This program will discuss the impact of the economic downturn, man-made or other natural crises on communities of color and their ability to respond or to rebuild in the face of these challenges. Although different peoples of color have experienced the recent economic downturn differently, all communities of color were disproportionately impacted by the financial collapse. Recent natural or man-made disasters have had a disproportionate effect on peoples of color, their communities, and their ability to respond to the disaster and to thrive in the future. After an economic crisis or a natural disaster, the process of receiving aid and recovering is often slower in communities of color. Communities of color may also be poiltically disenfranchised from the recovery planning process. Further, whether federal and state programs that were established to address the recent economic crisis or natural disasters are economically or socially appropriate to meet the general needs of people of color or the unique needs of individual communities of color is a signifcant question. The panel hopes to conclude with lessons learned in the past crises and some success stories to inform improved national or state responses to communities of color to future crises.
Business Meeting at Program Concludsion.