Public Invited to Weigh in on Racial Equity, Social Justice
UTICA, NY – As the next step in its 10-year, $10 million commitment to enhance racial equity and social justice, the Community Foundation and its equity advisory group will hold a public forum in October to hear from residents about neighborhood needs, and to report on the group’s work over the past several months.
“We have a very diverse advisory group reflective of the full Mohawk Valley community,” said Jawwaad Rasheed, Community Foundation Board of Trustees chair. “This is a really deep, concerted effort to understand what the issues are, listen and learn from our community residents and stakeholders, and I believe with all of the skills and intelligence of the people in the room, we’re going to get very good recommendations as to how we can move to break barriers and start making real investments to overcome systemic issues, especially racism.”
The Community Equity Forum will take place on Wednesday, October 20, 6:00-8:30 p.m., at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, with a report on the group’s work to date, and breakout sessions for attendees to share their thoughts. Community residents are encouraged to attend the event, and to register in advance, foundationhoc.org/equityforum or 315-731-3736, due to limited seating. All participants will be asked to practice social distancing and follow CDC mask guidelines. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Advisory group members are:
Anthony Baird
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, Utica College
Rev. Sharon Baugh
Pastor, Hope Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church
Charles Green
Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Assured Information Security
Hilda M. Jordan
Diversity and Equity Leadership Consultant,
COO of ACCESS Global Group
Tim Kroecker
Senior Operations Research Analyst, Air
Force Research Lab – Information Directorate
Delvin Moody
Utica Common Councilmember
Marquis Palmer
Marshall Scholar, University of London,
University of Cambridge
Olivia Paul
Community Foundation Engagement
Specialist
Marques Phillips
City of Utica Codes Commissioner, Director of
Community Initiatives
Jawwaad Rasheed Oneida County Family Court Magistrate
(Retired)
Rick Short
Corporate Associate Vice President, Indium
Corporation
Randy VanWagoner
President, Mohawk Valley Community College
CONTACT:
Alicia Daddario, Public Relations Coordinator
adaddario@foundationhoc.org
315-559-8031
