Bullets, Bucks, and the Bottom Line: Corporate Engagement in Violence Intervention and Economic Growth in Impoverished Neighborhoods

Abstract

America’s paradigm of socio-economic success has focused on education first then employment. That paradigm blocks employment for workers in impoverished minority communities where quality schools are absent. Jobs are paramount, education can follow. Corporations can succeed as pro-active agents of socio-economic change, eroding racial barriers blocking minorities’ entry into the workplace. Multinational corporations have tailored products and trained employees in culturally complex overseas markets. Similar strategies can successfully engage low-wage and public service workers in multicultural training preparing for America’s changing demographics. We propose five engagement strategies that enable corporations increase minority employment and promote social justice.