The Grand Rapids’ Black Leadership Advisory Council presented its 2024 report to community stakeholders and representatives. In it, experts address issues affecting BIPOC communities, ranging from pay transparency to educational funding. Based on presentations, research, and analysis, the council released eight policy recommendations to Governor Gretchen Whitmer to remove barriers for affected families and communities.
Chris Burtley is an adjunct professor, lawyer, and Co-Chair of BLAC. He says these eight recommendations highlight how Michigan can become more equitable for people of color.
“We’re going to continue to push for those to be implemented and making sure that voters, people and just regular Michiganders, Black, and of course all ethnicities see policies that can help them.”
Other recommendations include passing the Policing Improvement Package and increasing funding for community violence intervention programs.
Grand Rapids City Commissioner Kelsey Perdue is a member of BLAC.
“Many of our recommendations in health, in business, in criminal justice, really are centered on how do we make sure that this is a fair and equitable state for all.”
You can read the BLAC report online at Michigan.gov/BLAC
