Together We're Building a Better Tomorrow
Commission on Racial Equality -CRE
Mission
The purpose of the Commission on Racial Equality is to promote racial equity through providing diversity and racial equity training to aid churches, businesses, community groups, etc in their efforts to recognize institutional and structural racism and to work together to identify ways to dismantle it in our community.
History
Dealing with racial healing is a complex issue. BICC’s philosophy is to engage those affected by the issue in working toward a solution. In 2000, racial issues emerged as one of the leading concerns through BICC’s extensive listening process. In response, BICC convened diverse groups of multi-sector leaders and grassroots constituents and held community forums and focus groups to foster dialogue across racial lines. Barriers to success for people of color were identified and long-term solutions were discussed.
It was discovered that there were 62 racial/ethnic groups in Cleveland and there had never been a multicultural festival. Therefore, BICC hosted the Festival of Cultures with a mission of uniting the community in celebration of cultural diversity. Together with the aid of many volunteers, and community partnerships the first festival was held September 28, 2001 at the Museum Center at Five Points. The Festival of Cultures was so successful that it became a very popular annual event in our community. While the Festival, community forums and focus groups were very strategic in their approach to address the racial equity issues, BICC was committed to a long-term process.
In 2003, Commission on Racial Equality was launched as a component of BICC to focus specifically on racial equity. A grant from the McAuley Institute affiliated with the Aspen Institute allowed the Commission to join a two-year collaborative study with other community groups in the Southeast to develop measurable indicators in evaluating racial equity efforts. In 2005, community groups gathered in Washington to finalize tools and launch a national web-based server. Unfortunately, the Institute dissolved in late 2005, leaving community organizations including BICC/CRE, with tested research tools to monitor racial harmony but with no support to pursue identified actions.
The Commission then received a grant from the Commission on Religion in Appalachia to train a culturally diverse team through Crossroads Ministries, Grand Rapids. The team completed extensive 8-month training focused on dismantling local structural and institutional racism. Among other things, the CRE team conducted diversity training on racial issues in Cleveland City Schools, and with the local YMCA.
BICC’s philosophy is that healing will not take place without acknowledgement of the past injustices and the legacy they have created; and this can only come by walking together toward healing in ways that are meaningful to the injured and that dismantles the systems and structures that continue to perpetuate the injustices.
Training Opportunities:
Diversity and racial equity trainings are available through the Commission on Racial Equality to churches, businesses, community groups, etc. The trainings can be designed to meet your specific needs.
For more information contact Brenda at 559-1112 or
