Equitable Development
Pursuing the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a Recession

Oakland , California:  Angela Glover Blackwell, founder and president of PolicyLink, called for new thinking in the quest for economic and social equity for all Americans. Recalling the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the occasion of his birthday, Blackwell said, "His dream remains alive.  Our road map to that dream, however, must be redrawn to get us through this recession and beyond."

PolicyLink asserts that the principles of equitable development are more important than ever during a time of economic downturn. Equitable development ensures that investments benefit all members of a community-residents, businesses, and cultural institutions. Equitable development links urban-core residents to regional economies, thus expanding access to jobs, business loans, transportation, and affordable housing.

" In the past eight years, many jobs were created. However, too many of these jobs paid wages too low to allow people to accumulate assets," said Blackwell. "Years of economic growth benefited many people on the margins.  Many others-primarily people of color-were neglected and this downturn will be very painful." Mindful of employment data indicating current job losses are concentrated in the lowest-paying positions, Blackwell added, "This is not the time to defer the dream. Now's the time to pave the way to a more equitable recovery."

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