St. Paul, Minnesota — A new strategic alliance that will transfer the resources and assets of Growth & Justice to the Center for Economic Inclusion was announced Wednesday by leaders of the two organizations.
“For 20 years, Growth & Justice has been at the forefront of supporting communities across the state in developing policies to generate inclusive economic growth and equitably distribute opportunity in ways that close racial and spatial disparities. Minnesota’s diverse economy will thrive because of its diverse racial and ethnic populations and our willingness to foster racial inclusion and belonging. We are grateful to the leaders of Growth & Justice for capitalizing on this opportunity to leverage their legacy and assets by investing in the future impact of the Center for Economic Inclusion for the good of all Minnesotans,” said Tawanna A. Black, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Economic Inclusion.
“This acquisition combines and magnifies efforts by both organizations to advance racial and economic justice,’’ said Jane Leonard, president of Growth & Justice. “Both our organizations have emphasized that racial equity and inclusion are beneficial and necessary for business and community vitality. We are thrilled that the Center for Economic Inclusion will now be able to use our Minnesota Equity Blueprint and Minnesota Equity Map to bring special attention to successful efforts in rural and Greater Minnesota, complementing the Center’s focus on the Twin Cities metropolitan area.’’
"We are immensely grateful for the support we have received from thousands of people and dozens of partner organizations over the last 20 years," Leonard added. "And we are encouraging all our supporters and donors to now help the Center for Economic Inclusion as it carries the spirit and substance of our work forward."
~~~~~~~
About Growth & Justice
Growth & Justice, founded in 2002, has been a leading think tank in Minnesota, focusing on research and advocacy for statewide public policies that advance racial and economic justice, making a case that a more widely shared prosperity drives healthier economic growth. G&J has been particularly influential in education and workforce issues, as well as tax-and-budget policy.
G&J has published dozens of reports and hundreds of commentaries over the last two decades, advocating for more investment in equitable post-secondary attainment, early childhood education, climate action, and for universal and affordable health care.
A crowning achievement was the publication in 2020 of the 165-page Minnesota Equity Blueprint, a constructive and comprehensive guidebook of policy proposals and best practices statewide that address racial and regional disparities and climate change.
Further detail on the legacy of Growth & Justice: timeline summarizing major milestones and achievements for Growth & Justice.