New business coalition is investing in racial justice For Minnesota to thrive, we need to build racial equity in our state. By James Burroughs, Lee Anderson and Reba Dominski February 23, 2021 — 5:31pm Text size Copy shortlink: Racism exists in all aspects of life, greatly affecting our overall economy and well-being as a state. According to the Alana Community Brain Trust, the opportunity cost of racism in Minnesota, via loss of income, lack of homeownership, tax burdens and business losses, is estimated to be $287 billion. As a state, we have grown familiar with commonly cited disparities, maybe even comfortable. But on May 25, 2020, we saw what we can never unsee — the stark reality of the systemic injustice that plagues Black Minnesotans daily.