I argued, requires that two advo- If you’re Black or Latino, the alternative is often to buy your food cacy communities that often run along parallel tracks intersect— at the local grocery store, where milk, bread, and eggs will cost the “race and politics” and the “women and politics” advocacy much more than they do in supermarkets in working or middle- communities. class neighborhoods, and where produce often isn’t fresh or Congress reauthorized the legislation in 2006, extending the available (but fast food joints and liquor stores may be abundant.) strongest parts of the act for another 25 years, and as a symbolic If you’re poor and White, you’re much more likely to live in a gesture, Congress named the reauthorization bill in honor of non-poor neighborhood. Nationally, three in four poor African three Black women activists who contributed significantly to the Americans and two in four poor Latinos live in neighborhoods voting rights struggle. However, following the reauthorization, with poverty rates that exceed 20 percent; only one in four poor we still view the VRA in terms of race only. Whites does. Congress’ reauthorization was unsuccessfully challenged in the Brown notes that the poor spend a lot of time waiting— Supreme Court case, Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District waiting for the city bus to arrive, waiting for laundry at No. 1 v. Holder, which involved Section V of the VRA. Section the Laundromat—because many don’t have cars or wash- V, often referred to as the heart of the VRA, requires the justice ing machines and dryers. This is an important point eas- Department to review all changes in voting laws and district ily overlooked by those of us who rarely, if ever, suffer these lines in the states covered by the VRA. In a surprising 8–1 ruling, inconveniences. the Court upheld Section V. However, in the court’s April hear- ing of the case, the justices’ inquiry rested largely on whether or

10 not Section V had outlived its usefulness in today’s more racially accepting society (that’s “post-race” for those of us who read between the lines). The justices’ line of questions suggested that Section V, and the VRA overall, would likely take a significant blow. It seemed that at best, it might enjoy a friendly time-limited extension in much the same way that affirmative action in higher education was put on notice by Justice O’Conner’s crafting of the majority opinion in the 2003 Grutter v. Bollinger case. Despite this surprising victory, now more than ever, the VRA advocacy community must sustain its diligence. The first step is to expand the groups at the advocacy table. It is time to pull out the old wooden leaf to ensure that the women’s advocacy community takes a seat at the advocacy table on behalf of the VRA. The VRA has increased representation not only for racial groups, but for women as well. Shortly after the VRA’s passage, only 160 African American women held elected office; by 1990, there Development were over 3,000.2 Women of color have increasingly gained election to state legislatures while the numbers of women overall The work of the Kirwan Institute is made possible by the have reached a plateau. African American women and Latinas generous support of numerous people and organizations. have led the way in garnering representation for their racial External funding includes the following: groups as well as their gender. Given this, it is befitting that the W.K. Kellogg Foundation women’s advocacy community take an active role in the politics The African American Male Project of the VRA. Shifting the lens through which we “see” the impact Advanced Racial Equity Planning Project of the VRA could expand understandings of its role in increasing democratic inclusion. The Ford Foundation General operations This is, however, difficult work for advocacy groups. In The Diversity Advancement Project Affirmative Advocacy Race, Class and Gender in Interest Group The Integration Initiative Politics (2007), Dara Strolovitch suggests that advocacy organizations are mostly designed along a single axis of representation The Presidents’ Council (of Cleveland) and often focus their work in an either/or fashion, frequently Regionalism and its effects on African Americans in failing the test of representing their members’ needs that fall at Cleveland the intersections. The law’s framing of policy areas as race-based or gender-based solidifies the bifurcation of advocacy work. It Public Interest Projects also means that we end up with limited understandings of who Fulfilling the Dream Fund (National Fund) benefits from policies and, subsequently, who has a stake in pre- “A New Paradigm for Affirmative Action: Targeting Within serving them. Universalism” Employing an intersectionality framework to the VRA requires The Tides Foundation a more nuanced interpretation of what is at stake and requires Core operating support advocacy groups to push against conventional wisdom. This time The Open Society Institute around, we were unusually lucky with this 8–1 decision favoring School Desegregation Project the VRA. However, this is likely not the last challenge the VRA Core Operating Support will see. The continued survival of this critical legislation may Framing Racial Justice through Emotive Strategies depend upon our abilities to figure out how to reframe the issues around what is at stake. Adding a few place settings at the advo- Democracy Alliance cacy table is a first step. General operations 1 See Smooth, W. (2006). “Intersectionality in Electoral Politics, A Mess Worth Making” in Politics & Gender v 2, n3 (September). For more information on making a commitment to excel- 2 For the most up-to-date numbers of women in elected office, see the Center for lence with a donation to the institute, please contact: the American Woman in Politics cawp.rutgers.edu. Heather A. Schwenker Director of Development Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity (614) 688-5429 [email protected] 11

