By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Black Women’s Collective (CABWC) is a sisterhood of influential women from different professional backgrounds who aim to uplift and address the issues impacting Black women and girls in all regions of the state. Relying on research, they approach problem solving with a range of expertise – from politics, business, and community advocacy to the arts, entertainment, social justice activism, and more.

The collective also partners with other women’s organizations to elevate women’s voices, eliminate racist and sexist violence, secure adequate representation and support the quest for reparations.

CABWC offers several initiatives in support of its mission of Black Women’s empowerment.

Earlier this month, the organization released a wage report focused on Black women’s earnings in California titled “Pay Me What I am Worth.”

“Black Women in California have always had to be active participants in the labor market, but this report showcases the need for fair and just wages even for those of us with higher educational attainment, said Kellie Todd-Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Black Women’s Collective.

“It can’t just be about an annual recognition of a perceived pay gap. We wanted to see the data for a five-year period and look at it in different ways, continued Todd-Griffin. “Black Women in California wages are below the state mean wage and make less than most of their female counterparts in every category we reviewed. And with the majority being single and primary breadwinners, California Black Women feel the impact of lower wages every day. We must take action now.”

CABWC’s Black Girl Joy Festival is an event designed to uplift Black Women and Girls in a safe space while learning and having fun. The festival includes free workshops that prepare women for college, dancing, self-defense training, health screenings, yoga, arts & crafts, and food vendors.

The Collective’s Empowerment Institute, launched in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based research firm EVITARUS, produces the annual California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This study collects insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their most pressing concerns, experiences and issues in California.

They are also planning a tour throughout the state focused on empowering Black Women with information to improve their economic status. ‘The Conversation for Black Women – Building an Economic Action Plan Tour’, sponsored by BMO, will travel to six locations throughout the state.

California Black Media spoke with Todd-Griffin about the organization’s impact, challenges it faces and some of its near-term plans.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s uplifts the issues and voices of Black Women and Girls in California with our vision of improving their lives and serves as beacon inspiring hope for many. We achieve that through our programming, which includes the Black Women’s Worker Initiative that helps Black Women prepare for public section and non-traditional careers. Other initiatives include the CA Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate program at CSU Dominguez Hills; Black Girl Joy Festival for middle and high school students; Conversations for Black Women, etc. Our targeted research also uncovers and finds solutions to the toughest challenges Black women and girls face.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

This year, we released the first-ever California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This groundbreaking study collected insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, most pressing concerns, their attitudes toward policymakers, and their experiences and issues in California. Black women in California and around the country are struggling socially and economically while serving as primary breadwinners of their households. The results are sobering and paint a picture of the pressures that threaten Black women’s stability and financial security. This data is a call-to-action for meaningful change to policymakers, advocates and community leaders working to address these pressing issues and disparity gaps. Nearly two in five Black women work multiple jobs, yet face significant challenges meeting basic expenses, indicating the strain caused by inflation and the rising cost of living in the Golden State

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Black Californians, especially Black Women, continue to be left out of the conversation when it comes to building meaningful change to improve the lives of those who struggle the most. When there isn’t intentionality in policy and practice transformation, it is not shocking that Black Californians experience the highest rated of unhoused people, the highest unemployment rates, the largest wealth gap, the lowest life expectancy and the lowest homeownership even though we have one of the smallest populations in the state.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Our biggest challenge over the last year was transitioning from a volunteer driven entity, the California Black Women’s Collective, to creating a non-profit organization, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, with staff, a board of directors and appropriate budget. We started as a Coalition of Black Women throughout California who showed up in unofficial capacities and therefore could unapologetically challenge the system and people to do the right thing. As non-profit, we still have that role, but we have a set of boundaries that we are governed by.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely!

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We are on all the social media channels. They can also go to our website, www.CABlackWomensCollective.org. We also have a podcast, The Power Table – Conversations for Black Women on YouTube and other audio streaming platforms.

By Sen. Steven Bradford | Special to California Black Media Partners\

There is no greater pain than that of a mother who loses her child — or whose child goes missing.

