Dr. Bruce Corrie, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, July 25, 2022
Thanks for offering to serve the people of Minnesota as governor, Scott Jensen and Tim Walz. I offer you a perspective on the best way to earn the trust, respect and vote of the ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) people of Minnesota.
According to the latest census data, ALANA people make up over 20 percent of the population of Minnesota – over a million people.
I was a plaintiff in the recent redistricting judicial process by which the ALANA people petitioned to Court for adequate representation. The “Corrie plaintiffs Plan” was integrated into the way current legislative districts are drawn, and the judicial panel in their final order asked the Legislature to be mindful of the voice and needs of the ALANA people.
It’s evident when we analyze the current legislative districts that the governor’s race would be very competitive — and would be won by the candidate who earns the trust and respect of the ALANA people and can mobilize them to come out and vote for him.
Most ALANA people are not activists but go about their everyday lives pursuing the American dream. Many appreciate the values of the DFL, GOP, and other political parties and support candidates who reflect those values. Many are political independents because they see their values reflected in multiple parties. They are very perceptive about how elected officials engage with them. They are not convinced that elected leaders are adequately representing their interests.
If you want to earn the trust and respect of the ALANA people, here are some suggestions.
Understand and acknowledge the huge economic contribution the ALANA communities make to Minnesota.
I estimate the ALANA economy to be at least $1.4 trillion, based on lifetime income and the value of homes and businesses. That’s bigger than the GDP of Mexico. Whenever I share the many economic contributions of the ALANA communities, I observe the faces and the spirit of the ALANA people in the audience light up. For the first time, they are hearing someone from a mainstream academic institution document and celebrate the value they bring to Minnesota. They understand the denial of the value of a human being is at the heart of racism. So, they need to hear you as a leader acknowledge and celebrate that value.
Here are some details about the $1.4 trillion ALANA economy. Most of this amount is the lifetime earnings of ALANA workers. For example, according to research from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, the median lifetime earnings for someone with a high school degree is $1.3 million. Apart from lifetime earnings, we add the value of their homes and businesses using Census data. Further, I recently estimated, using the IMPLAN model, that ALANA workers help produce around $190 billion in goods and services in Minnesota and support over a million jobs and $24 billion in taxes. The ALANA economy is the crown jewel in Minnesota.
Understand and act on the insight that the lived experiences of the ALANA people are very different from those of white people.
The existence of racial covenants in housing document the fact that ALANA people were historically denied a level playing field and faced barriers to success. Offer policies and programs to remove barriers to opportunity and wealth building.
For example, ALANA businesses had a tough time accessing PPP loans during the pandemic. As you know they were shut out. However, when the Small Business Administration opened a window dedicated to small businesses for a few hours one day these businesses got in. If you provide access, they will take the opportunity.
Provide long-term wealth-building solutions.
Most of the programs offered are short-term. What is needed is an investment in long-term ALANA wealth-building infrastructures, such as various types of accessible capital, land banks and land trusts, workforce programs reskilling, upskilling and leading to well-paying jobs, affordable ownership and rental housing options, programs that not only teach people how to fish, increase their capacity to fish, provide a space to fish, help them innovate and create new fish and ultimately transform the fishing industry.
Currently, Minnesota does not have this business and workforce system to enable ALANA financial independence and wealth building. This deficit negatively impacts our global competitiveness.
Meet ordinary ALANA people where they are – at work, play or pray.
When you meet them see their value in a genuine way and invite them to join you in building a Minnesota that works for all. More importantly, let them know what you are doing to open doors of opportunity and access for them and where your long-term investments are going to be. In other words, you are walking the talk. ALANA people do not necessarily want a photo op with you – they want to work with you to produce the photo.
When people see you walk the talk, they will come out and vote for you. More importantly, they will join with their many talents in building Minnesota.
When you lift the ALANA people up, they will lift you up.
Bruce Corrie is a professor of economics at Concordia University-Saint Paul.
Great article Dr. Corrie! I am in support of ALANA people and for the growth of their communities!