Title
Request to Amend Racial Equity Commission Charge
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is for the Town Council to consider the recommendation from the Racial Equity Commission (REC) to amend the commission charge. Donald Hawkins II, Racial Equity Commission Chair will make the presentation.
Department
DEPARTMENT: Town Manager’s Office
Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Anita Jones-McNair, Chief Race and Equity Officer, amcnair@carrboronc.gov <mailto:amcnair@carrboronc.gov>, 919.918.7381
Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
_X__ Race/Equity ____ Climate ____ Comprehensive Plan ____Other
Council Direction Statement
The Council approved the Resolution Supporting Reparations for Black Carrboro on October 20, 2020. Within the resolution is states to Establish a Racial Equity Commission that will be empowered to make short, medium and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism, boosting economic mobility and opportunity, and creating generational wealth in the Black community, and Empowers the Commission to hold community conversations to educate the public on the mission of the commission and discuss implementation of the above recommendations.
Information
INFORMATION: The presentation includes recommendations to amend the charge. (See Attachment B)
The Town Council established the commission in January 2021 to advise and work with the Town Council, Chief Race and Equity Officer, and Town staff to educate, provide leadership, and facilitate on-going equitable engagement within the immediate and greater Carrboro community toward the goal of creating a community of inclusiveness in which political, economic, social, and cultural institutions are no longer predicated and influenced by race.
The REC began meeting in June 2021. One short term responsibility is to evaluate the mission, purpose and annual duties and present any recommended changes to the Town Council for approval. The need to work on a clear direction and message has been a focal point. In April of this year, the commission held a strategy session with Bryana Clover, facilitator, to focus on the direction of the commission.
Racial Equity Commission (REC) Background
The REC revisited the Commission’s charge and discussed a shared vision for the work moving forward. At the beginning of their strategy session, they discussed their shared fears, hopes and personal values. This was an important exercise for cultivating connection, trust, and shared vision. The results of the centering are as follows:
1. Fears
a. Our work as the REC will be taken for granted- our work will be done in vain.
b. Nothing will happen despite our investment in the REC.
c. Our purpose isn’t aligned with the mission and how we operate.
d. Democracy is at risk, and the gains of the last 100 years will be “for naught.”
e. That we will not take full advantage of the potential impact of the REC.
2. Hopes
a. REC recommendations will be heard and put into practice.
b. The youth will be engaged in justice work, this work is for them. For our children’s future.
c. The commitments made by the town are put to action.
d. Connection and cohesion amongst the members of the REC
3. Personal Values
a. Helping others
b. Truth and justice for Black Americans
c. Time
d. Impact
e. Dignity for ALL
f. Honor
g. Diversity
h. Embracing the fullness of life
Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: There are no fiscal or staff impacts associated with amending the charge.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: The Town Manager recommends that the Town Council amend the Racial Equity Commission Charge.