Cook County officials announced on July 24 the events and details for the upcoming fifth annual Racial Equity Week.
This year’s celebration will be held Sept. 11-15 throughout Cook County. This year’s theme is “Interwoven Narratives, Collective Impact: Celebrating Five Years of Racial Equity Week.” The events and programming aim to encourage residents to use their imaginations to understand justice and equity at the intersections of identities.
Cook County will offer a week of events available to the public and to Cook County employees, both in person and virtually. Events during Racial Equity Week will be posted on the county’s website, and details will be shared on social media. All events will be free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified.
“Every year, I look forward to observing Racial Equity Week in Cook County,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “The events we have planned will spark conversations and inspire our residents and community partners to take part in the work we do to make Cook County a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of race, nationality, gender, immigration status or zip code. Each year, we also update the public on how Cook County has worked to advance racial equity through policy and practice, as well as highlight the work of our partners and advocates.”
Racial equity table
The county will have an equity table at the annual Preparedness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 in Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago.
Storytelling with Ada Cheng
Professor turned storyteller Ada Cheng will curate a series of intersectional and personal narratives by local performers that strive for equitable inclusion at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Volumes Bookcafe, 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Join the session online at facebook.com/PresidentPreckwinkle. Find details and register on Eventbrite at REW2023.eventbrite.com
The queerness of nature
Preckwinkle will join the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) and community members for a Queerness of Nature Walk in the Preserves 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Sand Ridge Nature Center (15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland. Nature does not fit into the binary world that western civilization has created. On this walk, residents will learn about the different ways that nature expresses itself and explore diverse ecosystems while identifying local plants and animals. No registration required. The event may be led in both English and Spanish.