Bettersten Wade has experienced both. Her 37-year-old son, Dexter Wade, disappeared on March 5 after visiting with her. She reported him to the police as missing the next week and began putting up fliers with his picture and going door to door to speak with neighbors.

For months, the police told her they had no information on his whereabouts, but in August, the police brought her devastating news. Her son, a Black man and father of two had been killed the very night he went missing. Police say he was struck while crossing a highway by an off-duty Jackson Police officer.

The coroner identified Wade using a prescription medicine he was carrying as he had no identification. The coroner’s office claims to have shared his identity with the police, provided them with Wade’s mother’s contact information and asked them to notify her.

The Mayor of Jackson called the almost 6-month delay a “communications failure” between the coroner and the police. The elder Wade and her attorney say the way authorities handled the death of her son is a civil rights violation and they want the federal Department of Justice to investigate.

Without the family’s knowledge or consent, the county buried him in a pauper’s grave with only a small metal sign displaying the number 672.

Although Dexter Wade was a grown man, you can draw a direct line to why California needs and will benefit from the newly signed Ebony Alert notification law which will help locate missing Black children and young women ages 12-25.

Black people make up a disproportionate percentage of all missing

persons in the United States. However, instead of receiving a greater share of the police resources to find them, Black lives get less.

When a Black person goes missing, in a sense, they vanish twice. First, they disappear from their friends and loved ones. Second, they disappear from the police detective’s workload and from the news media’s attention.

This case speaks to the insulting reality of how Black lives are not a priority when they are missing. In the Dexter Wade case, authorities were clearly not looking even as they physically held his body.

Critics of the Ebony Alert say California should not have a special alert system just for African Americans. I would argue California should not need the Ebony Alert just for African Americans.

All people should be given equal value and equal resources should be utilized to find them. But that’s not happening. So, not only does California need the Ebony Alert, but the rest of the nation does as well.

About the Author

Sen. Steven Bradford is Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He authored SB 673, the Ebony Alert. He represents parts

southern Los Angeles County.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862–1931), a Black investigative journalist, women’s rights activist, and civil rights advocate, is renowned for her campaign against lynching. Wells-Barnett was instrumental in shaping public opinion against lynching through her newspaper editorials, pamphlets, clubs, and lecture tours across the northern United States. Wells held the position of secretary in the Afro-American Council, where she led its anti-lynching bureau. Her efforts paved the way for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) anti-lynching campaign.

Following the racial violence of the 1908 Springfield massacre in Illinois, the NAACP was founded on Feb. 12, 1909. The organization was established by over 60 founding members, including Wells-Barnett, W. E. B. Du Bois, Mary McLeod Bethune, William Bulkley, the Rev. Francis Grimke, and Mary Church Terrell, among others.

The NAACP’s principal objective is to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality for minority groups in the United States and eradicate race prejudice. As a service organization, it aims to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.

The NAACP is America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization and today comprises a network of over 2,200 affiliates spanning all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Japan, and Germany. Headquartered in Baltimore, its membership exceeds 500,000.

The NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference, with its 72 branches and youth units, is actively engaged across both states to promote racial justice and equality.

Rick L. Callender serves as the President of the NAACP’s California/Hawaii State Conference. He also is a member of the National NAACP Board of Directors.

California Black Media spoke with Callender about the work his conference is doing and how it impacts the lives of Black Californians.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

We’re committed to dismantling racism and disrupting inequality to create a society where all people can truly be free. Our efforts encompass active civic engagement, systematically fostering racial equity, and championing policies and institutions that urgently address the specific needs of Black communities, who bear the brunt of race- based discrimination.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

The NAACP CA/HI State Conference’s greatest success has been sticking to our long-lived goal of fighting for justice and prioritizing our community ’s needs. In the past year, we notched up some significant victories with Gov. Newsom signing three of our priority bills into law, namely Assembly Bill (AB) 1327, Senate Bill (SB) 673, and Assembly Bill 1165.

