
DEI
At Empathy Mental Health, we are deeply committed to Milwaukee County’s mission that states: By achieving racial equity, Milwaukee County is the healthiest county in Wisconsin. Milwaukee County’s statement about achieving racial equity reflects a commitment to addressing racial disparities in health, wealth, and overall well-being. By focusing on racial equity, the County aims to create a healthier and more prosperous community for all its residents. Empathy Mental Health supports this County mission in the mental health arena.
The concept of “equity” in economic justice, particularly in access to capital and purchase of services, is about ensuring that everyone has fair opportunities to obtain financial resources and service contracts, regardless of their background. This is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and just economy. Here are some key points to understand:
Equity in Access to Capital and Purchase of Services
- Fair Opportunities: Equity aims to level the playing field so that all individuals, especially those from historically marginalized communities, have equal access to financial resources like loans, investments, and grants; and to selling goods and services.
- Systemic Barriers: Many Black entrepreneurs and other minority groups face systemic barriers that limit their access to capital and contracts for providing services, especially to government agencies. These barriers include discriminatory lending practices, lack of financial networks, and lack of tools to bid on service contracts.
Economic Justice
- Inclusive Economy: Economic justice seeks to create an economy where everyone can participate fully and fairly. This includes ensuring that all individuals have access to good-paying jobs, affordable housing, and quality education.
- Wealth Distribution: It also involves addressing the disparities in wealth distribution by implementing policies that promote fair wages, tax equity, and social safety nets.
Why It Matters
- Economic Growth: When everyone has fair access to capital and economic opportunities, it leads to greater innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic growth.
- Social Stability: Equity in economic justice helps reduce social tensions and fosters a more cohesive and stable society.
- It is important to support Black-owned businesses and Black-led non-profits to foster a more inclusive and prosperous economic future for all.