Volume 2 Number • Spring 2009 Volume 2 Number 2 • Spring 2009 CoNteNtS v From the Editors Race / ethnicity Fourth Issue of Race/Ethnicity:ArtiCleS Multidisciplinary Global Contexts Volume 2 Number 2 • Spring 2009 1 “Panopticism,” from Punish & Discipline: The Birth of the Prison Multidisciplinary Global Contexts MICHEL FOUCAULT 13 Locking Down Civil Rights: Criminal Record-based Discrimination HEATHER ROsE and GLEnn E. MARTIn

21 Life Capacity Beyond Reentry: A Critical Examination of Racism and Prisoner Reentry Reform in the Us

The latest issue of the journal Race/Ethnicity: Multidisciplinary VIVIAn nIxOn, PATRICIA TICEnTO CLOUGH, Global DAVID sTAPLEs, Contexts , Race YOLAnDA JOHnsOn PETERkIn, PATRICIA ZIMMERMAn, CHRIsTInA VOIGHT, published by the Kirwan Institute, explores the implicationand sEAn PICA of race and ethnicity 45 Extirpate and Expel: On the Penal Management of Postcolonial / in systems of secondary education across the globe. Migrants Scheduled in the European Union for spring 2009 ethnicity LOïC WACqUAnT publication, the issue opens with an excerpt from 53 Crime,Pedagogy Punishment, and of Ethnic the Minorities Oppressed in England and Walesby Paulo Freire that underlines the distinction between AnTHOnY oppressive GOODMAn and VInCEnZO RUGGIERO and transformative 69 Moralizing security: “Corrections” forms of education. According to Freire, oppressive and theforms Post-Apartheid of Prisoneducation discount the kELLY GILLEsPIE experiences and cultures of those being educated, 89 Anwhile Institutional transformative suicide Machine: Discrimination formsagainst engage Federally sentenced Aboriginal Women in Canada all participants in dialogue. The outcome of the struggleJEnA McGILL of developing countries and marginalized populations to participate in 121the Convict transformation Criminology: Voices from Prison of their societies sTEPHEn C. RICHARDs, DOnALD FAGGIAnI, JED ROFFERs, depends on whether the educational environmentRICHARD is oppressive HEnDRICksEn, and JERRICk kRUEGER or transformative. 137 Incarceration and Beyond: A Personal Perspective EGInALD A. WILkInsOn We focus this issue on secondary education, which151 Incarceration provides Data: selected many Comparisons children with their final, formal education, and on the character and c ompiledcontent by CHARLEs PATTOn of III that education. In doing 157 Erratum so, we recognize that formal learning environments159 List of mustContributors be considered within larger

cultural, societal, national, and even global contexts to account for the content and INDIANA impact of the educational experience. race and Secondary education: INDIANA Content, Contexts, Impacts For more information about the journal or to subscribe, go to raceethnicity.org.

Race/Ethnicity: Multidisciplinary Global Contexts raceethnicity.org Call for Papers Intersections of Race and Gender (Autumn 2010) Mediating Race and Labor (Winter 2011) Submissions due September 2009 Submissions due December 2009 What is the relationship between gender and racial discrimina- Submissions are invited that explore the role of race and ethnic- tion? Is gender discrimination likely to be most severe in places ity in mediating labor at all levels. What is the impact of race on where racial discrimination is also severe, or are the two largely national and international labor flows and the global economy? independent phenomena? Why is that the case? How do race and How does race shape the development and direction of labor gender intersect with each other to mediate access to social movements? What factors account for the existence, or not, and opportunity? By what means does the intersection of “women” strength of organized labor in different national contexts? How and racial/ethnic “other” as identities so often result in the does race determine occupation so that certain tasks become creation of a subclass considered expendable and exploited? More racialized, and to what degree and in what ways do certain racial- generally, what are the consequences of discriminatory behaviors, ized groups of workers enjoy privileges as workers and citizens? institutions, and structures acting at the intersection of race and How does labor contribute to the creation of new social classes/ gender? What can be done? How might we celebrate the intersec- castes or otherwise impact cultures? How have or might govern- tions of race and gender? ments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other groups address issues of race and labor?

