WASHINGTON — October 2, 2017 — Today the National League of Cities (NLC) Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) initiative announced that 15 cities will participate in its inaugural National Municipal Learning Community for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation. The 18-month program will provide city leaders with an opportunity to learn from their peers and national experts, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how they can implement and strengthen efforts to advance racial equity.
“When we created REAL two years ago, our goal was to take action to help city leaders eliminate racial disparities, heal racial tension and build more equitable communities,” said National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “I am proud to announce these 15 cities, who are committed to undoing racism in their communities and taking action to build a just and equitable future.”
The 15 cities participating in the program are:
- Gadsden, Ala.
- Long Beach, Calif.
- Stockton, Calif.
- Gary, Ind.
- Wichita, Kan.
- Louisville, Ky.
- Boston, Mass.
- St. Louis Park, Minn.
- St. Paul, Minn.
- Charlotte, N.C.
- Rochester, N.Y.
- Philadelphia, Penn.
- Pittsburgh, Penn.
- State College, Penn.
- Tacoma, Wash.
Each city has assembled a diverse team that includes both elected officials and city staff to develop community practices, engage regional cities in advancing racial equity and build leadership to support their city’s capacity to undertake broad structural change.
“Across the country, we have seen issues that continue to spark racial unrest in communities, both small and large, and cause our country to repeatedly stare into the face of our scarred past,” said Leon Andrews, director of the REAL initiative at NLC. “The launching of this national learning community shows a willingness by a diverse range of cities to be bold and courageous in doing what is necessary to call out and reconcile these injustices.”
This program is being made possible with the generous support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and its Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation initiative.
About the W. K. Kellogg Foundation:
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.