Since 2021 began, StepUp Wilmington has been given numerous reasons to reaffirm our commitment to viewing our work through the framework of racial equity. This is a commitment that has been internalized by each of our staff members, our board, and our volunteers. Each of us is aware that this framework is essential to us using our services and platform to make New Hanover and our neighboring counties more equitable places to live for each of us. Sean Bynum, StepUp’s Operations Director, is determined to make this a reality, and wants to be clear about what this framework means for the organization.

“To put it simply, everything we do we view through that lens of racial justice,” Sean affirms. “From our programs to our internal operations. What this means is analyzing our data and designing our programs so that we understand how the barriers to employment are felt more strongly in the Black community. We want to meet all of our candidates, including the Black community and other people of color, where they are.”

Speaking on what he sees as StepUp’s role in making Wilmington a more equitable city for its Black community, Sean noted that the organization’s goal is “to become a leader in equitable programming and staffing, and to continue advocating for justice in job placement.”

“We understand that 51% of our candidates are Black, and that 41% of those living in poverty in this city are Black. So the question is: how do we advocate for getting Black people to places where they can lead a healthy, sustainable life? Our Black candidates earn $1.50 less than their white counterparts. We want all of our candidates to find employment and a living wage, but a fair and equitable wage is just as important.”

Regarding the barriers impeding equitable access to economic opportunity, Sean is a firm believer that StepUp is well-equipped to overcome any obstacle, not only because of the quality of our staff and programming, but because of our values. “Many Black members in our community, due to where they live, do not have access to necessary resources to thrive in life as their white peers. So, at StepUp Wilmington we attempt to make our programs accessible to all and leverage our resources for the community.”

“We know that there aren’t enough Black people in positions of power. So, part of our advocacy for equitable employment starts with making sure that our own board and team are a reflection of our values. We value diversity not just racially, but economically, in gender, and more. We fight systemic racism by supporting the people in our community that have our values, and by partnering with other businesses and organizations that share these values and are willing to fight for change.”

However, Sean is also well aware of the pitfalls that many nonprofits fall into when it comes to working for racial justice. He and the rest of the organization’s leadership are always cautious not to make the same mistakes. “One of the primary issues I see is organizations ignoring the issues altogether; to be in a position to do something about a problem but not being intentional in their actions. I see organizations looking for others to be experts rather than committing to fighting against injustice by trying to become advocates themselves.”

“[StepUp] has a strong fundraising mission that helps us avoid financial constraints to our work. We are intentional about how we use our data to support strategic programming, and we are intentional about ensuring that our staff and board are trained through Racial Equity Institute to not only be knowledgeable, but to have the tools necessary to fight for our candidates, and actually speak out against systemic racism and white supremacy in our community.”

While Sean acknowledges that there is much work to be done, he is ultimately hopeful for the future. “We want Wilmington to be a primary destination for Black people not only because of the beaches but the high quality of life for our Black residents and people of color. For us at StepUp Wilmington, success looks like the poverty level decreasing every year. After all, our goal is to eradicate poverty. And we know it’s a lofty goal, but we’re more than willing to fight for that future and for our community, one job and one life at a time.”