Test project envisions fair future for Richmond – VCU News

By David Slipher
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

What does a racially equitable urban environment look like in the 21st century? This is a question that will take more than one point of view to answer. To explore a justice-based future for Richmond, a new project will provide nearly 50 perspectives on what might be. The Richmond Racial Equity Essays – created by a pair of VCU professors and a local activist – is a multimedia project combining 24 essays, seven video interviews and an eight-episode podcast series to illustrate the hope of a multitude of residents. All essays will be compiled in an eBook format for download.

The essays explore housing, economic empowerment, education, access to languages, justice reform, environmental equity and more.

“Anyone in the city who cares about social justice, race, location, politics and equity will find these essays interesting and compelling,” said Ebony Walden, planning consultant and assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University L. Douglas Wilder School of Government. and Public Affairs.

All essays and podcast episodes released on September 15, with videos slated for release throughout the fall. On October 15, the VCU Institute for Contemporary Art will host a group discussion program related to the project.

“Change starts with a conversation”

Developed as a “catalyst for engaging other voices and perspectives,” the Richmond Racial Equity Essays were inspired by the 2015 Just City Testing, but pivot the geopolitical focus of this project towards Richmond, a city forged with a racially complex heritage. Walden joined Wilder School associate professor Meghan Gough, Ph.D. and farmer and urban activist Duron Chavis in bringing the effort to life. Together, the three began a collaboration to bring together the voices of the entire community.

As an inclusive community effort, Richmond Racial Equity Essays brings together many distinct but concurrent urban planning and governance ideas into a locally sourced collection.

“It will take our vision and our collective action … our nation,” Walden said.

Walden and Gough see the project as an essential tool to help highlight and develop strategies that will lead Richmond to a strong framework for advancing racial equity. In the essays, readers will learn about community advocates and organization leaders through their first-hand experiences.

“Dismantling the structures of racism cannot be done by just a few people or institutions – it forces us to look at policies and practices across institutions and to question everyday behavior and norms,” he said. Gough said. “Sharing the experiences and perspectives of so many voices across Richmond allows people to gain insight into some of the different manifestations of racism, which many never notice due to privilege. ”

Richmond, American city and symbol of change

2020 has been a powerful year – made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests and renewed activism around race – all social barometers that it was time to tackle many social challenges facing cities across America. Richmond was a microcosm of these troubles, born as the former Civil War capital of Confederacy.

“Richmond is our home,” Walden said. “We are both city planners, so above all we want to have an impact on the city where we live. The hope is that this project will lead Richmond to a solid framework for advancing racial equity and be a model for discussion in other American cities.

Walden’s experiences have taught him that people want to be more involved in a discussion about fairness, but often don’t know how to move from rhetoric to action. The Richmond Racial Equity Essays help shine a light on the people working to transform a city, Walden said.

Lessons learned by listening

Walden and Gough were both moved by the unique experiences of the project participants.

“I was surprised at the bravery of our essayists, especially those who shared personal stories and allowed themselves to be vulnerable in such a ‘public’ space,” said Gough. She sees content as something that will stay on people’s minds and potentially add a new layer to the lens through which they see, understand, and stand for fairness.

Raising questions about inclusion, access, participation and agency, the essays tell stories of lingering injustices, but also offer hope for a new era by acknowledging the past.

Gough sees the project as essential material for his students to understand and make sense of the Richmond of today.

“The essayists each provide examples of how these issues arise in Richmond, all of which are relevant to inform the Wilder School’s mission to educate, inform and advance public policy and decision-making,” she declared.