Black Policy Day: Uniting for Change

Black Policy Day (BPD) is a transformative event held annually at the Capitol in West Virginia. 

It is much more than a single-day gathering.

It represents a powerful movement that aims to address policy issues affecting Black communities in West Virginia and foster cooperative and united communities.

Empowerment

At its core, Black Policy Day provides a platform for historically oppressed and ignored Black individuals to have their voices heard. It emphasizes the significance of unity in driving positive change and advocates for the active involvement of Black West Virginians in shaping policies that impact their lives.

Comprehensive Engagement

The event spans two years and includes a variety of activities such as webinars, focus groups, training sessions, and culminates in a pivotal “Day” at the West Virginia state Capitol. During this Day, attendees have the opportunity to interact with policy experts and speakers who share their experiences on crucial matters affecting Black communities. 

Key Policy Issues

The issues discussed during BPD are wide-ranging and touch on various aspects of Black West Virginians’ lives. All these issues are interconnected and centered around the concept of social determinants of health.

Social Determinants of Health 

The Black Policy Agenda framework is developed through a comprehensive survey, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. It mirrors the community’s knowledge, gaps in understanding, needs, wants, and opportunities. The framework is guided by the concept of Social Determinants of Health, which recognizes that the conditions in our environments significantly impact various aspects of our lives, including where we live, learn, work, play, worship, and age. 

Origins and Organizers

Black Policy Day originated from the groundwork laid by Black By God’s 2020 questionnaire. It evolved into a prominent event and now represents a powerful movement. The key organizers driving this initiative are Crystal Good (BBG), Katonya Hart (Partnership for Furthering Art and Education), and Dr. Shanequa Smith, an organizer with Black Voter Impact Initiative. These visionary leaders believe in the strength of shared power and are dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for marginalized groups. They envision a future where Black West Virginians can actively participate in shaping their destinies through policy change and collaborative efforts.

The Agenda

The West Virginia Black Policy Agenda is community-rooted and community-driven—a roadmap to a thriving West Virginia where every person can live a happy, healthy life in safe and flourishing communities. It is a living document that we are continuing to refine and add policies to, based on input from BIPOC+ West Virginians. 

WE BELIEVE IN A WEST VIRGINIA THAT:

Ensures economic dignity and opportunity for all through:

Creation of a state Child Tax Credit to increase economic security for families with children

A Small Business and Minority Populations Economic and Workforce Development Task Force to empower small businesses and promote economic opportunities for minorities

Tax Credits for Diversity and Inclusion to incentivize businesses to hire, promote, and develop women and minorities into leadership roles

Passage of the CROWN  Act which makes it illegal to discriminate based on hair texture or style

Reparations to West Virginia’s African American population

Invests in an equitable and well-funded public education system  through
A Youth Advisory Council for Civic Engagement to encourage civic engagement among young people 

Increased access to high-quality early childhood education in all communities 

School suspension disparities among Black students are eliminated through restorative practices, increased access to diverse educators, and investments in student support service

Shrinks the criminal legal system through

Reductions in the number of West Virginians incarcerated in prisons and jails 

Second Look Sentencing to allow those with lengthy sentences to petition for reconsideration after serving a significant portion of their time

Reducing technical parole and probation violations that drive overcrowded jail conditions

Ending the privatization of jail and prison services that increases the financial burden on loved ones of incarcerated people
Investments in the reentry supports needed for those leaving the justice system to succeed  including affordable housing, access to health care, and jobs

Builds healthy communities, housing, and environment through

Giving all West Virginians access to clean drinking water 

WV Community Development Equity Fund to support equitable community development projects

Dilapidated Property Assessments investing in and marking dilapidated properties

Prioritizes the health of its people through

School-based mental health supports and substance use treatment to increase access to supports for young people 

Enactment of West Virginia Bridge Plan to maximize available federal dollars by instituting a Basic Health Plan option that builds on WV Medicaid’s administrative and provider networks

Improving Black Infant and Maternal Health through improved data collection and increasing access to culturally-appropriate care

Establishment of a Minority Health Advisory Team to improve Black health and well-being

Protects and expands access to Medicaid and CHIP

Has abundant food security through

A Food Desert Produce Pilot Program to increase access to quality, accessible, affordable food in food deserts 

Read more about Black Policy Day. And look for the next print edition of Black by God starting Feb. 7, 2024.