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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DECLARING RACIAL EQUITY WEEK IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, historically, government has played a role in creating and maintaining racial inequities, further widening the gap in disparities amongst residents; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is the second largest county and contains one of the most segregated cities in America, and thus has a grave responsibility to do what is in its power to right those wrongs and eliminate those inequities; and
WHEREAS, it is unacceptable that certain zip codes on the south and west sides of Chicago and Cook County have dramatically lower life expectancies, higher maternal and infant mortality rates, greater food scarcity, and decreased access to mental health assistance; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Government is one of the largest employers in the region, and
WHEREAS, the success of an organization today is incumbent on its ability to hire and maintain a workforce that mirrors the diverse community it serves; and
WHEREAS, in order to be a model for the region and for other governments, Cook County Government has adopted a racial equity lens to examine employee demographics and improve hiring, retention, and promotion policies and practices; and
WHEREAS, racial equity is not just about money, or jobs, or the scars of history, but is about providing inclusive, culturally competent services to the 5.2 million residents of Cook County and ensuring that communities and residents have a voice in government decision-making; and
WHEREAS, in November 2018, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle made equity one of the foundational values of her administration; and
WHEREAS, in Spring 2019, Offices Under the President officially joined the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), an organization that forms a national network of local and regional governments to advance racial equity; and
WHEREAS, Offices Under the President convened the Racial Equity Leadership Council (RELC) to advance equity throughout Cook County Government, focusing on policies, training, engagement, and operations; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Toni Preckwinkle, as President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and on behalf the residents of Cook County, do hereby designate September 16 - 20, 2019 to be “Racial Equity Week” in Cook County, Illinois.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, during this week of learning, listening, and engaging, Cook County will hold a series of events to hear from residents and community partners and educate the public about racial equity, why it matters and how stakeholders can work together to advance racial equity in Cook County.
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