Director's Update: Confronting Our Own Racism, Working for Racial Equity
Pictured: Setche Kwamu-Nana, a Racial Justice & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion instructor, leads a training with our staff.
The following is a revised version of a letter to our staff from Executive Director Laura Ann Fernea:
“Just before the pandemic began our staff participated in a racial justice training that proved to be the beginning of a multi-year racial justice training process that is ongoing, and I (Laura Ann) wanted to write as Executive Director to clarify and give an update on where we are in our racial equity journey as an organization.
This letter was originally sent to our staff, but we’re modifying it as an ‘open letter’ to you, our friends, partners, and neighbors in City Heights.
We are deeply committed to racial equity in our lives and spheres of influence, and I acknowledge that I am personally still learning how to live that out, both personally and professionally. It’s a life-long journey, as we continually learn how to do better every day.
George Floyd’s murder over two years ago galvanized the country in a powerful way. It also triggered a lot of deep self-reflection in me and in our staff about how to do better as an organization.
Since then some of the actions that I have taken or initiated include:
Recruiting a more representative and diverse board of directors – our current board is over 60% BIPOC now and 1/3 are from City Heights.
Seeking outside help to do Racial Equity training for both Board and staff.
Convening an ongoing staff and board steering committee to provide input and guidance to the RE trainers during 2021.
Working to consistently hire and promote more diverse staff.
Continuing this learning process with the creation of a board-staff RE committee.
I know that there’s still a lot of work to do and I’m committed to it. I appreciate all your work every day working with the City Heights community and I appreciate being held accountable so I can do better.
Our new leadership team of Alexis, Kyra, Randy and myself are all committed to increasing racial equity in the City Heights CDC, so that every staff member feels fully supported in their programs. Please reach out to us if you have any concerns or questions now or in the future. My (zoom) door is always open to you.
With you,
Laura Ann Fernea
Executive Director
City Heights CDC”