by Christopher Hoene

To showcase what cities across the country are doing to promote racial and ethnic equality and inclusive communities, NLC will join cities across the country September 25-29 to celebrate the 7th Annual Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week.

During the week, cities and towns are encouraged to endorse racial and ethnic equality and inclusive communities through activities in their communities. NLC will highlight the roles and practices of cities in articles in Nation?s Cities Weekly leading up to and continuing through the week.

Originally called Race Equality Week, the celebration grew out of an effort launched in 2000 by then NLC President Bob Knight, former mayor of Wichita, Kan., who challenged city leaders to focus on improving race relations in their communities. This year, NLC President James Hunt, councilmember from Clarksburg, W.Va., is broadening the effort to include a commitment to building inclusive communities.

Cities that have already signed up for NLC?s Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities, an initiative for cities to connect work on equality, fairness and democratic governance ? are welcome and encouraged to participate in the week through activities in their cities.

?These efforts represent a commitment to the power of inclusiveness as a force for stronger, more successful communities,? Hunt said. ?We will weave these efforts together to create continuing, collective and sustainable action.?

NLC hopes that cities across the country will take part in different activities throughout the week that promote diversity and raise the awareness of racial and ethnic equality amongst residents in their communities.

Cities can hold forums or meetings that serve as mediums for dialogues with city leaders about linkages between racial and ethnic equality and poverty, housing, education or other important issues. Festivals can be held throughout the week to celebrate diversity and learn about different cultures in the community. Cities are also encouraged to hold various press events and draw up proclamations and resolutions that make the week official.

Organizations other than cities are  encouraged to participate in the celebration as well. NLC proposes that participating organizations take time during the week to highlight various topics and themes that deal with racial and ethnic relations.

Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week is conducted in conjunction with 49 state municipal leagues and NLC?s member towns and cities throughout the United States.

Details: NLC has prepared a Race Equality Kit that will be available to download July 17 at www.nlc.org. For further information on Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week, contact Chris Hoene at (202) 626-3172 or hoene@nlc.org.

Race Equality Kits Available Online

To serve as a guide for cities that plan to participate in the 7th Annual Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week, held September 25-29, NLC has prepared a Race Equality Kit. It can be downloaded from NLC?s website, www.nlc.org, on July 17.

The kit consists of a letter from NLC President James Hunt, councilmember, Clarksburg, W.Va., a sample press release and a sample proclamation. The kit also provides examples of possible events that could take place during the week, as well as examples of activities that have occurred in cities during previous years.

The Race Equality Kit section on NLC?s website will include links for information on President Hunt?s Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities, including a list of participating cities and a tool kit that contains a sample press release, proclamation and resource guide.