Conclusion : The Time is Now
Dr . Jason E . Shelton
Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for African American Studies , University of Texas at Arlington
This report provides new insights on the dynamics of race and ethnic relations in the great city of Arlington , Texas . The quantitative and qualitative findings reveal meaningful and consistent differences between Whites and minorities across each of the topics in which the Unity Council was charged to study : Economic Disparities , Education and Workforce Training , Housing , Health and Wellness , Policing and Criminal Justice . There is some good news regarding progress that African Americans , Latino , and Asian American residents are making in our City . Overall , however , the data presented here reveals substantial disparities . As a result , the Unity Council developed sets of recommendations to help close these gaps so that all local residents might one day feel that they , their children , and their grandchildren can achieve their American dreams in Arlington .
Our final project should be viewed as a starting point , rather than an ending . No task force can completely address deeply-rooted , multidimensional inequities that operate on multiple levels of society with 59 recommendations that were developed in eight months . That ’ s why Arlington needs a permanent community-based task force that reports to City Council and is charged with regularly assessing racial and ethnic disparities , offering new recommendations and keeping track of their implementation , as well as engaging individual stakeholders and larger communities on matters relevant to diversity . Race and ethnic relations are fluid and adapt to different circumstances and contexts . In order to keep moving in the right direction , we need a diverse group of committed residents with contrasting political and social values , personal and professional experiences , and a willingness to build bridges .
Unity Council Report 92