Questions

I will be the first to admit that my belief in a better world and systems that work for all people may be a little more hopeful than what is visible in our current condition.  If I go down the rabbit hole of what is happening systematically, then my cynical self is called to the forefront. It’s like my cynicism can be baited. Like a fish with the right lure, it can get hooked and pulled to the top. The economy doesn’t work for everyone, there has been an intentional disruption of black community that has limited our growth for centuries, and making up for history is an impossible task.  

This doesn’t include bias, privilege, and cultural norms that lean towards white folks having an incredible advantage because rules, nuances and structures lean their way culturally. While these things are true and need to be acknowledged, they are also poison to my hopeful soul.  The poison keeps me distrustful of many and puts the question in my head, can we get to systematic change without better relationships? Can systems be changed without changing people? 

I think my answer may be NO in most cases. I think we need investors, banks, philanthropists, foundations, and political structures to honor all people before the systems will shift. Don’t people shift the systems? If they do, then we all need to be better people.  We need to begin to see and practice honoring the beauty in everyone. 

There is a counter idea to this and that is “the rule of law,” which says if there is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment then accountability, just laws, and accessible and impartial justice is possible. So if the rule of law is present, then equal justice and perhaps economic justice are possible. The hopeful side of me wants to believe this and is at war with my cynical side saying this is hogwash.  

Welcome to the tension that sits in my spirit as we work for economic justice. That justice is not present, and we must push it forward. Perhaps a blend of laws and changing of people will get us where we need to be. 

All the signs and alarms are blaring around us, warning us that equality of economic viability is imperative.  We hope to be at the center of this coming together and solving for equality in San Antonio in February. Please join us.