Long Islanders Gather in Elmont for Black History Month Conversation on Race and Economics
Black Advocates, Legislators, and Experts Discussed Important Policy Fights, Recent Wins, and the Work That Still Needs to be Done
ELMONT, NEW YORK — Yesterday, Empire State Voices and Economic Security Project hosted a forum on the intersection of race and economics on Long Island. Local residents gathered at Le Spot Cafe in Elmont, NY, for an evening of food, drinks, and conversation around the economic policies that most acutely affect the Black community, where progress has been made, and where there remains important work to be done.
Left to right: Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, Economist Ludy Thenor-Shaw, Policy Advocate Sherrise Palomino, and Community Leader Mimi Pierre Johnson | Credit: ESV
The event began with a presentation on a new IRS Direct File pilot, which is a free tool being offered to New Yorkers for the first time this year to ease the tax filing process, before moving into a panel discussion moderated by policy advocate Sherrise Palomino. Guest panelists included Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, Community Leader Mimi Pierre Johnson, and Economist Ludy Thenor-Shaw, who spoke on the state of the Black economy, the benefits already seen thanks to legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act, and the impact of current Congressional gridlock over government funding.
“When we’re talking about the situation in D.C. where there’s these Continuing Resolutions–these CRs that keep being pushed–and there’s not fiscal responsibility, it really impacts communities of color, especially Black communities,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. “It means that the economic impact of the disparities that exist are hitting Black people straight. We talk about food insecurity, we’re talking about housing instability, we’re talking about issues like economic empowerment. We are getting the brunt end of it, and we need to push back. We need to make sure that we are educated and galvanized.”
Panelists spoke on the state of the Black economy, the benefits of recent legislation, and the impact of current Congressional gridlock over government funding. | Credit: ESV
The evening centered around the importance of civic and community engagement, with a robust discussion on how New Yorkers of all backgrounds can support the economic growth of Black communities.
“There is a lot of work that still needs to be done to build the infrastructure necessary to allow Black and Brown communities in New York to flourish,” said Maria Martinez, Executive Director of Empire State Voices. “We have seen important legislative steps taken in the past few years to direct funding and opportunities to communities like Elmont. Events like tonight’s allow us to gather, organize, and ensure that these steps are only the beginning.”
“A key component of building economic power for working people is transforming the systems that deliver relief,” said Adam Ruben, Vice President of Campaigns and Political Strategy for Economic Security Project. “In the Biden Administration’s first term, the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, and now the IRS’ Direct File free and simplified tax filing program have helped bring costs down and opened the door to returning more money to middle-class families. When corporations pay their fair share and when junk fees are eliminated, it means more resources are better dedicated to caring for our children and their communities—and here in New York, it means more families will easily access the federal Child Tax Credit and New York Working Families Tax Credit to help their children thrive."
“We must stop with the isolation of neighborhoods and people: where you come from, economics, skin color. We have to help each other,” said Mimi Pierre Johnson, President and Founder of the Elmont Cultural Center. “When you begin to see human beings—the dignity of a person—that’s when real work begins. Because you might not have the problem that we have in our community, but you have a different problem… Understanding the system and knowledge, sharing with each other, and coming together, I think that’s how we move for the next step.”
“We must stop with the isolation of neighborhoods and people: where you come from, economics, skin color. We have to help each other.” - Mimi Pierre Johnson | Credit: ESV
To learn more about the campaign, please reach out to press@empirestatevoices.org
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About Empire State Voices
Empire State Voices (ESV) is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. ESV is fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same.
About Economic Security Project
Economic Security Project advocates for ideas that build economic power for all Americans. We legitimize bold ideas by supporting cutting-edge research and elevating champions, win concrete policy victories for the communities that need to see change now, and provoke the conventional wisdom to shift what’s considered possible. Our team of academics, organizers, practitioners, and culture makers disburse grants, run issue campaigns, develop creative interventions and research products, and convene to encourage investment and action from others.
