Black Lives Matter

10 ways Lexington can begin to dismantle structural racism.

This weekend we marched for Black lives in an effort to bring to light the devaluation and dehumanization of Black life at the hands of the police.

For years, the institutional forces of systemic racism, economic inequality, and mass incarceration have worked to support a bias against people of color.

Now, during a pandemic the impact of these forces is magnified. Lexington can promote social, economical and political justice by making racial equity and community building a priority. In addition to banning the use of no-knock warrants, here are 10 ways Lexington can begin to dismantle structural racism:

1. Identify, support and partner with organizations whose work promotes access across racial lines and thus undermines barriers that produce or sustain racial disparity.
   Council must continue to find ways to fund the Extended Social Resource Program and the Affordable Housing Fund, especially in the midst of and economic distress. I called for this as the budget discussions began, and the need to follow through is even more obvious now.
2. Prioritize building homes with the Lexington Community Land Trust and increase direct housing support.
   Housing is a human right, and I’ve identified ways the City should ensure our neighbors have safe and secure places to call home. By participating in programs to develop and sustain affordable housing, and expanding programs to offer direct housing assistance, Lexington can make a difference in the lives of the oppressed.
3. Revitalize foreclosed properties with Land Banks.
   Land bank organizations protect neighborhoods and neighbors. By purchasing abandoned or distressed homes, these banks create new housing opportunities for residents. These new homes remain affordable, owner-after-owner, and they contribute to neighborhood stability and resilience.
4. Develop a Health Equity Priority task force.
   Black and brown residents have disproportionally worse health outcomes, and it’s a direct consequence of policy decisions. Lexington should follow other cities and establish a task force to investigate specific methods to improve our local health system’s ability to address the specific health needs out our minority communities.
5. Incentivize public-private partnership initiatives that increase food access in food deserts.
   Non-profit and for-profit entrepreneurism has generated amazing organizations like Black Soil, Seedleaf, and Zero Hunger Mobile Market. The City should partner with these organizations to further serve marginalized communities.
6. Create alternatives to incarceration & remove bonds.
   Financial punishment of minor crimes perpetuates economic stratification. Demanding bonds for minor crimes disproportionally contributes to black and brown poverty.
7. Allow payment plans for late fees.
   Late fees are ineffective at motivating payment.
8. Monthly utility bills offered in the language of your choice.
   Translations are a low-cost way to address language access barriers in public services.
9. Draw revenue from TIFs to preserve affordable housing.
   Tax Incremental Financing is a state program to promote sustainable development by modifying, delaying and forgiving tax burdens for developers in the benefit of the public good. Lexington should prioritize TIF applications that emphasize affordable housing developments.
10. Provide mental health sessions quarterly for all law enforcement personnel.
    Law enforcement professionals hold stressful positions and should be encouraged to seek counseling to cope with difficult situations that they may face.

These steps are just a few among a number of a ways we can work together for equality and inclusivity in Lexington.

What do you want to see?