New Racial Justice and Social Equity Coalition Unites Political, Business and Religious Leaders Across Texas
Non-Partisan Foundation Names Pflugerville Council-member Metayer President
Today, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (“Black Caucus”) announced the launch of the new Texas Black Caucus Foundation (“TXBC Foundation”) – a non- partisan, non-profit organization, which will advance racial justice and social equity statewide.
TXBC Foundation will partner with universities, businesses, religious institutions, and other non- profits to research, analyze, develop and share information about public policy solutions for the crucial issues facing Black Texans, including criminal justice reform, healthcare, education, wealth accumulation, voting rights, and the digital divide.
“I am grateful for the creation of the TXBC Foundation, which will provide all members of the Texas Legislature with much-needed data and statistical information to make decisions regarding social equity,” said Harold Dutton, chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. “Amid the current political turmoil and the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s critical members of the Legislature find a constructive path to work with each other, religious leaders of all faiths, and business leaders to solve the state’s problems. This strategic collaboration is what makes the TXBC Foundation unique.”
The 3E Fund, one of the Foundation’s first initiatives, was created to address discrimination in its many forms and build racial equity through education, engagement and empowerment.
- Education: research, university partnerships, policy overviews, public events - Engagement: civic days; business, political, and religious coalitions
- Empowerment: scholarships, job training, mentoring
“Equality is central to economic growth statewide, and the TXBC Foundation will enable new investment capital and strategic partnerships with leaders who pledge to use their collective power, influence and resources to make transformative societal changes in Texas,” said Tyson Tuttle, Silicon Labs chief executive officer and TXBC Foundation board member.
"Our coalition of pastors across Texas is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, and for the right reason expecting the right results to benefit others and glorify God according to the Word of the Lord," said Archbishop Dr. Sterling Lands II, who is leading the religious coalition and serving as a TXBC Foundation board trustee.
Although the Foundation has existed since 1985, the death of George Floyd and other racial justice atrocities brought new focus and financial investments to the cause. For the last several months, the Foundation has incorporated these new resources and voices into a cohesive legislative and business plan.
The Foundation recently named Pflugerville Council-member Rudy Metayer as president and executive director, elected a Board, raised funds to kickstart programs, and began working on a comprehensive research agenda to assist policy makers in the 2021 Texas Legislative session.
“Texans are proud, innovative, and collaborative - it’s time we quickly come together to implement lasting change. It’s time for all Texans to benefit from the economic prosperity of the state. It’s time to turn our faith values into action. It’s time we invest in all Texans,”
said newly-appointed TXBC Foundation President and Executive Director Rudy Metayer.
About the Texas Black Caucus Foundation
The Texas Black Caucus Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan research institute founded in 1985 and restructured in 2020 to create awareness, inform policy, build community, and educate policymakers and the public on issues impacting Black Texans. txbcfoundation.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Bill Miller: bmiller@hillcopartners.com