AB 1327 addresses a standing problem that many California high school student-athletes of color have dealt with: racism during high school sporting contests. The bill mandates the California Department of Education, in collaboration with relevant community organizations, to create a standardized form for recording hate violence and hazing incidents at high school sporting events, with results to be posted on their website.

SB 673, authored by Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood) guarantees that Black children and young Black women will receive the attention and protection they need when they are reported missing.

AB 1165, authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento) addresses racism on school campuses by encouraging schools to implement a restorative justice practice when a student has perpetrated racist bullying, harassment, or intimidation.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

The NAACP CA/HI State Conference is on a mission for total racial equity, delving into realms like health, housing, education, economic development, criminal justice, and environmental wellbeing. We’re tackling every area that affects the lives of Black Californians. Each of these areas presents its own significant challenges, with Black and Brown communities often bearing the brunt of these hardships.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Just like all non-profits, funding the efforts are always at the forefront. Secondly, generating a base of trained and engaged volunteers is something that also creates a challenge.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

We are and have been at the forefront in the battle for reparations at the national, state and local levels. NAACP San Francisco President, the Rev. Amos Brown, is also at the forefront of the reparations movement in California, not just as a participant but as a key player. From his seat on the California Reparations Task Force to ongoing discussions, he remains a steadfast advocate, actively shaping the dialogue around reparations. The State NAACP will continue to support the ongoing fight for reparations, and we are looking forward and hopeful for the

Task Force’s recommendation of a California American Freedmen Affairs Agency coming to fruition.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

Join the NAACP to get involved with activists and organizers in your local NAACP branch and stand tall against injustice, dismantle systemic racism, and be the answer the call for equality.

From school desegregation, fair housing, employment and voter registration to health and equal economic opportunity, the NAACP is working successfully with allies of all races, playing a significant role in establishing legal precedents in order to improve the quality of life of America’s downtrodden. For more information, visit the

NAACP California Hawaii State Conference

By Lou K. Coleman

“Everybody talkin’ ’bout heaven ain’t goin’ there.” O my Lord!

As in [Proverbs chapter 30 verse 12] it says, “There is a kind of generation who is pure in their own eyes, yet not washed from their filthiness,” “They have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.” [Romans 10:2]. I tell you, “Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t goin’ there.”

The Word of God is quite clear that many will be excluded from Heaven. [Matthew 7:13-14]. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” [Matthew 7:21-23]. Your soul is being weighed in the balances. Mene, Mene,Tekel, Peres [Daniel 5:7]. Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity. [Matthew 7:21-23].

Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heaven ain’t goin’ there.” Oh my Lord!

Free Gas, Free Groceries, Free Socks, Footwear Community Cleanup Projects

INGLEWOOD, CA— Random “Drops of Hope” throughout L.A. County, including free grocery purchases, free gas purchases, free donations of socks and footwear as well as volunteer opportunities for community cleanup and city beautification projects. The day of service will end with a LIVE in person activation including media, Red Carpet, a one-on-one conversation with Founder MAJOR. and a sneak peak of the MAJOR. HOPE Experience at local community shop; Hilltop 4427 W. Slauson Avenue in Los Angeles, CA 90043 on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHO:
HOPE FOUNDATION founder, Grammy nominated musician, actor, artist, and “Hope Dealer” MAJOR. Featuring a live performance from his MAJOR. HOPE band.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjrxiTgdHRQ – https://www.majorhopefoundation.org/major-hope-experience

Mexican American TV personality (I Love Jenni, Rica, Famosa, Latina) author (My Broken Pieces), businesswoman (former CEO Jenni Rivera Enterprises) and Christian minister Rosie Rivera.
https://www.sistersamalia.com/

Tween philanthropist Khloe Thompson founder of Khloe Kares, a nonprofit organization that distributes “Kare Bags” filled with toiletries and necessities to Los Angeles’ homeless community.
https://www.pointsoflight.org/bushawards-2019-khloe-thompson/

