No More Whack-a-Mole: Why We Need Big Solutions for BIPOC Communities

Remember the game Whack-a-Mole? You know, the one where you smash down a mole just for another one to pop up in its place? It’s a fun arcade game, but when it comes to addressing the social and economic challenges faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in America, playing Whack-a-Mole is getting us nowhere fast.

The Problem: Band-Aid Solutions Aren't Cutting It

For far too long, we've been treating the symptoms of deeply rooted problems with quick fixes—essentially slapping Band-Aids on issues that require major surgery. Yes, small wins matter, but when the challenges are so widespread and diverse, playing catch-up with temporary solutions feels like trying to plug a dam with chewing gum.

The social and economic issues plaguing BIPOC communities are interconnected and systemic. Housing, healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and environmental justice aren’t isolated moles you can whack individually—they’re part of a tangled web that requires big, bold solutions.

The Whack-a-Mole Effect

Let’s face it, trying to solve these problems one by one is like playing a never-ending game of Whack-a-Mole. You address one issue, and another pops up. You implement a policy to create affordable housing, but without addressing economic opportunities, people can’t afford the housing anyway. You push for better schools, but without safe, stable housing, how can students succeed?

The reality is that we can't afford to play Whack-a-Mole any longer. What we need are comprehensive, large-scale solutions that tackle the root causes of inequality and uplift entire communities.

The Solution: Big Problems Need Big Solutions

This is where Community Land Trusts (CLTs) come in. CLTs are a game-changer for BIPOC communities, offering a way to gain control over land and housing, ensuring long-term affordability, and empowering communities to make decisions that serve their best interests. By taking land out of the speculative market and placing it in the hands of the community, CLTs provide a foundation for sustainable development, affordable housing, and community resilience.

But we can't stop there. The BIPOC Agenda for Underserved Communities is designed to address the litany of issues facing BIPOC populations holistically. This agenda isn’t about small wins; it’s about driving systemic change. It includes comprehensive policies that address everything from economic empowerment and education to environmental justice and criminal justice reform.

And then there’s the Sustainable Equity Advancement Coalition (SEAC)—because we know that real, lasting change requires collaboration. SEAC brings together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to advancing equity in all its forms. It’s about leveraging our collective power to push for big solutions that create big returns, not just for some, but for all.

Our Initiatives in a Nutshell

1. Community Land Trusts (CLTs): Secure land for community use, ensure long-term affordability, and empower BIPOC communities to control their own destinies. Learn more about our efforts at [www.feastcommunities.org](http://www.feastcommunities.org).

2. BIPOC Agenda for Underserved Communities: A comprehensive plan addressing housing, healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and more, with the aim of systemic change rather than piecemeal fixes. Find out how you can get involved at [www.feastcommunities.org](http://www.feastcommunities.org).

3. Sustainable Equity Advancement Coalition (SEAC): A coalition committed to equity in all areas, working together to implement large-scale solutions that address the interconnected challenges facing BIPOC communities. Discover the power of collaboration at [www.feastcommunities.org](http://www.feastcommunities.org).

Call to Action: Let’s Play a Different Game

The time for Whack-a-Mole is over. It’s time to stop playing small and start thinking big. If we want to see real change in our communities, we need to embrace solutions that tackle problems at their root, not just their symptoms.

Get involved. Support Community Land Trusts. Advocate for the BIPOC Agenda. Join the Sustainable Equity Advancement Coalition. Together, we can create lasting, meaningful change that lifts up BIPOC communities and ensures a brighter future for everyone.

Visit [www.feastcommunities.org](http://www.feastcommunities.org) to learn more and take action today.

Big problems require big solutions. Let’s leave the Whack-a-Mole game in the arcade where it belongs and start building the systemic change our communities deserve.

Join us in this fight. Together, we can make it happen. Visit [www.feastcommunities.org](http://www.feastcommunities.org) now.