Lacey to hold forum on Black and African community, wants input from underrepresented community

Lacey is inviting community members to its forum discussing the Black and African American community this Tuesday, March 21 at the New Life Baptist Church, 7838 Pacific Avenue, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Hosted by the city’s Commission on Equity (COE), the forum is meant to collect input from “BIPOC, seniors, youth, and other underrepresented community members,” according to a Lacey press release.

“This Community Forum provides an opportunity for Black and African American members of the City of Lacey, and its surrounding areas, to express concerns; raise issues; give compliments and criticisms; ask questions of interest to them; and be listened to by city officials in a comfortable and familiar setting,” the city quoted COE Commissioner Dr. Thelma Jackson.

Jackson explained further that the forum will help the COE as an advisory body to help the city council and city staff develop public policies and programs towards “a more equitable and inclusive community for all its members to live and prosper in peace and harmony.”

Founded on January 21, 2021, according to its website, COE’s main functions are:

• Identifying and advancing opportunities that create a more welcoming community
• Continuing critical conversations on race and equity
• Seeking greater participation from underrepresented community members, and
• Identify existing gaps and barriers which could prevent full participation in government and public policy.