WHEN:
December 28, 2023
Times: 10:00am – 2:00pm – Random Drops of Hope throughout LA County.
To commence in East LA.
– Exclusive Media Participation available, ride along with MAJOR. via HOPE  Sprinter
Times: 6:00pm – Red Carpet, LIVE MAJOR. Hope Experience

WHERE:
East LA – Free Groceries – Together with TV Personality Rosie Rivera
Superior Market
3600 E Cesar Chavez Ave, Los
Angeles, CA 90063

DTLA – Free Socks & Footwear – Together with Youth Activist Khloe Thompson

Beverly Hills – Hope Drops –  Together with multiple celebrities
427 N Crescent Dr,
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Hollywood Ca – City Clean Up
(Location TBD)

South LA – Free Gas + Free Groceries
Carson

ABOUT MAJOR. HOPE FOUNDATION & A MAJOR. DAY OF HOPE:
MAJOR.HOPE INC. is a social action initiative founded by GRAMMY nominated artist, actor, and humanitarian – Major. Commonly referred to as the “hope dealer,” MAJOR. has established MAJOR.HOPE INC. (501c3) as a foundational vehicle to creatively amplify hope in a world triggered by perpetual trial and tragedy. MAJOR. endeavors to fulfill this charge through entertainment, civic engagement, community development, youth enrichment, philanthropy, and many more fun, unique, creative means.
https://www.nowthatsmajor.com/
https://www.majorhopefoundation.org

By Lou K. Coleman

Too late! You should have nipped in the bud. Over and over again, God gave you opportunity after opportunity to get it together. But Naw, you thought that you would have time, just like the people whom God invited to the Banquet. He sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, come for everything is now ready! But they all began to make excuses. The first said I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it please excuse me. Another said I just bought five yolk of oxen and I am on my way to try them out, please excuse me. Still another said, I just got married so I can’t come. Then God said, those who were invited will not get a taste of my banquet, it was too late for them to come and partake of the banquet. Stop your crying!

Now if you are reading this and you are putting off salvation, you better think about the consequences of your delay. For in [2 Corinthians 6:2] Jesus says, “In the time of my favor I heard you. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. Don’t waste the moment.  Remember in [John 8:12-21] Jesus responded to a charge and a question from the Pharisees telling them that if they miss the opportunity, it will never be afforded to them again. I tell you wisdom is the principal thing, but in all your getting get an understanding. How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation? [Hebrews 2:3].

Remember, Jesus told the Pharisees that after He was gone, they would realize what they had missed. They would then try to search for Him but would be unable to find Him. Don’t you wait until it’s too late! Failure to take advantage of the opportunity which God affords you means that you will die in your sin. Take advantage of the opportunities God’s grace provides.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for the descendants of enslaved Black American men and women.

In 2020, CJEC worked alongside California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego, to author and enact Assembly Bill (AB) 3121. That bill, now state law, created America’s first-in-the-nation Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans.

CJEC was one of seven “anchor organizations” sanctioned by the Reparations Task Force and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to host a series of “listening sessions” designed to ensure certain communities in the state provided their thoughts and concerns about the work the task force was doing. In addition, CJEC helped the task force evaluate California’s role in slavery and Jim Crow discrimination – and followed that work up with developing resolutions to compensate African Americans for past and ongoing race-based injustices.

During one of CJEC’s signature “listening sessions,” the organization introduced Marian and Michael Johnson, sister and brother, members of a Black family that lost property in Russell City due to eminent domain. Russell City was an unincorporated majority Black community located between the Bay Area cities of Oakland and Hayward. Their story garnered national press coverage.

CJEC is also a community co-sponsor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 — the Ending Slavery in California Prisons Act of 2023-204. The California Constitution prohibits slavery and prohibits involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), who is also chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, said ACA 8 called for prohibiting slavery in any form, including forced labor compelled by the use or threat of physical or legal coercion in California prisons.

ACA 8 received the two-thirds vote required during the legislative session and a constitutional amendment was placed on the ballot for the November 2024 general election to allow the voters of California to decide its fate.

