Greater Equity 2030 Challenges Businesses to Provide 1,600 Creative Jobs for Minority Employees
Keep the talent here. That’s a common saying Milwaukeeans go to when they talk about how most of our talent leaves the city and state. But most times we don’t really talk about the lack of support our talent receives. According to Co-Founder and Director of UWM’s Center for Economic Development Marc Levine’s research, Blacks make up 12.8% of the workforce in Milwaukee and 5.8% of the creative sector. Not only are Blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities, underrepresented in all jobs, it’s like they’re nonexistent in the creative world.
The creative world is boundless and to have it almost completely white-washed is an issue. To address this issue, the nonprofit Greater Together recently launched their new initiative: Greater Equity 2030. Through this initiative, local businesses are challenged, as a collective, to create at least 1,600 jobs in the creative field for minority employees by 2030.
The businesses must take a pledge and are encouraged to publicly share that pledge to inspire others join in on the initiative.
Pledge:
We believe in the power of diversity, equity
and inclusion to make this business more
creative, competitive, and successful.
We are dedicated to building a diverse
and inclusive organization.
We support Greater Equity 2030
and strongly encourage applications for jobs
and internships from people of color
and members of other historically
underrepresented groups.
As a public relations manager for Greater Equity 2030, Natasha Lettner said it’s not enough to just say you want to see diversity in your company, but real change and commitment is needed. Lettner considers herself a creative and has a background in music, so she knows first-hand what it means to be a Black individual in Milwaukee trying to make it as a creative.
Another big issue Lettner has seen within the community is that our people don’t know about these opportunities and different avenues to enter and be successful in the creative world. Along with challenging businesses, Greater Equity 2030 will make sure minority communities know about these future new jobs, and current ones.
“People aren’t really coming in their communities,” Lettner said about the lack of engagement from local businesses. “Get outside of your community. We have to get uncomfortable.”
Greater Equity 2030 officially launched on Dec. 4 at 88Nine and according to Project Manager Kathryn Reimer, they’re looking for volunteers, event planners and more to help spread their message of increasing diversity in the creative sector.
Reimer said that creative jobs play a huge role in society and that it only makes sense to focus on this issue.
“[Art] is the heart of the city,” said Reimer. “It’s known that diverse teams are more productive.”
Not only will the economy boost but so will the lives of individuals.
Lettner and Riemer stated that although the challenge ends in 2030, this will be an ongoing conversation and effort.
“Break down those stereotypes,” Lettner said to local businesses. “Go in there and knock down those doors and move those road blocks.”
To find out more about Greater Equity 2030, click here.