Strategic Priority Report for the Berkshire Black Community Introduction 

This strategic priority report focuses on key areas of development and improvement within the Black community identified by a convening of Black leaders and community members during the course of a multi-day retreat facilitated by the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation and hosted by Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, MA. By taking a closer look at the challenges and gaps faced, we can better understand the crucial aspects that require our attention. The aim is to empower and uplift the community through comprehensive initiatives in education, leadership development, housing, economic growth, and health. Rebuilding systems to more adequately serve the Black community and build the resiliency necessary for ongoing development and revitalization. These priorities underscore the importance of inclusivity, representation, and equitable access to resources, fostering a stronger and more resilient community that thrives on diversity and shared prosperity. 

Priority 1: Education and Leadership Development 

Goals: 

• • Enhance financial literacy and empower the marginalized: Recognizing the significance of financial literacy as a transformative tool, our goal is to equip the marginalized members of the Black community with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome systemic barriers. By promoting financial literacy, we can empower individuals to make informed financial decisions and attain financial independence. 

• • Foster racial inclusiveness in schools and provide comprehensive education: Our goal is to create a learning environment that embraces racial inclusiveness, where students from diverse backgrounds feel valued, heard, and represented. We aim to ensure that schools provide a comprehensive education that encompasses not only academic subjects but also cultural diversity, social justice, real-world applicability and historical accuracy. 

• • Promote mentorship and support systems for academic and personal growth: Mentorship and support systems play a vital role in nurturing the academic and personal growth of individuals. We strive to establish robust mentorship programs that connect experienced mentors with Black students, providing guidance, support, and encouragement to help them navigate challenges and unlock their full potential. 

• • Cultivate leadership skills and representation within the community: Leadership development is crucial for building a stronger and more inclusive 

• • community. We seek to cultivate leadership skills among Black individuals and promote their representation in decision-making roles, ensuring their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued. 

Strategies: 

• • Streamline information about available resources and build bridges within the community: By centralizing information about available resources and disseminating it effectively, we can bridge the information gap within the Black community. This will empower individuals to access the support, opportunities, and services they need to thrive. 

• • Ensure BIPOC representation in schools and educational institutions: It is essential to advocate for increased representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals in schools and educational institutions. By diversifying the teaching staff, curriculum, and leadership positions, we can provide students with role models who share their cultural experiences and foster a more inclusive learning environment. 

• • Advocate for free access to appropriate information and services: We aim to advocate for free access to appropriate information and services, breaking down financial, geographical, and systemic barriers that hinder equitable access. This includes advocating for digital access, public libraries, community centers, and other resources that provide vital information and support. 

• • Implement mentorship programs and empower diverse career paths: Mentorship programs are essential for empowering Black individuals to pursue diverse career paths and overcome barriers to success. We will establish mentorship programs that connect Black youth with professionals in various fields, providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities. 

• • Encourage community members to define their own success and illustrate possibilities for Berkshire Black Youth: By promoting a broad definition of success, we can inspire and empower Black youth to pursue their passions and aspirations. We will highlight successful Black individuals across different fields, showcasing a wide range of possibilities and demonstrating that success is not limited by societal expectations. 

• • Address behavioral bias and provide necessary attention to black students’ needs: It is crucial to address behavioral bias within educational settings to ensure that Black students receive the necessary attention and support they deserve. By fostering a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment, we can create a nurturing space where every student feels valued and supported. 

Priority 2: Housing 

Goals: 

• • Improve affordability, safety, and availability of housing: Our goal is to address the issues of housing affordability, safety, and availability within the Black community. We aim to create opportunities for Black individuals and families to secure affordable and safe housing options that meet their needs. 

• • Increase black homeownership and wealth-building opportunities: Homeownership plays a vital role in building generational wealth. We strive to increase black homeownership rates by implementing programs and initiatives that provide support, resources, and incentives to help Black individuals and families overcome barriers to homeownership. 

• • Provide education on finances, housing, and home maintenance: Education is key to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their finances, housing, and home maintenance. We will develop comprehensive educational programs that provide guidance on budgeting, mortgage options, home maintenance, and other aspects of homeownership. 

• • Advocate for equitable housing policies and accountable local leadership: We aim to advocate for equitable housing policies that address systemic disparities and ensure fair treatment for all. Additionally, we will hold local leaders accountable for addressing the housing crisis and implementing policies that promote equitable access to safe and affordable housing.

Strategies: 

• • Implement homeownership programs and incentivize local homeownership: 

• • We will implement homeownership programs that provide financial assistance, down-payment assistance, and favorable lending terms to Black individuals and families. Incentives will be offered to promote local homeownership, such as property tax breaks and grants for home improvements. 