California Black Media spoke with Chris Lodgson, a CJEC member, about the organization’s advocacy and the work it is doing to support the fight for reparations in California.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

CJEC works to improve the lives of Black Californians who descend from persons enslaved in the U.S. by organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for strong lineage-based Reparations.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Over the course of last year our greatest successes include:

First, we helped the California Reparations Task Force successfully complete its work developing Reparations recommendations, which were submitted to the Governor, State Senate and State Assembly.

Second, was the passage and signing by the Governor of legislation we wrote that will require California state agencies to collect data on descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery. Currently our State does not have a way to measure the living conditions of those of us whose Ancestors were enslaved in this country.

Third, organizing and hosting over a dozen Reparations community meetings, town halls, listening sessions, and panel events.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

The biggest challenge Black Californians face is making ends meet to feed and support our families.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge and opportunity our organization faced over the last year was raising awareness about California’s Reparations efforts.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. We are California’s first, only and leading state-wide grassroots organization born specifically for lineage-based reparations and reparative Justice.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

Visit our website at www.cjec.org and sign up for volunteer opportunities, our free monthly Reparations news via email and text updates and donate.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

In the complex and ever-evolving tapestry of the American identity, Asian Americans have been compelled to deal with the myth of being the “model minority.” This widespread perception appears to have been hardwired into our collective consciousness.

This seemingly commendable stereotype wrongly asserts that all Asian Americans uniformly excel in academics, employment, and societal roles, contributing to a narrative that inaccurately describes their diverse experiences and potentially serves as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and African Americans.

The roots of the “model minority” myth can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The myth emerged highlighting the success of Japanese Americans and other Asian American groups as a counter- narrative to systemic racism allegations that were being raised as the civil rights movement gained momentum.

The “model minority” stereotype obscures the rich diversity within the Asian American community, which comprises over 19.9 million people from more than 40 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages, each with their own unique cultures, languages, and histories. Despite 91% of Asian American adults maintaining distinct cultural practices, their values align closely with the broader U.S. population.

This stereotype frequently overlooks the social and economic hardships experienced by groups like Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian refugees. The impact of issues like socioeconomic instability, unequal educational opportunities, reliance on public health insurance, housing instability, and health disparities are often downplayed due to this stereotype, making it difficult to address the unique challenges these communities face.

The “model minority” stereotype contributes to the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, implying that Asian Americans regardless of how long their family has been in the United States, are seen as perpetual outsiders. This feeling of always being seen as foreign fosters feelings of exclusion and alienation, hindering a number of Asian Americans’ full participation in American society.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action has elicited mixed reactions both in and outside of the Asian American community. The case against Harvard University, brought by the Students for Fair Admissions, argued that the university’s admission policies discriminated against Asian American applicants. The verdict, which doesn’t single out any racial or ethnic group, has raised concerns about its effect on diversity in elite educational institutions, particularly for underrepresented students like Black, Latino, and certain Asian American subgroups. Some Asian American groups and leaders have criticized the decision, arguing it exploits Asian Americans to undermine civil rights.

It is essential to acknowledge and confront the strategic use of the “model minority” myth as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and Blacks. This myth, which contrasts the success of one minority group with another, can intensify tensions and perpetuate damaging stereotypes. Understanding the interconnected struggles faced by different minority communities is vital to fostering unity and dismantling divisive narratives that deepen racial divisions.

A prime example of this interconnectedness is the successful campaign Japanese Americans conducted to secure an apology and reparations for their unjust internment during World War II. Influenced by the Civil Rights movement and Martin Luther King’s demonstrations against racial injustice, their initiative was supported by Black legislators and activists. This shows how unity and understanding can lead to significant social change.

Beyond its visible impact on their socio-economic conditions, the “model minority” stereotype significantly affects the mental health of Asian Americans. This label makes them feel like they must be perfect in school and conform to high academic expectations, leading to stress and potential mental health problems. Unfortunately, Asian Americans are two to three times less likely than White people to seek help for mental health issues. This is made worse by the fact that talking about mental health is often stigmatized in their communities.

