Equity Matters (Next Tuesday)
Because of the legacy of slavery there have always been calls for freedom, equal protection, equal rights, civil rights and EQUITY! Centering Black and Brown communities and with an eye towards racial justice, Equity Matters holds space for some of the most important pressing issues impacting Black folks in Vermont. Equity Matters.
Fletcher Free Library
First Tuesdays
6:00 PM till 8:00 PM
Remote Option Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsd-qqpzIuGNWcCFxzH76JhDR0H2CH4Jg_
Schedule
June: Equal Protection
July: Racism a Public Health Emergency
August: Homes and Land
September: Education
October: Youth
November: Criminal and Juvenile Justice
December: Health and Wellness
Session 2:
Racism: A Public Health Emergency
2 July, 2024
The historic June 2020, Racial Justice Through Economic and Criminal Justice Resolution resolved racism to be a citywide health crisis in Burlington. The following month, the Declaration that racism constitutes a public health emergency in Burlington and Chittenden County was signed by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance (VRJA), the City of Burlington and dozens of other organizations. In April 2021 CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH declared racism a "serious public health threat that directly affects the well-being of millions of Americans and, as a result, affects the health of our entire nation." In May of 2021, the VRJA completed its advocacy for a Vermont Joint Legislative Resolution that Racism Constitutes a Public Health Emergency.
What have policy makers and executives learned since having resolved and declared racism a public health emergency? Are they willing and able to return to the place they were in their hearts and minds at the time that they made these commitments, to get the work done? Do they have the will and the courage to follow through with dismantling systemic racism, now understanding the political and economic price? The American Public Health Association has stated that "These declarations are an important first step in the movement to advance racial equity and justice and must be followed by allocation of resources and strategic action."
Remote Option Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsd-qqpzIuGNWcCFxzH76JhDR0H2CH4Jg_