EAST LANSING, Michigan (WILX) – The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) held a summit on Thursday to empower Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC).
Whether in public policy, education or business ownership, the initiative is designed to help the Greater Lansing region thrive.
Breaking down barriers, smashing glass ceilings and breaking new ground are the goals of the inaugural Bridging Opportunity Summit, hosted by the Lansing Area Economic Partnership with sponsors Michigan Economic Development Corporation and University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University.
“The economy works best when everyone has the opportunity to participate in the economy. We also know that there are historical barriers that prevent this from happening today,” said Tony Willis, Chief Equity Development Officer at LEAP.
“There has been oppression and violence involved, and we know that this has prevented and continues to prevent black and brown people from fully participating,” said Bob Trezise, chief executive officer of LEAP.
Participants came together to discuss best practices to empower underrepresented communities in education, government, nonprofits and business.
Senator Sarah Anthony was also recognized during the summit for her work in Lansing and for being the first black woman to chair the Senate Budget Committee.
“My life’s work will be to ensure that people from all walks of life have a fair chance,” said Senator Anthony.
The summit featured guest speakers, a panel and an exercise where attendees could share solutions to challenges BIPOC may face in their career paths. One solution is to connect with careers early and provide opportunities to spark interest. Meridian Township Economic Development Director Amber Clark says mentoring is another solution.
“It’s very helpful to find someone who does the same kind of work and is willing to say, ‘That’s not how you do it, or this is the right person to talk to,'” Clark says, hoping to break down racial barriers and improve the local economy.
According to a September 2020 study by Citi Group, the U.S. economy has lost an estimated $16 trillion due to discrimination since 2000. Another study estimates that eliminating the racial wealth gap would increase U.S. GDP by an estimated $1.5 trillion by 2028.
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