Cities and towns throughout the United States are focusing on ways to promote racial equality and build more inclusive communities as part of the 7th annual Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week, held September 25 to 29. Sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC), cities from Phoenix, Ariz, to Bartow, Fla, are reaffirming their commitment to fostering inclusiveness as they work to eliminate racism and discrimination through a broad range of activities. Special events include discussion forums and diversity luncheons, as well as resource and information fairs.
"The strength and health of any community often relies on the quality of the relationships its citizens have with one another," said NLC President James C. Hunt, councilman from Clarksburg, WVa. "Creating racial and ethnic equality is one part of the larger goal to build communities that welcome all people. As municipal leaders, it is our duty to make sure every citizen--regardless of race, gender, physical ability, age or economic status--feels they are valued and can participate fully as a member of the community."
As congressional officials prepare to adjourn for the election season, NLC Executive Director Donald J. Borut said issues of inclusiveness and harmony are particularly important. "While polarizing political debates continue to divide groups, it is more important than ever for local governments to step up and find ways for their citizens to connect with one another. A community is only as good as its most disenfranchised citizen and as we face the tough issues ahead of us, the only viable solutions will be those in which all community members have a say."
Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week is part of NLC?s larger Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities. The Partnership, which currently boasts more than 90 members, aims to raise awareness and focus attention on the importance and value of inclusive communities. Race Equality Week originally grew from an effort launched in 2000 to challenge city leaders to focus on improving race relations in their communities.
Activities planned for Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week include:
Fayetteville, NC, will sponsor a series of week-long events through the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission. Its recognition of Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week include public displays at the Downtown Headquarters Library, City Hall and other local agencies; youth group discussions; and a panel discussion. Contact (910) 433-1329 for more information.
The Bartow, Fla, Community Relations Committee will hold a Diversity Luncheon on Sept. 27, at the Bartow Civic Center, with guest speaker Dr. E. Nathan Thomas, III, director of diversity for the University of South Florida. For additional information, contact (863) 533-7125.
In State College, Pa, seven community organizations have teamed up in an effort to welcome new residents to Centre County. The Community Resources Fair will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 27 at the State College Municipal Building. More than 30 local groups will participate, allowing new residents to learn more about the diverse range of organizations and resources available in the Centre Region, including available cultural, community, healthcare, and other resources. For more information, contact (814) 865-2885.
Phoenix, Ariz, will offer "Practical Racism in the Workplace: My Way or the Highway," a free public forum from 5 to 7 p.m., Sept. 20, at Phoenix College, Dome Auditorium, 3110 N. 10th Ave. Hosted by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission, Arizona State University, Maricopa County Community College District, Phoenix College, Maricopa County Diversity Office and the City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department, participants will discuss the subtle racism that exists in the culture of organizations through standards of dress, behavior, speech and style. For more information, call (602) 261-8242.
Nashville, Tenn, will celebrate the week with two unique events: Safe Schools Summit will be held on Sept, 26, and will engage 300 Nashville public school students as partners in their efforts to provide safe, secure and nurturing learning environments. On Sept. 27, the Davidson Group will host a reception for approximately 400 of its members, who are paired by ethnic and cultural differences and meet throughout the year to raise the level of awareness and appreciation for both their differences and similarities. Contact (615) 880-3392 for more information.
Chandler, Ariz, is incorporating Race Equalities and Inclusive Communities Week activities into its celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 30. Events include a Pioneering Hispanic Families Photo exhibit featuring photographs, family stories and folkl?rico workshops, an educational forum and college night, a Hispanic book and author signing workshop, the Miss Mariachi Pageant and the Chandler Mariachi Festival. For additional information, contact (480) 782-2220.
Farmington Hills, Mich, will participate in, as part of its celebration of Heritage Festival, an annual week-long event being held through September 22. The festival includes the World Music and Fashion Show, a new citizen swearing-in ceremony, and a mini conference with a multicultural/multiracial theme, and culminates in a festival day which features continuous multicultural entertainment, food, displays, and children's activities with free admission. Contact (248) 871-2504 for more details.
For more information on NLC?s activities, contact Chris Hoene at (202) 626-3172 or Laura Sweeney at (202) 626-3051.
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