2022 Community Success Forum: A Better Wake
A Better Wake releases results of a year-long study to address systemic racism!
The Raleigh Chamber and The Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance are proud partners in this movement to address systemic racism in our community. On Feb. 17, we hosted a Community Success Forum to provide more information about our community-wide initiative, “A Better Wake.”
In partnership with RTI International, A Better Wake conducted a study to understand how to address systemic racism in the areas of economic mobility, education, criminal justice, and health. The event was attended by business professionals, young professionals, and busy adults who were eager to hear about the results of the blueprint story and the focus for addressing systemic racism going forward.
Sara Lawrence, economic development director at RTI International, gave us an overview of the blueprint and insight into why this initiative is so necessary for our community. A Better Wake built on efforts currently in the community to develop a thorough data assessment, the blueprint to reimagine systems, and a vital data dashboard. As Sara said, “Data dashboards can be powerful tools to spark conversations for policy change!”
After Sara discussed how we envision Wake County and the steps we all must take to get our community there, attendees heard from working groups members about their plans for the future and how they will work with the community to create real change.
Our moderator for Community Success Forum was Danya Perry, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Wake County Government.
The Education flash panel featured:
Allison Goff Clark, deputy director of North Carolina programs at The Hunt Institute
Ashley Gaddy, founder and head consultant at Ashley Gaddy Enterprises
Cathy Moore, superintendent at Wake County Public School System
“If training, resources, implementation is going to roll out the administrators have to have the buy in, the rapport, the support, the belief that this something their teachers need, that all students need for an equitable environment.” - Ashley Gaddy
The Health flash panel featured:
Dr. Bahby Banks, adjunct faculty at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Nanette Bowler, human services director at Wake County Health & Human Services
Dr. Angelo Moore, assistant director of community outreach, engagement, and equity at Duke Cancer Institute
“Instead of services driving the needs, we as a community have to start looking at, listening to the people, and understanding their needs!” - Nanette Bowler
The Economic Mobility flash panel featured:
Verna Best, social economic vitality program manager at Wake County Government
Lorena McDowell, director of the department of housing affordability and community revitalization at Wake County Government
Kevin J. Price, president and CEO of National Institute of Minority Economic Development
Dr. Scott Ralls, president at Wake Technical Community College
“It’s time for us to think boldly, think beyond the traditional pathways,” – Kevin J. Price
The Criminal Justice flash panel featured:
Daryl Atkinson, codirector and cofounder at Forward Justice
Lorrin Freeman, Wake County 10th Prosecutorial District Attorney
Donald Pinchback, chief court counselor at NC Department of Public Safety
“What can I do, as a human being, to give back and strengthen my community for its betterment?” - Donald Pinchback
In addition, attendees joined breakout sessions to discuss ways to support this important movement. We appreciate the community coming together for the A Better Wake blueprint accessed here. You can now watch the 2022 Community Success Forum recording and learn more about the focus, goals, and action items A Better Wake will use going forward into implementation: