The Town of Carrboro is recruiting for the newly established Racial Equity Commission.
The Racial Equity Commission is empowered to make short, mid- 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. The commission was established by the Carrboro Town Council on Jan. 19, 2021.
Background
On Oct. 20, 2020, Mayor Lydia Lavelle and Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Foushee introduced a resolution entitled Supporting Reparations for Black Carrboro. The Council adopted the resolution, and immediately following that action participated in a work session concerning reparations. One of the expectations set forth in that resolution is to establish a Racial Equity Commission. View the resolution at https://carrboro.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9068505&GUID=037954DA-51A1-4067-A5C2-E85D1B3B2461
Mission
The mission of the Racial Equity Commission is to educate, provide leadership and facilitate ongoing equitable engagement with the immediate and greater Carrboro community. The focus is to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that enhances the overall social, physical, mental and economic well-being of Carrboro. Carrboro seeks to incorporate equitable policies, procedures and practices for real change based on both short and long term strategies to address disparities. Necessary resources and budgetary appropriations can start as soon as 2021 because our focus is building greater equity within the community.
Commission Makeup
Comprised of nine (9) commission members who complete race and equity training provided by the Town’s Core Team.
- 4 representatives from the community
- (Two members who have lived in the community for at least 20 years and two for at least 10 years and should have a lived experience based on being a person of color.)
- 1 youth representative between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, and shall reside, work in or attend public, private or homeschool classes in Carrboro.
- 1 representative from the Affordable Housing Advisory Commission
- 1 representative Environmental Advisory Board
- 1 representative Economic Sustainability Commission
- 1 representative from the Farmer’s Market Board
- 3 non-voting town representatives – two Town Council Liaisons and one staff liaison - the Town Race and Equity Officer
Commission members will serve two-year terms.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at cdorando@townofcarrboro.org or 919-918-7309.
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