Original Essays

The goal of this project is to explore what an equitable Richmond looks like, especially as it relates to racial equity and highlight the strategies that will help us get there. We wanted to capture voices from all walks of life and sectors in Richmond - from activists to academics, representing the diversity of the Richmond community. Our hope is that the ideas from the essays, podcasts and videos will create a solid framework for advancing racial equity in Richmond, Virginia and beyond.

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2021 Essays

Black and Brown Centered Placemaking Rooted in Identity & Ownership

Ebony Walden

and

Black and Brown Centered Placemaking Rooted in Identity & Ownership
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Expanding the Geography of Opportunity and Ownership

Maritza E. Mercado Pechin, AICP

and

Expanding the Geography of Opportunity and Ownership
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Neighborhood Self-Determination and the Vision for Equity

Michael H. Smith

and

Neighborhood Self-Determination and the Vision for Equity
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Housing is the Root Wealth Inequality

Heather Mullins Crislip

and

Housing is the Root Wealth Inequality
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There Goes the Neighborhood: Combatting Displacement in Richmond’s Historically Black Neighborhoods

Mariah Williams

and

There Goes the Neighborhood: Combatting Displacement in Richmond’s Historically Black Neighborhoods
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A Rich Education

Rev. Benjamin P. Campbell

and

A Rich Education
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Toward a Vision of Racial Equity in Richmond Schools

Taikein Cooper

and

Gebevieve Siegal-Hawley

Toward a Vision of Racial Equity in Richmond Schools
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Between Two Litanies: Equity and Public Education

Dennis Williams II

and

Between Two Litanies: Equity and Public Education
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From Red Lines to Brown Circles, Again: Reviving the Legacy of Maggie L. Walker for Inclusive Economic Liberation

Shekinah Mitchell

and

From Red Lines to Brown Circles, Again: Reviving the Legacy of Maggie L. Walker for Inclusive Economic Liberation
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The Role of the Business Community in Creating a More Equitable Richmond

Brian Anderson

and

The Role of the Business Community in Creating a More Equitable Richmond
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Peace for Communities of Color: A conversation between a Black woman and a white woman on Shifting Power and the need for Radical Imagination in the nonprofit sector.

Lea Whitehurst-Gibson

and

Bekah Kendrick

Peace for Communities of Color: A conversation between a Black woman and a white woman on Shifting Power and the need for Radical Imagination in the nonprofit sector.
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Reframing Equity—The Gift of Being a Giver

Damon Jiggetts

and

Reframing Equity—The Gift of Being a Giver
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Reparative and Equitable Practices and Partnerships

Dr. Meghan Z. Gough

and

Reparative and Equitable Practices and Partnerships
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The Dream & Reality of an Afro-Latina

Shanteny A. Jackson

and

The Dream & Reality of an Afro-Latina
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The Case for Meaningful Language Access

Tanya M. González, M.P.A.

and

The Case for Meaningful Language Access
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“Si, yo Hablo Español”: Empowering Spanish-speakers with Culturally and Linguistically Accessible services

Gabriela Telepman

and

“Si, yo Hablo Español”: Empowering Spanish-speakers with Culturally and Linguistically Accessible services
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Intentionally Connecting with the Other

Oscar F. Contreras Telón

and

Intentionally Connecting with the Other
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Massive Resilience: An Emergent Strategy for Racial Equity

Dr. Ram Bhagat

and

Massive Resilience: An Emergent Strategy for Racial Equity
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When Black [Girls'] Lives Really Matter

Angela Patton

and

When Black [Girls'] Lives Really Matter
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Incarceration and Violence: Time for a Change

Rev. Ashley Diaz Mejias

and

Incarceration and Violence: Time for a Change
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Radically Reimagining our Systems

Danny TK Avula, MD, MPH

and

Radically Reimagining our Systems
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Spaces to Breathe

Ryan Rinn

and

Spaces to Breathe
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Climate Resilience and Justice in Richmond

Jeremy Hoffman, Ph.D

and

Climate Resilience and Justice in Richmond
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The Bus Should Be Free

Wyatt Gordon

and

Faith Walker

The Bus Should Be Free
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Featured Work

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