Cook County officials on Monday kicked off the third annual Racial Equity Week.
This year’s theme will reflect on three words: “Imagine. Intersect. Act.” Activities this week will invite the audience to use their imaginations to understand justice and equity issues at the intersections of identities and encourage all to take action.
“Racial Equity Week serves as a reflection point for Cook County to assess our progress in advancing racial equity in everything we do, through policy and practice. I’m proud that we’ve been able to make it an annual tradition,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Additionally, it’s simply a great week of programming for employees and residents to engage with our equity work, learn something new, and hear from some wonderful speakers.”
At the press conference, President Preckwinkle also announced the implementation of a Racial Equity Policy and Racial Equity Action Plan to ensure that equity is enacted through Cook County Offices Under the President (OUP). This policy has implemented by Executive Order 2021-2.
The Action Plan outlines five strategies, broken down into action steps complete with a timeline, accountability measures, performance measures, and desired outcomes. The five strategies are:
“I’m honored to stand with and participate with President Preckwinkle and my fellow Commissioners in Cook County’s 3rd Annual Racial Equity Week” said Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (6th District), who represents Homewood. “I’m also so proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in the County because throughout my career I’ve always had a multi-cultural focus on equity and diversity. Cook County draws strength from its diversity and focusing our policies through an equity lens serves to enhance that strength and helps ensure all our residents have the chance to reach their full potential, to let shine the unique strengths that each individual and culture contributes.”
For a full schedule of events and registration details, please visit www.cookcountyil.gov/service/racial-equity.