ttt1438-_september_15-racial_disparity_in_mn
We all know that Minnesota is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. The state has many strengths to share with the world. Minnesotans are hard-working and ambitious people, and they believe in each other. Dozens of Fortune 500 companies have chosen to do business here, and our economy regularly outperforms that of other states. But the fruits of our economic success are not well distributed. In fact, Minnesota is home to perhaps the largest race-based economic inequity in the nation.
That sobering reality begs a number of questions: What is being done to ensure that people of color have the same opportunities to succeed as white Minnesotans? And how will we get there? During today’s show, we will dive deep into the current status of people of color in various industries. We will discuss what our Governor Dayton and his administration is doing currently to provide support for, to invest in, and to retain people of color.
We have in studio some great guests today:
Ravi Norman is the CEO of Thor Construction, Inc. and the founder of the renowned, “Dream” Model of economic access and opportunity. http://www.thorcon.net/
Alfred Babington-Johnson is the CEO of Stair Step Foundation, a nonprofit, spiritual response and intentional community that works to address challenges that confront society at large and African Americans in particular. www.stairstep.org
Kevin Wright is the regional director for Ithink, Inc., an online database that allows for transparent access to investment.
Ezell Jones is a community advocate, advisor, and supporter of various initiatives that allow people of color access to opportunities and investment.
Sen. Bobby Jo Champion is an attorney who represents District 59 in the State Senate. He is the vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
http://www.senate.mn/members/member_bio.php?mem_id=1212
Sen. Jeff Hayden represents District 62 in the State Senate. He has served on the Senate Capital Investment, Elections, and Health and Human Services committees.
http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_secondary_bio.php?ls=88&tab_id=1&mem_id=1191
Ravi Norman is the CEO of Thor Construction, Inc. and the founder of the renowned, “Dream” Model of economic access and opportunity.
Alfred Babington-Johnson is the CEO of Stair Step Foundation, a nonprofit, spiritual response and intentional community that works to address challenges that confront society at large and African Americans in particular.
Kevin Wright is the regional director for Ithink, Inc., an online database that allows for transparent access to investment.
Ezell Jones is a community advocate, advisor, and supporter of various initiatives that allow people of color access to opportunities and investment.
Sen. Bobby Jo Champion is an attorney who represents District 59 in the State Senate. He is the vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
Sen. Jeff Hayden represents District 62 in the State Senate. He has served on the Senate Capital Investment, Elections, and Health and Human Services committees.