• • Establish housing and financial education initiatives: Housing and financial education initiatives are essential for empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the housing market successfully. We will establish programs that provide comprehensive education on topics such as budgeting, credit management, mortgage options, and home maintenance. 

• • Increase available capital for housing investment and down-payment assistance: Access to capital is a significant barrier to homeownership for many Black individuals and families. We will advocate for increased capital availability for housing investment and down-payment assistance programs specifically tailored to support the Black community. 

• • Hold local leaders accountable for addressing the housing crisis: Local leaders play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis. We will work with community members to hold local leaders accountable for implementing effective strategies, allocating resources, and promoting policies that address housing disparities within the Black community. 

• • Create a Housing Working Group to advocate for legislative and policy change: To drive meaningful change, we will establish a Housing Working Group comprised of community leaders, housing experts, and policymakers. This group will advocate for legislative and policy changes that prioritize housing equity, affordability, and accessibility. 

• • Support programs for permanently affordable housing and cooperative housing: We will support initiatives that promote permanently affordable housing and cooperative housing models within the Black community. These programs provide long-term solutions to housing affordability and ensure housing stability for future generations.

• • Promote home maintenance education and support: Home maintenance is essential for preserving the value and safety of homeownership. We will promote home maintenance education and support programs that provide guidance, resources, and assistance to homeowners in maintaining their properties. 

Priority 3: Economy and Community Development 

Goals: 

• • Attract more investment in businesses, housing, education, and neighborhood development: Our goal is to attract increased investment in businesses, housing, education, and neighborhood development within the Black community. This will create opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and the overall improvement of community infrastructure. 

• • Promote transparency and mentorship in business practices: We aim to promote transparency and mentorship in business practices to empower Black entrepreneurs and business owners. By providing guidance and support, we can foster an environment that nurtures the growth and success of Black-owned businesses. 

• • Develop a comprehensive Black Economic Strategy: A comprehensive Black Economic Strategy will serve as a roadmap for economic development and empowerment within the BIPOC community. We will work with stakeholders to develop a strategy that addresses specific challenges, harnesses opportunities, and maximizes the potential for economic prosperity. 

• • Address wage disparity and create more living-wage jobs: Wage disparity is a significant issue that affects the economic well-being of the BIPOC community. We will advocate for policies and initiatives that address wage disparities and create more living-wage job opportunities for BIPOC individuals. 

• • Enhance access to financial education and opportunities: Financial education and access to opportunities are essential for economic empowerment. We will develop and promote initiatives that provide comprehensive financial education, including topics such as budgeting, credit management, investment strategies, and entrepreneurship.

• • Foster diversity in grant fund allocation and information sharing: To promote equity in resource distribution, we will advocate for diversity in grant fund allocation and information sharing. This will ensure that a broad range of Black individuals, businesses, and community organizations have access to funding and support for their initiatives. 

Strategies: 

• • Increase political awareness and engagement to gain political clout: Political awareness and engagement are critical for advocating for policies and legislation that support the economic development of the Black community. We will work to increase political awareness and empower community members to engage with elected officials to gain political clout and drive change. 

• • Invest in economic infrastructure and advocate for funding in BIPOC communities: Investment in economic infrastructure is essential for fostering economic growth and development within BIPOC communities. We will advocate for increased funding and resources to support the development of businesses, education, housing, and infrastructure within the Black community. 

• • Raise awareness of implicit bias and promote behavior change in organizations and businesses: Implicit bias within organizations and businesses hinders equitable opportunities and economic advancement. We will raise awareness of implicit bias and promote behavior change through workshops, training programs, and resources that encourage inclusive practices. 

• • Incentivize banks to disperse funds for real estate investment: We will advocate for incentives that encourage banks to disperse funds specifically for real estate investment in the Black community. This will increase access to capital for property acquisition, development, and renovation, fostering economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. 

• • Allocate public funds for housing and education in BIPOC communities: Public funds play a crucial role in supporting housing and education initiatives within BIPOC communities. We will advocate for the allocation of public funds to specifically address the needs of the Black community, ensuring that resources are directed to areas that require the most support.

• • Establish a Community Land Trust and promote inclusive and equitable zoning: Community Land Trusts are effective mechanisms for ensuring affordable and community-controlled housing. We will support the establishment of a Community Land Trust and advocate for inclusive and equitable zoning practices that prioritize affordable housing and community development. 

