Glenn Harris

Where Do We Go From Here?

We are gathering just two days after the most contentious election season in decades. Both major parties showed their deep splinters, Trumpism became the new normal and all the politicians were forced to deal with issues that communities of color raised to national prominence. In this closing plenary, leaders will speak to the challenges of governance before us, and how the racial justice movement can position ourselves to make the most of the next four years.

Will be livestreamed.

An effective, inclusive democracy? Launching a Racial Equity Initiative in Your City

This session will provide an introduction to the role, responsibilities and opportunities for government to advance racial equity. It will highlight national best practices that normalize racial equity as a key value, operationalize racial equity via new policies and practices, and organize, both internally and in partnership with other institutions and the community. Across the country, we know that race predicts how well one will fare across all indicators for success, including housing, transportation, health, education, criminal justice, jobs, and the environment. We also know that actions of government created and have maintained racial inequities. To advance racial equity, the fundamental transformation of government is necessary.

The session will include an overview of shared terminology and use of racial equity tools that can be used in decisions relating to policies, practices, programs and budgets. We will focus on an “inside-outside” strategy that highlight the potential for maximizing impact. Nelson and Harris will highlight the important roles of community, government staff and elected leaders. This will be a great opportunity to join with others from across the country to leverage the power of government to advance racial equity and increase success for all of our communities.

Systems Change: Inside and Outside Strategies

"Equity-driven change strategies can be initiated from inside the public sector, from the outside, or both. Learn about how the City of Seattle?s Race and Social Justice Initiative has sparked community collaboration to address institutional racism in the public school system and how the Sentencing Project is working several fronts in the policy arena to eliminate racial disparities in the criminal justice system.