The Recent Supreme Court Rulings Against Economic Inclusion are the Result of Relentless Efforts by the Forces of Intolerance and Hatred

By:Kevin Kimble, Esq., DC Bureau Chief, SCLC and Executive Director of Southern Christian Leadership Global Policy Initiative (SCL-GPI)

The Supreme Court’s recent decision to nullify Affirmative Action in education is another episode in a long-standing narrative of economic disparity. This move is far from being the last of the incessant attempts to undermine economic inclusion—a right that is foundational to every American citizen. Over the years, the forces of intolerance and hatred have consistently and vehemently opposed the establishment and nurturing of economic inclusion and empowerment. Historical cases from Croson to Adarand elucidate how these factions have leveraged the legal system to prevent African Americans from effectively engaging in the United States’ economic activities, thereby widening the gap of economic disparity.

Before the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, America was once again wrestling with its deeprooted history of racial discrimination, significantly contributing to persistent economic disparities. According to a 2020 study by the Brookings Institution, the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family. As the nation attempted to reconcile with its past, these opposing forces re-emerged, attempting to sabotage government efforts aimed at extending opportunities to minorities and reducing economic disparities.

Consider these cases:

1. A group of white farmers lodged a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). They contest the department’s loan forgiveness program aimed at assisting farmers of color, alleging it is race-based discrimination. The USDA reports that in 2017, white farmers received 97% of the government’s farm aid payments.

2. Business owners and advocates in Tennessee and Texas sued the Small Business Administration (SBA) over the 21-day exclusive application opportunity for minority-owned restaurants under the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. They raised objections even when data showed that less than 1% of SBA funds had been directed to minority-owned businesses.

In stark contrast, a report from the Federal Reserve revealed that 41% of Black-owned businesses had been shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. A conservative group launched a “reverse discrimination” lawsuit against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), arguing against its board diversity proposal. This challenge arises despite numerous studies showing that diverse boards improve company performance. For instance, a 2020 McKinsey & Company report indicated that firms with diverse executive teams were 36% more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability.

Furthermore, the enduring issue of redlining continues to constrain the economic rights of African Americans. From real estate appraisal bias—where a Brookings Institution report found that homes in Black neighborhoods are undervalued by an average of $48,000—to zip code discrimination in automobile and homeowner insurance, African Americans continue to face systemic economic disparity. It is expected that these cases, or ones of a similar nature, will eventually reach a Supreme Court appearing to favor policies reminiscent of the Jim Crow era.

Organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) must provide vigilant, courageous, and uncompromising leadership during these challenging times. The fight against the unrelenting forces of intolerance and economic disparity is far from over. In fact, it seems we are currently in some of the most critical chapters of this ongoing struggle, pushing for economic equity in the face of deeply entrenched systemic biases.

Mr. Kimble is a 25-year veteran of Capital Hill and has held positions as chief of staff for a senior member of congress and chief lobbyist for one of the nation's largest fi nancial services fi rms. As current D.C. Bureau Chief for the national chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Kevin has unparalleled access to minority communities and civic leaders around the country. He is routinely called upon and advises members of congress on policy and legislative issues and has been asked to speak to state and local government and testify at hearings.

The working men and women of the UAW proudly support the SCLC and your commitment to achieve social, economic, and political justice.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference will be hosting it's annual Presidential Address and Awards Ceremony August 25th at 6:30pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel Arlington/Crystal City VA.

We salute those who are being recognized this year

SCLC President’s Award |Avery Friedman, Civil Rights Lawyer and Law Professor

Our National President/CEO selects the President’s Award for Individuals or Organizations that have made an impact on our country that positively effects advocacy of the poor and disenfranchised, speaks for the unheard and boldly stands for truth and justice. This year’s awardee embodies those ideals.

Attorney Avery Friedman is a prominent Civil Rights Lawyer, Law Professor and journalist. Noted media powerhouses such as TIME magazine and the venerable Wall Street Journal have applauded Attorney Friedman for both his professional work for the poor in areas of housing discrimination and civil rights as well as his mastery of his profession, often being called a “Walking Reference Guide” for Civil Law. He has been an analyst on CNN, served as Special Counsel of Texas Human Rights Commission, inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of fame and a trusted friend and advisor to National SCLC Board Member and President of the Cleveland SCLC, Rev. E. T. Caviness.

SCLC Government Relations Award| Kevin Kimble, Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

Understanding the various levels of government from the federal, state, county and municipal perspective is a skill set that is invaluable to any organization, but particularly for groups that work in the space of civil rights. Our Government Relations Award is given to persons who are to nimbly navigate our governmental system understanding that government can be either an ally or opponent for justice.

This year’s awardee is none other than SCLC’s own Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief, Mr. Kevin Kimble. As Principal Consultant of the KBK Consulting Group, Mr. Kimble brings over 25 years of experience and success in political affairs and lobbying to his work with SCLC. He is an expert at building and managing relationships with senior level government officials, business executives, key members of trade association/think tanks, and community organizations.

Mr. Kimble has acted as the lead lobbyist for an international financial Services firm in addition to acting as the lead relationship manager for multiple small businesses, trade organizations, and community groups located in the US.

SCLC Evelyn G. Lowery Award | Mrs. Kate LaFayette

The Evelyn G. Lowery Award is named after the esteemed former First Lady of SCLC, Mrs. Evelyn G. Lowery. Mrs. Lowery embodied the role of “first lady” and was noted and praised for her advisement, support and role in partnership with her husband, Rev. Joseph Lowery. However, she also went beyond traditional roles and was a leader and advocate for social justice in her own right, for not only issues relative to women’s rights but the community as a whole.

This year’s recipient goes to Mrs. Kate LaFayette. Mrs. LaFayette has dedicated her life to training people in Dr. King’s Six Nonviolent Principals and Strategies, early childhood education and social justice in her own right. She has advanced graduate studies work at Auburn University and Harvard along with a Master’s in Education from Tufts University and has held several roles in the field of education. These roles include being a Director for Head Start and a Johnson Management Fellow at the University of California and an Executive Director for KLH Child Development Center in Cambridge, MA . She received her Level II Certification in Kingian Nonviolence from the University of Rhode Island.

SCLC Chapter Leadership Award | Josephine Mourning, President/Chairperson, Prince George’s County Maryland Chapter

This award is given to chapters that show a dedication to the history and legacy of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by doing the grassroots work, protests and advocacy that has made the SCLC the preeminent civil rights groups of its time.

Prince George’s County Maryland President, Ms. Josephine Mourning more than amply fits the bill. As the chapter closets to our nations capital and in one of the most influential bastions of Black leadership and influence she has boldly and gracefully leads our Prince George’s County chapter. Known for her ability to strategize and coordinate, she also is keen in her ability to build relationships in the professional and political spaces. Under her leadership her chapter has grown in membership, facilitated scholarships to children in her county and beyond. She also has been a “go to” for the National Office of the SCLC for projects coming out of both Atlanta and our Washington DC Bureau.

Ms. Mourning’s vision for her chapter, tenacity for doing right by the community and candor endears her to those who know her and commands their respect.

We believe in equal opportunity for all regardless of race, creed, sex, age, disability, or ethnic background.

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Jelly Belly Candy Company

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Johnson Automotive

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Associated Production Services Inc.

Cooperative Energy

Carl Buddig & Company

Suther’s Food Service Inc