Austin & Equity -“To Kill a Mockingbird”
The novel “ To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee has long been a beacon of social commentary, shedding light on the racial and social injustices that plagued the South. The story’s relevance to underserved women in Austin, Texas, lies in its exploration of the systemic failures of the law and the societal structures that often leave marginalized communities feeling unheard and unprotected.
The trial of Tom Robinson in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a poignant reminder of the miscarriage of justice. Despite the compelling defense by Atticus Finch, Robinson, an innocent man, is found guilty. This narrative resonates with the women we serve, who often feel that the laws do not protect them or their interests. They are reminded that, like Robinson, they, too, can be victims of a system that is supposed to protect them.
Saffron Trust’s work, serving the Austin, Texas area, recognizes these systemic failures and strives to address them through our various initiatives. We serve underprivileged communities lacking access to basic healthcare and individuals lacking the resources or knowledge to bring about sustainable change. Our work is a testament to the fact that, like in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” laws and societal structures often fail to protect the most vulnerable among us.
In the famous trial scene where Atticus Finch uses all his wiles and rhetorical powers to save the life of Tom Robinson, a young black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Atticus thunders in his closing speech as if willing some spiritual transference of his own moral integrity into the hearts of the white jurors before him, “In the name of God, do your duty.”
Robinson, of course, is found guilty anyway, and the trial scene ends with a defeated Atticus walking out of a courtroom that is empty but for the balcony where the black observers are consigned to sit. They all rise to honor him, and Atticus, ringed by these black worshippers, takes on the aspect of a Christ-like savior. It is a powerful scene, underscoring the heartbreaking injustice of it all, but it’s impossible not to be jarred by the imagery, which, to put it kindly, feels a little dated.
On August 1, 2023, with an allotted time of 2 minutes each, concerned citizens and I went before the Austin City Council to oppose the Interim City Manager Jesus Garza’s restructuring of the budget and decision to eliminate the Equity and the Civil Rights offices, under the appearance of an internal department merger. That backhanded unexpected decision caught many by surprise and confused us.
On behalf of the women and families whom we serve in tandem and together, each speaker delivered remarks with a heartfelt conviction that the proposed restructuring potentially undermines the efforts to address the needs of the community we serve.
Austin is a city of contrasts. While it is often recognized as “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.,” it also has the dubious distinction of being one of the most economically segregated cities in the country with severe income inequality. This inequality is particularly pronounced among people of color, who often lack access to opportunities due to legacies of displacement and institutional racism.
The Equity Office has been instrumental in bringing transparency and addressing these disparities. By integrating it with other departments, we fear that the Equity Office’s autonomy and authority to address issues through a racial equity lens will certainly be compromised. This is particularly concerning given that a racial equity lens is crucial in illuminating implicit biases and serving the community in an equitable manner.
The leadership of Kellee Coleman and her staff in the Equity Office has been exemplary. Their work has been instrumental in elevating situations and ensuring that more people are helped and recognized in the public process. We believe that their work can only continue effectively if the Equity Office remains a standalone entity.
The Resolution to downgrade or possibly deny full representation and transparency for a minority of our Austin underserved communities commands our attention and demands that our actions correctively and collectively care for our challenged Austin communities.
However, the Interim Manager’s actions seem to demonstrate that there has been a problem with understanding and resolving challenges through a racial equity lens. A racial equity lens is the only thing that can crystalize implicit biases, ignorance, arrogance, and lack of awareness to address the community we serve in an equitable manner. Taking such drastic measures to merge distinct advocates and agencies of change into a different version without having fully transparent discussions with diverse stakeholders reflective of their constituents across the state seems like a regression.
We believe that the solution to this problem is not a hasty merger but a more coordinated approach that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of the communities we serve. It is fundamental to remember that these communities are not just statistics; they are families and individuals who rely on our services for their basic needs.
We urge Interim Manager Garza and the Council to reconsider this decision and engage in a more transparent and inclusive process that involves all stakeholders. This includes not just the agencies and advocates of change but also the communities we serve. Their voices and experiences are crucial in shaping policies and decisions that directly affect their lives.
In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch, a beacon of integrity and justice, implores the jury to do their duty in the name of God. Despite his impassioned plea, the jury, blinded by prejudice, convicts an innocent man. This scene is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when equity and fairness are sidelined.
Drawing parallels between the poignant narrative of Harper Lee: “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the current situation faced by the Austin Equity Department is noticeable. Just as the all-white jury in the novel knew it was wrong to convict Tom Robinson, yet did so anyway, the Interim City Manager Garza and City Council are aware of the potential harm of dissolving the Equity Department. Akin to the fate of Tom Robinson, the dissolution of the equity department could lead to a grave injustice justice for many vulnerable families in our community.
Saffron Trust’s work, in its strategic approach, addresses these issues of equity and injustice. It strives to ensure that no individual or department is unfairly treated or disregarded. By drawing on the lessons from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” we implore the City Council to reconsider their decision. In the name of fairness, justice, and duty, we ask them to uphold the Equity Department, to prevent our city from repeating the tragic mistakes of the past.
The story of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the potential dissolution of the Equity Department are tied together by the common thread of justice and equity. It is our collective duty to ensure that these principles are upheld and that no individual or department is unjustly sacrificed.
The poignant conviction of Atticus Finch, who equates killing a mockingbird to sin, is a metaphor for the sin of doing away with inequity and injustice. This is a sin we witness when we see the lack of access to quality education for underprivileged children, the absence of basic healthcare facilities for those who cannot afford them, and the dearth of resources for individuals striving to bring about sustainable change in their communities.
Emphasizing once again, just as Atticus Finch did, “In the name of God,” we must do our duty! We must strive to ensure that the death of Tom Robinson does not go unnoticed or unchallenged. For the sake of the communities we serve and for the sake of our collective humanity, we must work to ensure that the sin of doing away with inequity and injustice is not repeated.
Saffron Trust’s work is committed to addressing the systemic racial injustices that persist in our society. We urge Mayor Kirk Watson, Council members, and Interim City Manager Jesus Garza to reconsider the proposed restructuring. We believe that maintaining the autonomy and authority of the Equity Office is vital in ensuring that Austin continues to grow as a city that is not only innovative and forward-thinking but also equitable and just.
