Our democracy and economy are linked. To ensure our economy works for everyone and people can fully participate in our democracy, we must advance solutions that will build power for the people. This was the topic of Driving a People-Powered Agenda in St. Louis, a discussion hosted by the Clark-Fox Policy Institute, the Department of African & African American Studies, and the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, & Equity. The panel was moderated by Dr. Kia Lilly Caldwell, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Diversity and Professor of African & African American Studies, with panelists, Taifa Smith Butler, President of Dēmos; Jamala Rogers, Executive Director of Organization for Black Struggle; and Ashli Bolden, Deputy Director of Missouri Jobs with Justice.
Dr. Caldwell began the panel by addressing the importance of having this discussion in light of the upcoming Presidential election. Panelist Jamala Rogers shared how looking back at the Civil Rights Movement can be a place of hope and expertise for those that are exhausted by the constant urgency of each election year. She also spoke about the role that young people play in our democracy and economy and the hope that they can give with their energy and new perspectives. She encouraged young people to, “look at the bigger picture and the long game” when they feel defeated.
Panelist Ashli Bolden spoke about the work that needs to be done after elections. “You can’t just elect folks. You have to go and organize them and teach them how to organize,” Bolden said. Taifa Smith Butler also urged people to think about how wealth and influence are constructed in America. She counted reforming the tax code as one of the core policies necessary to close the racial wealth gap and reinvest in Black and brown communities. This is part of Dēmos’ Power Agenda, which Taifa Smith Butler summarized as, “focusing on rewriting the rules so the people rule.”
The panel ended with a reminder of the importance of community. Panelists talked about why creating and maintaining communities is essential to continuing to fight for a more equitable and inclusive economy and democracy. “Just say hi to your neighbor, because it starts in the community,” said Ashli Bolden.
