KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners is considering two separate anti-racism measures to be enacted.
During a virtual meeting Wednesday night, commissioners spoke at length about each resolution, which were introduced separately by commissioners Stephanie Moore and Jennifer Aniano.
The first resolution under review was introduced by Moore, and is listed on county documents as a “Resolution on Creating the Kalamazoo County Commission on Economic Reparations and Opportunity for Descendants of enslaved Africans and Indigenous Blacks.”
If enacted, the resolution would create a new commission in addressing disparities in black communities.
Moore said that over 60 local Black and Hispanic leaders had weighed in on the resolution.
“I can, with pride, say that this is not just co-authored, but supported by the black community in terms of something they want,” Moore said. “I think that this is a good way to start off our work in terms of equity in Kalamazoo County.”
Commissioner John Gisler asked if this resolution was based on similar resolutions passed in Asheville, NC, but Moore said that it was more based toward one passed in Illinois, then localized to be specific to Kalamazoo County.
Gisler asked questions regarding the creation of the new organization, when there is already a task force dealing with infant mortality rates among black children.
“It evolved into something far more all-encompassing that that,” Gisler said. “If we’re gonna put together a new commission, let’s make sure we put some boundaries so that it doesn’t become a blank check to go almost anywhere you choose to go. That seems to be how the equity task force evolved.”
Board Chair Tracy Hall said that she was concerned about enacting the bill, but then not following through with what its purpose is. This was echoed by other commissioners.
“I think this is a salient issue that definitely needs our due diligence,” Hall said. “My fear is that we pass this and we still either take too long for follow-through, or we’re not doing enough. I’d like to have more community input. I don’t want to just create something without having the valuable input that is needed.”
Moore said that she would want this resolution to be treated with the same fair process as any other resolution in regards to when it should be voted on. She said she had received several emails about the subject already, but that they had all been in support of the resolution.
“The big part of this is having board members understand this work, have that equity lens, so they can really look at the policies,” Moore said. “There’s no way in the world you can have a conversation about infant mortality and not look at the root causes of why babies are dying, black white or otherwise.”
She said further education and training into the work would be needed.
Ultimately, the resolution was accepted on a first read. It will be moved forward to the agenda for the next board meeting.
Commissioner Gisler added that the matter was complicated and should not be treated lightly, and that more than two weeks may be needed.
“I don’t think we should be dealing with it as something fairly straightforward,” Gisler said. “This is something super important, and I don’t think we want to rush it in any way, shape or form.”
The next proclamation was regarding the establishment of a Black Lives Matter Day of Recognition, which was introduced by Commissioner Aniano. If this were to pass, February 1st would be declared as Black Lives Matter day, along with the display of a Black Lives Matter banner in the County Administration building through that month.
“I think it’s our duty, as elected officials, to say that we support these resistance movements,” Aniano said. “It’s about time that we begin to move these things forward.”
Speaking to Gisler’s previous comment about not wanting to rush these matters, Aniano said time is of the essence where this proclamation is concerned.
“We’ve had several hundred years to make some changes,” Aniano said. “Now is the time for us, people in our position, to stand up and say it’s time to make some changes and to support these movements like Black Lives Matter.”
Both Moore and Aniano said that this proclamation could be a good opportunity for education, but Moore added that it must have the support of the community.
“I would not, being a black woman, bring anything forward that I have not vetted from a community overall of people, just so we’re on the same page and have understanding and knowledge,” Moore said. “I would probably feel a little bit more comfortable if there was some community input or support.”
She said that she had not seen any communications from residents about this resolution in particular.
Gisler agreed that this could be a teachable moment, saying that he himself can be taught differently.
“I think what we’ve seen is a perfect example of how when interested people know there’s a situation that needs attention, and don’t get their heels dug in too quick, true learning and progress can happen,” Gisler said. “We are having some honest discussions about race, and I think it’s teachable for everyone including me. You say you can’t teach an old white guy anything new, I’m not so sure. I’m capable of learning still. I’m pleased that I was a part of it.”
Ultimately, it was decided that this particular resolution will be revisited once more public input can be gathered. Community members are now invited to submit commentary on the subject.
