Equity should be our constant demand of government.
Baton Rouge is one of the most segregated cities in America. It’s done by design. It’s continually perpetuated in how we invest our tax dollars. Back in 2018 I went to this community meeting about the tax plan for schools.
We spent over $100 million on two new high schools south of Florida Blvd. and less than $50 million on two high schools in north Baton Rouge.
If you follow the money, you’ll find the disparities. This problem isn’t isolated to Baton Rouge. It’s foundational in America.
Remember separate but equal? It was intentional. So if damage was intentionally done. It must be intentionally addressed.
Equality means we all get the same thing. Equity is we address the disparity created from not properly resourcing to begin with.
If you start further behind, and it’s at no fault of your own. A system was designed to place you further back, we have to address the gap created and that requires MORE investment. That’s how we get to equity.
A part of my job is to show you how we fight to win. 1. Get the facts. Always know the numbers. 2. Show up. 3. Speak up. 4. Follow up and stay engaged.
Change doesn’t happen over night. It could happen faster if we collectively did the 4 things listed above.
I find it’s the same few people who speak up. Your voice matters too. Use it. Let’s get engaged. Let’s use this time to prepare to attend public meetings and demand equitable investment in our communities.
Use this time to study your city, school board, and state budget. So we can get more for our communities. #KeepPushing #LetsGoHigher #CivicEngagement
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