In this episode, Walter Lanier talks to Bro. Keith Stanley, who is moving to Charlotte to become the president and CEO of University City Partners. They discuss the work Stanley has done in Milwaukee with Near West Side Partners, including reducing crime and increasing investment in Black-owned businesses.

Bro. Keith discusses how he will replicate this model in Charlotte, with a focus on private investment from anchor institutions like universities and hospitals. They examine the challenges and opportunities for Black leadership and stress the importance of knowing when to speak up or speak out, and recognizing the role one plays in their position.

Listen to learn about the quality and potential of Black leadership in Milwaukee. Bro. Keith says that those who can make it here are dynamic people and hear him also talk about some things he still wants to do before he leaves, including helping those suffering from mental illness or addiction.

Episode Highlights:

07:58 - We've been able to really map out ways that we know we can directly impact our community and a part of that also, too, which I know you would appreciate, Walter, we also survey every single constituency in our community. So, we survey our residents, our students, our employers, and our employees, and we hear what their concerns are.

12:32 - Safety is not easy, but it's not as challenging as housing. Our biggest challenge is housing. Housing is very unique, but we're working on it. We've been able to partner with JP Morgan Chase, received a grant to focus specifically on black home ownership. So, I would say for us it's transformative because we have support of our anchor institutions, and they are able to put financial dollars to support the work we're doing.

20:565 - I meet so many Black folks who are in leadership position, who a lot of times they're bleeding on their followers. They're going off and I say, "Give me the vision, and let's work. Motivate me toward the vision. Don't tell me off when I'm trying to follow you or don't make me feel belittled, and I believe in you."

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