Despite reporting lower discrimination in employment, housing, and criminal justice compared to other racial minorities, Asian Americans face a unique set of stereotypes that render them invisible in discussions about race and prejudice in America. Evidence suggests that Asian Americans, representing about 6% of the U.S. population, are frequently denied leadership opportunities. Additionally, they are often overlooked in research, clinical outreach, and advocacy efforts. Health outcomes vary greatly among different Asian American groups. Recognizing this diversity exists can help in providing culturally appropriate health care and addressing health disparities.

The stereotype of cultural uniformity, which assumes all Asian Americans are identical, has led to damaging misconceptions. This problem is intensified when Asian Americans see violent attacks on their community members in the media, resulting in “vicarious trauma,” an emotional distress caused by witnessing harm done to others.

Despite the “model minority” stereotype, hate crimes against Asian Americans rose by 76% in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents, as documented by the FBI, range from verbal harassment and discrimination to physical assaults. This wave of violence and discrimination has undeniably contributed to vicarious trauma within the Asian American community.

Breaking free of this stereotype necessitates a collective effort to challenge preconceptions, celebrate and embrace diversity, and create an

inclusive narrative that authentically represents the complexity of being Asian American. This involves dismantling racial divides and promoting understanding between communities that have historically encountered systemic challenges.

Guided by comprehensive studies like Pew Research on Asian Americans, this collective effort can pave the way for a more respectful, and united appreciation of the diverse Asian American tapestry of cultures and histories shaping America’s identity.

About the Author

Joe W. Bowers Jr. is a contributing editor to California Black Media. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

Green Living Plan: Clearly a major clean energy transition is taking place, with jobs being created. But do the most marginalized and climate-hit communities even know how to access all of this?

By Jessika Pollard | a University of Redlands partnership

According to Pew Research during the 2020 elections, 70 percent of registered America voters identified climate change as an important factor influencing their choices in the presidential election. Since then, in a commitment echoing his campaign promises, President Joe Biden has set forth an extremely ambitious vision: A carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. This transformative agenda includes climate forward legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – or combined spending of $3.5 trillion. It represents what Biden and other observers have called the “largest ever investment in clean energy research and innovation.”

Fast forward a few years later and the IRA specifically, is calculated to decrease the national deficit by $300 billion over the next 10 years through funding initiatives that advance environmental justice, cut emissions, manufacture clean energy products, and more. Also within that time frame, this initiative is expected to create more than 9 million well-paying clean energy jobs – averaging 912,000 annually. Roughly $400 billion will be injected into various sectors and communities across the U.S., including millions of dollars in incentives for private investment, in the form of tax incentives, grants, loans, and more.

As President Biden and the U.S. Congress attempt to fulfill these promises, tangible results are already surfacing. For example, since its passage, the IRA has created over 100,000 clean energy jobs in (notably ‘red’) states such as Georgia, Kansas, Tennessee, and Arizona. Nationally, reports from companies across the country indicate nearly $90 billion in new investments have been established. Additionally, President Biden has recently announced the new Hydrogen Hub in Philadelphia that will create 20,000 new jobs.

Yet, the impact of these initiatives extends beyond the economic figures of for already affluent areas. What does this mean for families and communities in dis-invested areas? President Biden’s climate plan not only set ambitious goals for carbon emissions and clean energy, but also to fortify the national climate resiliency. Still, the realization of this vision hinges on aggressive investments in marginalized and vulnerable communities, often overlooked and underserved. In many low-income communities of color, the absence of critical infrastructure and healthy environments poses significant challenges to healthy, stable, and thriving living spaces.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of “Neighborhoods and Environment” as one of the six domains of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the urgency of reinvestment. These SDOHs are the underlying conditions that are contributing factors of health inequities. The lack of adequate and affordable housing, poor air quality, and lack of infrastructure for safe drinking water and accessible electricity are all results of a disinvested community. American dependency on oil and gas has only exacerbated the challenges these communities regularly face. The monies appropriated from the Biden climate plan are essential to see transformative investments in these underserved, low-income communities of color, steering the nation toward a more equitable and sustainable future. But: Do those communities even know those funds are available and, supposedly, accessible?

