As the New Castle Council on Race and Equity (CRE) approaches 1 year of existence, we are proud to announce the official transition of the council to the New Castle Committee on Race and Equity. This committee will be an official Town of New Castle Committee, stewarded by 10 board members, 2 co-chairpersons, and a group of auxiliary volunteers.
Reflecting on all the CRE has accomplished in the last year, we owe a debt of gratitude to the women of color who have led the council of 115 volunteers - CRE Team Leaders Candace Chestnut, Johanna Nayyar, Hermian Charles, Kristina Herman, Tanya Tochner, Mindy Park, and Melissa Cintron, and the CRE Co-Chairpersons Nichelle Maynard-Elliott and Zabeen Mirza. These women face daily challenges with inequities in their own lives but have taken up the fight to protect others from the same. The unrelenting leadership and advocacy of these women has left an indelible mark in the fabric of our community and created a roadmap for the fight for true racial equity and inclusivity in New Castle.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the 115 volunteers, BIPOC (Black, Brown and AAPI), and white and other non-BIPOC allies who have put in the time, energy, effort, and care for the future of this community to spend the last year creating programs, community plans, education initiatives, and offering all means and measure of support to the BIPOC residents of New Castle and beyond. These volunteers have been staunch allies - listening, learning, and speaking up for those who could not. They have set an example for all of us to follow in what it means to be allies and what it means to truly strive for equity in the community and in this world.
The Council on Race and Equity was formed last year in the aftermath of a race crisis in our country and in our community. The intention was for the Council to work together for three months. Their mandate was to create a set of recommendations for the Town of New Castle so that it may foster a more inclusive, equitable community for all its residents. The CRE not only delivered over 300 pages of recommendations, they have provided incredible community programs, outreach, advisory, and guidance with partners all across New Castle. CRE volunteers have stayed on for a year now, while simultaneously managing familial, personal and professional obligations, to ensure the work does not fall to the wayside and to continue to serve the scores of BIPOC residents who have sought support. There is still much work to be done. It is now time to pass the baton to ensure leadership succession and continuity of work beyond the individuals who formidably ran the first leg of the race.
Call For Volunteers For The Committee On Race And Equity
We are putting out a call for volunteers for those in the community interested in serving as a Committee Board Member and/or Co-Chairperson. We especially encourage BIPOC residents to apply. The outgoing CRE leadership will be a transition team for the incoming committee and will provide a framework for future work. Many will remain actively involved in advisory and volunteer capacities.
To apply, please send a letter of your interest to crenewcastle@gmail.com by May 28, 2021.
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