Please send manuscript submissions to Leslie Shortlidge ([email protected]). To prepare your document in accordance with the Race/Ethnicity style guidelines, visit raceethnicity.org/styleguide.html. Submission of artwork for the cover that relates to the theme of the issue is welcome. Visit raceethnicity.org/coverart.html for submission guidelines.

12 Kirwan Institute Events

Upcoming Events Transforming Race: Crisis and In the context of a public that disproportionately views substan- Opportunity in the Age of Obama tive “race talk” as irrelevant or necessarily divisive, how do we talk constructively about race? Sessions engaging this theme will report The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity is pleased to the best research and thinking on such key conceptual elements as announce its second biannual Transforming Race Conference. The implicit bias, frames, symbolic attitudes, values, and persuasion as a theme of the March 2010 conference is “Crisis and Opportunity in means of identifying the implications of that work for communica- the Age of Obama.” The following three tracks will be featured: tions about race and ethnicity. In so doing, we hope to sow the seeds of a productive and inclusive dialogue in the service of racial justice. Racial Dynamics and Systems Thinking: Systems or systems- based thinking dynamics recognize that some of the explanation Race, Recession, and Recovery: The impact of the current of outcomes is found in the organization and dynamics of systems economic downturn has had a profound effect on the United States themselves, and not simply in the actions of individual parts. The and global economies. Marginalized groups, including people of analytic benefits of adopting a systems approach to problem diag- color, immigrants, women, and rural residents, have borne the nosis and problem solving have long been explored in the fields of brunt of the devastation. Sessions that engage this theme will organizational development, medicine, international relations, and document the disparate racial and ethnic burden of the recession elsewhere; the fields of social and racial justice have lagged. Sessions and benefits of the ongoing recovery; outline the ways that the in this strand will consider the utility of systems thinking as a mode downturn has created both crisis and opportunity in such areas as of analysis and a guide to advocacy strategizing and policymaking in education, health, employment, and housing; and point to the kinds the pursuit of racial equity, social justice, and human rights. of institutional and policy reforms needed to ensure a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in the future. Race Talk: For many Americans, the view that race shapes social meaning and access to opportunity in the United States received Watch for upcoming information in the Kirwan Institute’s eUpdate, added impetus with the election of the country’s Black president. Update, and at kirwaninstitue.org.

Recent Events Professor Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Bloody Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt book discussion Hasan Kwame Jeffries, author of Bloody Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt (NYU Press, 2009), discussed his new book on July 8, 2009, at the King Arts Complex. Jeffries, an assistant professor in history at The Ohio State University with a joint appointment at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, specializes in African American history and the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. The book focuses on the history and contributions of the rarely observed Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO), an all- Black, independent political party formed in Alabama in 1966. The group’s ballot symbol, a Black Panther, which would later be adopted by the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, was created in a time when Blacks in rural Lowndes County felt fer- vently discouraged from voting. Jeffries’ book focuses on the seminal actions of the LCFO and includes a collection of government documents and personal interviews with Lowndes County locals and members of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Bridging the gaping hole in the literature between civil rights organizing and Black Power politics, Bloody Lowndes offers a new paradigm for understanding the civil rights movement.

