CLEVELAND — On Tuesday, Cuyahoga Councy Council passed a resolution declaring that racism is a public health crisis. The resolution addressed structural and systemic racism and the disparities between Black and White people in the county.
A similar measure was recently approved by the Cleveland City Council and is also being considered by the Ohio General Assembly.
In addition to the declaration, the council has created a Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity. 15 local leaders have been nominated by County Executive Armond Budish. Upon approval by County Council, the group will be tasked in part with reviewing and providing recommendations to reduce the disparity between Black and White people in the following areas:
- Healthcare
- The criminal justice system
- Healthy food
- Safe and affordable housing
- Well-paying jobs and business ownership opportunity
- Quality transportation
- Educational opportunities
- Safe places to be active
Here are Budish's 15 nominees to serve on the Citizens' Advisory Council on Equity:
- Rabbi Joshua Caruso—Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple
- Stephen Caviness—Director of Project Management, Team NEO
- Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker—Retired Senior Pastor, University Circle United Methodist Church
- Jenice Contreras—Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development
- Habeebah Rasheed Grimes—Chief Executive Officer, Positive Education Program
- Dr. Heidi Gullett, Medical Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Health
- Phyllis “Seven” Harris—Executive Director, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
- Randell McShepard—Vice President, Chief Talent Officer, RPM International Inc.
- Marcia A. Mockabee—President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland
- India Pierce Lee—Senior Vice President, Program, Cleveland Foundation
- Victor Ruiz—Executive Director, Esperanza, Inc.
- Cordell E. Stokes—Chairman/CEO for CLC Stokes Consulting Group LLC
- Danielle Sydnor—President, Cleveland Branch of NAACP
- Eddie Taylor Jr.—President, Taylor Oswald, LLC
- Sheila Wright—Executive Vice President of Community Engagement, The Good Community Foundation
“This group is made up of so many incredible leaders that have worked tirelessly in their respective communities to create change and foster growth in new and innovative ways,” said Budish in a statement. “Members of this board will influence decisions that shape the quality of life for our residents, and I am excited to see the great work the Council on Equity will do for Cuyahoga County.”
The Council on Equity is to provide a status report no later than December 31, 2020, including any changes to county policies, procurement, structure of county government and the Cuyahoga County Code.
Cuyahoga County Council will then implement policy changes in response to the findings or recommendations from the Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity.