Episode 8: Introducing the Global Black Economic Forum
How can we reimagine equity and drive systemic change?
In this edition, we are joined by Alphonso David, an advocate for social and economic justice, who sheds light on the transformative potential of the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF), whose mission is to challenge ingrained biases within institutional systems, paving the way for true innovation, equitable returns, and transformation worldwide.
Discover the personal experiences that shape Alphonso’s unwavering commitment to fostering a more equitable, just world. From healthcare to employment and education, Alphonso uncovers the interconnectedness of societal inequities, highlighting the dire need for diversity and inclusion to address systemic economic disparities.
As the President & CEO of the GBEF, he focuses on reshaping diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate settings while striving for economic justice for the global Black community. The Forum engages global stakeholders, including executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and activists, through consulting, conferences, a non-profit foundation, and technology initiatives to promote social and economic justice. Alphonso outlines the three-pronged approach that GBEF is deploying to move from conversation to action, the need to pursue meaningful debate even when the ‘sides’ don’t agree, and the imperative of active civic engagement in propelling societal change.
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Show Notes
Alphonso David is a prominent civil rights attorney leading the Global Black Economic Forum. With over 20 years of experience across various sectors, he's championed marginalized communities through policy, law, and advocacy.
His achievements span multiple areas: in business, he played a crucial role in establishing a top-tier addiction treatment center. In public service, he restructured workers' compensation and unemployment insurance in New York, improving efficiency. As a non-profit leader, he developed programs supporting LGBTQ+ rights and health equity for black and brown communities affected by HIV.
Alphonso's advocacy work covers racial and economic justice, immigrants' rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. Notable accomplishments include securing millions for defrauded immigrants, preventing racially biased radio rating systems, and pushing pharmacy chains to offer language access services. His efforts in New York led to landmark legislation allowing same-sex marriage and establishing paid family leave.
Talking Points in this Episode:
We discuss the role of the Global Black Economic Forum in advancing equity and targeting the structures and systems that stand in the way of economic justice for underrepresented and underserved communities.
We discuss the three-pronged approach that GBEF is deploying to move from conversation to action, the need to pursue meaningful debate even when the ‘sides’ don’t agree, and the imperative of active civic engagement in propelling societal change.
Alphonso shares the Importance of self-reflection and learning from history and how key moments in his life have become frequent reference anchors as he seeks to grow the influence of GBEF and move from conversation to impact.
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More About Global Black Economic Forum:
Website: Global Black Economic Forum | Twitter: @AlphonsoDavid | Personal: alphonsodavid.com
Transcript
[00:00:00] More Elephant Intro
[00:00:38] Jason Rudman: Welcome to the latest edition of the More Elephant podcast, where we think through ideas and talk to change makers who are having an impact on this world. And so it's truly an honor for me to welcome Alphonso David to this edition of the podcast.
Alphonso is a social and economic justice advocate and lawyer. But that doesn't actually paint the real picture. So, rather than allow me to go through all of Alphonso's credits, I'm going to welcome Alphonso to the podcast.
[00:01:10] Alphonso David: Thank you.
[00:01:10] Jason Rudman: Alphonso, I'd love to jump in. The work that you're doing as part of the Global Black Economics Forum is incredibly important. Still, I’d like to take a step back, if we could, to allow you to introduce your history and your commitment to representation, social and economic justice, and the connection to your personal background and your experience, essentially the why the broad canvas of Alphonso’s work.
[00:01:37] Alphonso David: First, thank you for having me on the podcast. You know, it's a really difficult question to answer because it's such a long answer. But what I'll say is this.
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