How Are Funds Being Planned?

A number of states, such as California, Vermont, and New York, are already working toward environmental justice polices – such as oil and gas drilling regulations or cap and trade – that mitigate air pollution in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities of color. These efforts aim to alleviate the poor air pollution in economically disadvantaged communities. The success in those investments from climate policies rely heavily on the collaboration between local, state, and federal policymakers and mission driven organizations actively engaged in the field.

The IRA, coupled with the BIL infrastructure law, represents significant investment in these targeted areas, aiming to enhance the nation’s infrastructure and transportation networks. Initiatives such as modernized home electrification, rebates, and grants/loans for zero emission technology, empower lower income households to invest in public safety and escape unhealthy living conditions.

Consumers also stand to benefit from incentives including tax rebates on energy-efficient appliances, home improvement, and electric vehicles. To ensure effective allocation of funds in line with the U.S. climate goals, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators propose three strategies: green banks, creating agency guidance and requirements, and creating funding streams for state funding matches.

An estimated $30 billion from the IRA is to be allocated to state and local governments and nonprofit entities, or Green Banks, intended to accelerate the transition to clean energy and fight climate change. Moreover, the opportunity to have IRA and IIJA funds matched by state governments creates greater opportunity for the much needed investments for increased infrastructure in communities requiring immediate attention.

Analyzing potential benefits, Rewiring America provides insights into the positive outcomes of Bringing Infrastructure Home. Properly distributing and implementing funds within communities will help lower energy costs and expenses related to upgrades, not to mention. The findings suggest major benefits to indoor and outdoor air quality for low-income households just by updating home electrification. Furthermore, a modernized electrification system will save low-income households close to $500 annually, decreasing their percentage of rent burden; however, these numbers are only realized if community revitalization is prioritized.

How Will We Know It’s Working?

As previously mentioned, since its passage, the IRA has already proved valuable in achieving specific climate goals set by President Biden; however, to what extent has that included disinvested, marginalized communities? And do they know what’s happening?

Here’s what was promised …

• Incentivize clean energy
• Increase nationwide energy efficiency
• Increase access and affordability of electric vehicles
• Create more jobs
• Advance clean air and transportation
• Lower healthcare costs

At this rate, domestic carbon emissions are expected to experience a 40 percent reduction by 2030. Noteworthy is the surge in planned manufacturing sites that will promote and support the development and use of renewable energy sources such as battery and electric vehicle manufacturing sites and wind and solar manufacturing sites. Furthermore, we have also seen an increase in planned green banks across the country to make the transition to clean energy more widespread and as previously mentioned, numerous jobs have been created and wages raised, contributing to the economic mobility of many families across the country.

What we’ll need to know, however, is if there is an increase in jobs and economic growth in the most disadvantaged communities. Do low-income, traditionally low-resources Black and Brown communities even aware that they’re able to participate in this massive transition taking place?

This climate legislation was diligently crafted in the application process in that it allows cities to seek funding independently if the state government refuses. To avoid a blocking of these initiatives where Republican-run states refused funds, as seen with the Affordable Care Act, the IRA extends the offer to the three largest cities in the state. For instance, Florida, South Dakota, Iowa, and Kentucky have all refused funds from the IRA, but cities such as Iowa City, Rapid City, and Louisville are attempting to take full advantage of these funds.

While it is still a bit too early to determine the effectiveness of the place-based incentives a discernible trend is emerging. We can track that many of the deployed IRA investments have been distributed to low-income communities due to place-based bonuses offered in the IRA. These bonuses are targeted for investments in low income high unemployment areas to ensure the most promising regions for growth are invested. As more funds are disbursed and data accrues, the optimistic anticipation of success continues to grow. Still, we need to keep asking and assessing if those populations know about these funds and that they’re circulating on their behalf. It’s not clear that they do. That also poses a problem for policymakers as they’ll need a combination of community input and partnership.