Across the country, issues of racial equity continue to spark unrest in communities. In cities and towns both small and large, our country has been made to repeatedly stare into the face of our scarred past — and to acknowledge the long road ahead.
In order to provide support to city leaders and communities dealing with racial equity crises, we’re introducing the first-ever National Municipal Learning Community for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation.
Our new 18-month program will provide leaders in 15 cities 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.
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“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 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 list of 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.
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 Authors:
Leon T. Andrews, Jr., is the Director of the Race, Equity And Leadership (REAL) initiative at the National League of Cities.
Aliza R. Wasserman is the senior associate with NLC’s Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) Initiative.