Silent Exodus Chuck Cantrell Bold Revelations: “Dying to Stay Here” is a profound video and podcast project by Chuck Cantrell, an African American economist and San Jose planning commissioner, shedding light on the stark economic disparities affecting African Americans in Santa Clara County. Released at CreaTV studios in San Jose, the nine-minute film delves into racist societal structures and business cycles that disproportionately impact the African American community in Silicon Valley, making it increasingly challenging for them to thrive in the region.
Cantrell’s meticulous analysis of 18 sets of public data, covering areas such as health, employment, infant mortality, school populations, wealth gaps, and homelessness, reveals alarming trends. One key revelation is the employment disparities faced by African Americans. Cantrell highlights a recurring pattern since 1974: whenever African Americans reach full employment, a recession typically follows. He connects this to the discriminatory practice of “last in, first out,” where African Americans, being the last to reach full employment, suffer disproportionately during economic downturns.
The video emphasizes that these economic challenges have real-life consequences, contributing to the consistent decline of African Americans in Santa Clara County over the past three decades. Despite comprising less than 3% of the region’s population, African Americans account for about 18% of the county’s homeless population. Cantrell’s analysis warns of a potential future scenario where, if trends persist, the region could face the “extinction of African Americans” within 35 years.
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The project aligns with the broader context of systemic devaluation of African Americans in the county, as highlighted by Rev. Jethroe Moore II, president of the NAACP San Jose/Silicon Valley. Cantrell’s findings mirror existing reports, such as the Silicon Valley Pain Index, revealing disparities in homeownership, income, and poverty rates.
Moore emphasizes the urgent need for action to address the exodus of African Americans from the region. Cantrell’s project, while designed to spark dialogue, will also launch an accompanying podcast, “Dying to Stay Here,” featuring interviews with local residents and experts. The podcast aims to explore solutions and encourage community leaders to address the pressing issues faced by the African American community in Silicon Valley.
As Cantrell aptly puts it, “There’s plenty to be done about it.” The project serves as a call to action, urging the community and its leaders to confront and rectify the systemic issues contributing to the silent exodus of African Americans from Silicon Valley.