At an event held at the State Capitol last week, State Representative Bobby Joe Champion (DFL 58B) received an award for his efforts in addressing racial equity during the 2011 Legislative Session. The “Champion for Racial Justice” award was given to legislators who had received an “A” grade on their Racial Equity Report Card from the Organizing Apprenticeship Project.
Champion was named a champion for sponsoring, co-sponsoring and supporting legislation in 2011 that would have had a positive impact on racial disparities in education, health, or the economic status of communities of color. In addition to his work at the State Legislature, Champion was also the chief architect of last spring’s highly-praised North Minneapolis Economic Summit—an event highlighting the racial disparities found in Minnesota’s workforce and business culture. The Summit marked the first time in 24 years that a sitting Minnesota governor came to North Minneapolis, the result of which led Governor Dayton to make research-based recommendations on initiatives that would bring jobs, business opportunities, and attention to the long-term unemployed.
“Once again, I am proud and humbled to be receiving an award I hold so closely to my heart,” said Champion. “As evidenced by last spring’s economic summit, we still have great strides to make in eliminating the racial disparities that unfortunately still permeate our society. I am so encouraged by the work The Organizing Apprenticeship Project does to combat racial inequality and will continue my dedicated efforts in achieving a more just and equal Minnesota.”
Champion has received an “A” on his Racial Equity Report Card each year since he was elected in 2008.