13 New Staff

Jamaal Bell Leslie Shortlidge Mark Harris Jr. Jen Washco Kerra S. Carson Stacey Chan

Jamaal Bell Graduate Research Assistants Media Relations Manager Mark Harris Jr. is completing his MA in public administration Jamaal Bell joined Kirwan this month as the media relations at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State this year. manager for the institute. His communications experience Mark graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University with includes work for school districts, government, and marketing a BA in political science and received his MA in city and regional communications firms. Jamaal has also served four years in the planning from the Knowlton School of Architecture at Ohio State. United States Navy. He holds a BS in public relations from Ball State University. Jen Washco is a city and regional planning PhD student. She holds a BA in electrical and computer engineering and an MA in city and Leslie Shortlidge regional planning from Ohio State. Her interests include housing Managing Editor finance, equity issues, foreclosures, and issues affecting renters. Race/Ethnicity: Multidisciplinary Global Contexts Leslie Shortlidge comes to the Kirwan Institute with a varied background in writing, publishing, and editing. A native of Michigan, Interns Leslie received both her BA and MA from Marshall University in Sara Brummel joined the Kirwan Institute as a legal intern to help Huntington, West Virginia, where she also worked as an editorial develop FairRecovery.org and contribute to other ongoing projects. assistant for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Leslie has written She is currently a JD candidate at The Ohio State University Moritz on a wide variety of subjects as a freelancer including advertis- College of Law with expected graduation in 2011. Sara graduated ing, promotional, and technical copy, educational materials, study from the College of William and Mary in 2007 with a BA in guides, feature stories, and archaeology for both adult and juvenile sociology. audiences. Leslie edited a book review journal for a nonprofit liter- ary organization in Central Ohio before joining Kirwan. Kerra S. Carson is a doctoral student in higher education and student affairs at Ohio State. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, her primary research interest is in Black college students and organic retention strategies.

Stacey Chan is a doctoral student in economics at Boston College with interests in labor and welfare economics, specifically with respect to women and minorities. She is excited to be working with the Kirwan Institute this summer.

Brookes Hammock is a third-year law student at Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law and a summer legal intern at the Kirwan Institute. His primary interests are housing, regional policy, health equity, LGBT-related issues, and social science methods. Brookes earned a BA in comparative cultural studies from Ohio State.

14 Brookes Hammock Danielle Gadomski Mary Griffith Nicole Jackson Tami Newberry Rachel O’Connor

Danielle Gadomski joins the Kirwan Institute as a legal research Matthew intern for the summer. Danielle is a JD candidate, class of 2011, at Wolstoncroft is a Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law. She has worked previously with communications/ Kids Matter/Milwaukee CASA and plans to pursue a certificate in technology intern at Children’s Studies at the college of law. Danielle earned her BA in the Kirwan Institute. communications from Denison University in 2007. He received a BA in communications Mary Griffith is a communications intern with the Kirwan technology from Institute. A June 2009 graduate of Ohio State’s John Glenn School Ohio State in June of Public Affairs with an MA in public administration, she received 2009 and holds an a BA in English education from Ohio State in 2006. She plans to AA in electron- Matthew Wolstoncroft Kamara Jones pursue an MA in agricultural, environmental, and development ics and computer economics at Ohio State this fall. science engineering from DeVry University in Columbus. His expertise includes Nicole Jackson is a PhD candidate in the Department of History, Internet technologies, desktop publishing, and social media. having just obtained her MA at Ohio State. Nicole’s work centers on international social activism by women of color in the 20th century and global feminist movements. She earned her BA in history in VolunteerS 2001 from St. Mary’s College of California. Kamara Jones is a graduate fellow in the Department of African Tami Newberry is joining the Kirwan Institute as a summer American and African Studies at Ohio State. She received her BA intern. She is a 2009 graduate of Ohio State (summa cum laude) in journalism with a minor in Black studies from the University of where she studied Arabic. She also holds a previous degree in Missouri in 2008 and graduated magna cum laude. Jones is cur- Spanish. Newberry will be attending graduate school this fall at rently writing her master’s thesis on the 2008 presidential election. Ohio State, where she will studying concepts of Arab identity. She is specifically focused on the concept of post-racialism—a hegemonic narrative that developed as a result of President Barack Rachel O’Connor is entering her senior year at Ohio State as a Obama’s success. psychology and criminology major with a minor in sexuality studies. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school for social So-young Lee is working as a summer volunteer for Kirwan’s psychology and public policy. She does undergraduate research in Geographic Information Systems/Housing Policy section. She social psychology and is involved in a variety of volunteer activities. started her masters program in the Department of City and She has a strong passion for social justice issues and is very excited Regional Planning at Ohio State in fall 2008. She will be helping to work as a summer intern for the Kirwan Institute. with quantitative and spatial analysis.

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