An opportunity for artists, cultural workers, and advocates to make the New York City government more equitable.
For many decades, artists, cultural workers, and advocates have discussed the importance of racial equity. Establishing the Commission on Racial Equity is an important step in this direction and an opportunity for our sector to engage in this process.
In November 2022, New Yorkers took a momentous stride toward advancing racial equity. They voted to establish the Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), a platform that not only empowers them but also invites them to actively shape the city’s future. This addition to the NYC Charter mandates the new commission to collaborate with New Yorkers in identifying and proposing community equity priorities. These priorities, driven by the people’s voices, will significantly influence the city government’s racial equity planning process and actions.
Racial equity is transformative.
With 15 members, including its chair, Linda Tigani, CORE is committed to transparency and accountability. It will review and publicly comment on the new citywide Racial Equity Plans, publicly track agency compliance with these plans and processes, and receive complaints about agency conduct that may exacerbate racial equity disparities. It will also make recommendations to agencies to address such complaints where appropriate. Additionally, CORE will respond to requests from the council speaker and its committees regarding racial equity concerns, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed.
Since its inception in October 2023, CORE has been resolute in its commitment to inclusivity. It has actively engaged with community groups, government partners, and CORE Commissioners to develop draft community equity priorities. These drafts are open for New Yorkers to review and share reactions, edits, and feedback requests. CORE’s focus on historically underrepresented or underserved communities in NYC’s government and its processes is evident in these priorities. They aim to address the most pressing issues that communities most affected by racism consider crucial for their well-being.
The path to progress is never easy, but necessary.
The 16 proposed priorities are organized into three goals for local government to focus on and measure impact and growth: justly valuing all talents and contributions by closing representation and remuneration in government, ensuring the condition of thriving for every person, and embracing vigilance, remedy, and reconstruction.
You can comment on the priorities by inviting CORE to a meeting or local community conversation, by submitting written testimony to AskCore@core.nyc.gov, and soon, New Yorkers will be able to fill out a survey stating their racial justice priorities.
Make sure to sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media to learn more about the ways the Sector can participate in community engagement while ensuring that these policies contemplate the needs of BIPOC artists, cultural workers, and advocates.
