So, what can our state of Minnesota which has some of the worst racial disparities in the country learn from my new hero NBA Commissioner Mr. Silver? I think a lot. I know – you are saying, now what now? Let me explain my reasoning and first give credit to my good friend and fellow IACC member Dr. Batra who always asks “how does this relate to my little world in my little practice in Los Angeles”. As a result, I try to find a way we can learn from every situation and relate it to my little world of minority autism advocacy. First, what the owner of LA Clippers said was offensive and unfortunate. However, how it was dealt with by the commissioner of NBA was impressive and swift.
Imagine for a minute when a new research comes out in Minnesota that says how horrible our racial disparities are – if governor Dayton or state agency leaders actual took similar swift and impressive measures to address it. In case you are thinking how racist comments relate to racial gap and disparity – they absolutely do. Racial disparity and racial gap come from not words, but offensive, bias and prejudice policies. In other words, racial health, education or economic disparity do not happen on their own, they are created, enhanced and maintained by policy makers and their policies.
So, what did Mr. Silver say and do and how will that apply to autism’s racial disparity in Minnesota and nationally. First, he banned the person involved. 2nd, he is forcing a sale of the Clippers and suggested the need for more diverse owners and leadership. 3rd, he said the following – “As you know, we have an African-American primary owner in the league right now,” Silver said. “Shaquille O’Neal just became a small owner of the Sacramento Kings. David Robinson is an owner of the San Antonio Spurs. Vivek Ranadive, a person of color born in Mumbai, India, just became the primary owner of the Sacramento Kings. So I believe we have a very diverse league, but I’d always like to see it become more diverse”.
In other words, imagine if the top person in the state which is the governor said we will assure more minorities will be commissioners, own more business, hired as policy advisers, funding and resources will be shared equally, etc and etc. To me that would be a leader who takes the issues by the bull and addresses them. Instead Dayton, Bakk and Thissen keep the status quo regardless of multiple studies stating Minnesota’s racial disparity records from health to education to everything.
In sum, our leaders in Minnesota can learn from Mr. Silver and take action. Fire those in charge of agencies with horrible racial disparity and have not made any significant improvements, such as the health department, hire more minorities in leadership and policy advisers positions and assure appropriations and resources are equal from the gate.
I suppose we can all dream or we can replace them all with our votes. By the way, hurtful words are not as hurtful as our existing hurtful bias policies.
Above words do not reflect any agency, candidate or committee.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate