Empower Trust in Black Women, mirror their leadership
In the realm of urban planning and transportation, Black women are making significant strides, yet they continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their progress and visibility. Tamika Butler, a renowned leader in this field, recently wrote an article highlighting the need for Black women in equitable transportation [1].
One of the key challenges Black women face is systemic exclusion and marginalization. In professional and community settings, they often feel they do not receive equitable treatment or respect compared to their white counterparts [1]. This lack of representation and visibility in planning processes suggests that their contributions are not being recognized or valued [1].
Lack of community and support networks is another significant issue. Many Black women report feeling alone and unsupported as they navigate these industries, contributing to isolation and psychological burden [1]. Efforts such as those of BlackSpace emphasize the need to centre Blackness, lived experience, and cultural preservation in design and urban planning to counteract historic erasure and marginalization [3].
Navigating racial and gender biases, often referred to as the "whiteness problem", is another obstacle Black women face. The dominance of white cultural and institutional norms shapes urban planning, leading to spaces and policies that often ignore or harm Black communities [3][4].
Barriers to economic and professional advancement reflect broader economic and systemic inequities. Higher unemployment rates for Black women and limited opportunities in these sectors are influenced by race and gender discrimination [5].
The impact of urban violence and poverty disproportionately affects Black women, with research indicating that those living in poverty within urban environments are more vulnerable to violence [2].
Addressing these issues requires creating inclusive, community-centered spaces where Black women can share experiences, gain practical support, and influence urban planning processes that affirm Black presence, culture, and leadership [1][3]. Prioritizing equity and dismantling systemic discrimination in urban policy and practice are essential for meaningful change [4].
Recently, a young Black woman reached out to Butler for advice on post-graduation plans in climate and transportation work. However, many Black women are contemplating leaving their organizations due to white fragility, racism, and anti-Blackness [1].
The term "misogynoir", created by Moya Bailey, describes the specific hatred, dislike, distrust, and prejudice directed towards Black women [1]. Black women in the transportation sector are often asked to help with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in addition to their regular duties, which can create conflict and defensiveness among colleagues [1].
Despite these challenges, Black women are essential in the transportation sector and are here to create change. They understand intersectionality and are crucial in addressing issues like housing affordability, economic mobility, and access to quality healthcare and education through transportation [1].
Historically, Black women have been significant in transportation. Harriet Tubman navigated the underground railroad, and Rosa Parks stood up against injustice [1]. Black History Month provides an opportunity to not only share love for famous Black people on social media but to care about and support Black women in transportation and climate change work.
Butler, who served as the executive director of the Los Angeles Bike Coalition, often found herself in meetings with people in positions of power who did not look like her [1]. Planning has a "whiteness problem", with 80% of city and regional planners being white [1].
The lack of diversity in these fields is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. By supporting Black women in urban planning and transportation, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
References: 1. Butler, T. (2021). Black Women in Equitable Transportation. Medium. 2. Acevedo-Garcia, E. (2017). Black Women, Urban Poverty, and Violence: A Public Health Crisis. Journal of Urban Health. 3. BlackSpace. (n.d.). About Us. BlackSpace. 4. Lipscomb, S. (2019). Dismantling the Whiteness Problem in Urban Planning. Next City. 5. Williams, C. M., & Collins, P. H. (2016). Black Women's Mental Health: Improving the Lives of African American Women. Oxford University Press.
- Tamika Butler's article underscores the need for Black women in equitable transportation and urban planning, highlighting systemic barriers they face.
- Professional and community settings often fail to provide equitable treatment and respect to Black women compared to their white counterparts.
- BlackSpace emphasizes the importance of centering Blackness, lived experience, and cultural preservation in design and urban planning.
- The dominance of white cultural and institutional norms shapes urban planning, often ignoring or harming Black communities.
- Economic and systemic inequities contribute to higher unemployment rates for Black women and limited opportunities in professional sectors.
- Urban violence and poverty disproportionately affect Black women, with those living in urban environments being more vulnerable to violence.
- Creating inclusive, community-centered spaces can help Black women share experiences, gain support, and influence urban planning processes.
- Dismantling systemic discrimination in urban policy and practice is essential for meaningful change, prioritizing equity for all.
- Despite challenges, Black women play a crucial role in transportation and climate change work, historically and currently, and their contributions should be supported for a more equitable and inclusive future.
