Representation Matters: Making MBE Purchasing Goals a Priority
Erin Upchurch is a Columbus resident, small business owner, and candidate for the Columbus City School Board
Schools and communities are inextricably linked — one seldom succeeds without the other. Schools need communities that are involved in the development and education of students, and communities need schools to serve as central hubs for thriving neighborhoods. As we invest in our youth, we are investing in future generations of leaders, business owners, and members of the community.
Central Ohio is home to over 370 Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), 263 of which are located in Columbus. Partnerships with MBEs have the potential to provide promising collaborations between schools and communities. Columbus City Schools, the largest school district in Ohio, has committed to fostering an environment that provides economic opportunities to the community through its Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise (LEDE) program. As part of its commitment, the district has an overall purchasing goal of 20% for all contracting and procurement dollars spent annually.
However, at the end of 2016, it was discovered that the district had missed its purchasing goal for the fourth consecutive year. In response, the district noted that “…we have nearly doubled our overall LEDE participation over the past three years…” Officials also added that they have worked to decrease barriers for minority owned businesses and have expanded their outreach and communication with the community.
Although it can be difficult for purchasing goals to be obtained, working with MBEs must be a priority. It is not enough for our elected officials to make efforts in ‘decreasing barriers’ while they are failing to uphold their commitment to collaborate amongst diverse parts of the community.
Challenges such as the unmet purchasing goals should be seized as opportunities for new approaches and solutions. Technical and career programs could be expanded to include a track for the development of MBEs. Participating businesses could provide internships and apprenticeships that focus on job readiness as our youth enter into the world of both traditional and social entrepreneurship.
To support our schools in reaching the Columbus City School District’s vision of “a world-class model of public education that prepares members of our communities to reach their full potential”, collaboration amongst diverse parts of the community is a must. Seventy seven percent of students enrolled in Columbus City Schools are students of color, and 89% have been identified as economically disadvantaged. Representation matters. It is important for our students to see people who look like them – black and brown business owners-being successful.
What our young people see around them either positively or negatively shapes their expectations for themselves and for each other. We must never underestimate the power of our youth seeing the reflection of possibilities that are available, when minority owned businesses are invited to be collaborative partners in the investment of strong schools and thriving communities.
