South Mecklenburg News

Town of Davidson issued the following announcement on Nov. 17.

The Town of Davidson is pleased to offer the Racial Equity Institute’s (REI) Groundwater training to Davidson residents on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The class will be offered in a virtual format.

Our partners at REI explain that the Groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations:  

1. racial inequity looks the same across systems, 
2. socio-economic difference does not explain the racial inequity; and,
3. inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior.  

Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.

“I’m so pleased we’re able to offer the first stage of REI’s transformative training to members of our community. We’ve seen firsthand how valuable this foundation has been for our town staff and other key partners,” said Eugene Bradley, Housing and Equity Director for the Town of Davidson. “It’s been a priority for the board to extend this training to those interested in our community so that the conversation around equity and inclusion can be richer and more meaningful here in Davidson.” 

As the Town of Davidson continues to focus on the these critical issues, residents are invited to register for the virtual Groundwater class by filling out the form hereTown of Davidson to Offer REI Groundwater Training. There is no cost to take the class, but the deadline to register is Tuesday, November 30 at 5:00 p.m.

Original source can be found here.