• • Network to determine advocacy and legislative priorities: Building networks and partnerships is essential for determining advocacy and legislative priorities. We will collaborate with community organizations, stakeholders, and policymakers to identify key priorities and develop a unified advocacy strategy to drive change effectively. 

• • Ensure transparency in funding sources: Transparency in funding sources is essential to build trust and ensure equitable resource allocation. We will advocate for transparency in funding processes, requiring organizations and businesses to disclose their funding sources to foster accountability and equity. 

Priority 4: Health 

Goals: 

• • Address implicit bias, stigma, and lack of diversity in health services: Implicit bias, stigma, and lack of diversity in health services contribute to disparities in healthcare outcomes. We aim to address these issues by promoting diversity in the healthcare workforce, implementing cultural competency training, and raising awareness to reduce bias and stigma associated with seeking care. 

• • Increase community engagement from the health system: Community engagement is essential for building trust and ensuring that healthcare services meet the specific needs of the Black community. We will work to increase community engagement from the health system, involving community members in decision-making processes, and fostering collaborative partnerships. 

• • Provide comprehensive health education and resources: Comprehensive health education is crucial for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. We will develop and provide resources that address health disparities, promote healthy behaviors, and educate community members about preventive measures and available healthcare services. 

• • Improve access to pre and postnatal care, mental health care, and dental care: Access to comprehensive healthcare is crucial for the overall well-being of the Black community. We will work to improve access to pre and postnatal care, mental health care, and dental care, addressing existing disparities and ensuring that healthcare services are readily available and affordable. 

• • Enhance access to healthy food options in BIPOC neighborhoods: Access to healthy food is a critical determinant of overall health. We will advocate for increased access to healthy food options in BIPOC neighborhoods, addressing food deserts, and promoting initiatives such as community gardens, farmers’ markets, and partnerships with local food suppliers. 

Strategies: 

• • Foster collaboration and meaningful relationships among health sector stakeholders: Collaboration among health sector stakeholders is essential for addressing health disparities and improving healthcare outcomes within the Black community. We will foster partnerships and meaningful relationships among healthcare providers, community organizations, policymakers, and residents to collectively work towards better health outcomes. 

• • Increase the representation of BIPOC practitioners and professionals: Representation matters in healthcare. We will work to increase the representation of BIPOC practitioners and professionals in healthcare settings, ensuring that individuals receive culturally competent care and can relate to their healthcare providers. 

• • Empower health education and awareness: Health education and awareness are powerful tools for promoting positive health behaviors and preventing illnesses. We will empower community members with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health, engaging them through workshops, educational campaigns, and accessible information. 

• • Support health insurance for self-employed individuals: Access to health insurance is crucial, particularly for self-employed individuals who may not have employer-sponsored coverage. We will advocate for policies and programs that support affordable health insurance options for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs within the Black community. 

• • Establish community transportation solutions for increased access to health resources: Lack of transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services. We will work to establish community transportation 

• • solutions that improve access to health resources, ensuring that individuals can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities easily. 

• • Create health collaboratives to address community health concerns: Health collaboratives bring together various stakeholders to address community health concerns holistically. We will support the establishment of health collaboratives that facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and the development of community-driven initiatives to address specific health disparities and challenges. 

• • Increase availability of preventative mental health care services and resources: Mental health care is essential for overall well-being. We will advocate for increased availability of preventative mental health care services and resources within the Black community, focusing on early intervention, support networks, and accessible mental health resources. 

• • Advocate for increased counseling resources, particularly for families and post-natal care: Families, particularly new parents, often require additional support and counseling services. We will advocate for increased counseling resources, with a particular emphasis on supporting families and providing post-natal care services to ensure the well-being of parents and their children. 

• • Provide sensitivity and implicit bias training for healthcare providers: Sensitivity and implicit bias training for healthcare providers are essential for delivering culturally competent and unbiased care. We will advocate for the incorporation of such training into medical education and ongoing professional development, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped to provide high-quality care to diverse patient populations. 

• • Promote and support preventative care initiatives: Prevention is key to improving health outcomes. We will promote and support initiatives that focus on preventative care, including regular check-ups, health screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle interventions that encourage healthy behaviors. 

Conclusion 

By prioritizing education, leadership development, housing, economy, and health, we can embark on a transformative journey to build a stronger and more equitable Berkshire Black community. The proposed strategies go beyond addressing immediate needs; they are pathways toward long-term empowerment, inclusivity, and access to resources. Through collaborative efforts, community engagement, and targeted advocacy, we can create a thriving and sustainable future that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the Black community. Together, we can overcome challenges, bridge gaps, and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all. 

Prepared by the Blackshires Community Empowerent Foundation 

March 2023