Empire State Voices Joins Cornell Students for a Conversation on Race, Gender, and Economics

Students Spoke on Their Lived Experiences and the Impact that Identity Can Have on Economic Success or Failure in the U.S.

ITHACA, NEW YORK — Yesterday, Empire State Voices (ESV) joined students at Cornell University for a conversation examining the intersection of race, gender, and economic stability in New York state. Students in Dr. Riché Richardson's Introduction to Africana Studies course engaged in a lively discussion about the access to prosperity (or lack thereof) afforded to women and people of color and the responsibility that government has to create an environment where all have the opportunity to excel.

The conversation was facilitated by ESV Organizing Director Jay Brandon, who led the class through a call-and-response that named the problems they individually and collectively navigate, what simple solutions sound like, and actions to create policy shifts and prosperity.

Students were asked to reflect on their personal experiences and share their thoughts on the current state of the Black economy and the gender pay gap. By empowering the class with an open dialogue, they were able to incorporate a current course reading Against Decolonization, applying what they’ve learned to the ongoing legislative issues being debated in Washington. Whether it’s the high cost of prescription drugs or the burden of student debt, Black communities are often the first to feel the pain of economic hardship and the last to feel relief from federal action. 

“In this open and at times vulnerable dialogue, students spoke on their lived experiences and the impact that identity can have on economic success or failure in the U.S.,” said Jay Brandon, Organizing Director for Empire State Voices. “The cost of living is incredibly high, from education and healthcare to housing and basic living essentials. Black communities are facing the brunt of that economic hardship, and elected officials are doing little to offer economic relief for our communities. This conversation was an opportunity for the students to reflect on the legislative steps that are needed to ensure economic prosperity is possible for all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or identity.”

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.