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Racial Equity
GPCOG webinar series
The role of local government in advancing racial equity
As a result of the national and local protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, our region’s municipal leaders are reflecting on what they can do to create a more just and equitable society for people of color. GPCOG will be hosting a series of webinars for municipal leaders on racial equity with content provided by national-level presenters and local experts. Topics will include policy areas in which cities and towns play a significant leadership role, including land use, housing, transportation, education, social services and policing.
Recent webinars
A Conversation on Anti-Asian American Pacific Islander Discrimination
As part of Momentum: A Maine Racial & Social Equity Series, the Chamber, GPCOG, United Way of Greater Portland, the Portland Public Library, and the Maine Historical Society are bringing you a panel discussion on anti-Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) discrimination in Maine.
Panelists include Marpheen Chann (Development, Communications, and Education Associate, Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine), Tae Chong (Owner, Tae Chong Consulting and Portland City Councilor, District 3), Phuc Tran (Author, Educator, Tattoo Artist), and Grace Valenzuela (Director, Portland Public Schools Multilingual & Multicultural Center).
Having Uncomfortable Conversations With Your Kids: Talking About Race and Racism
As part of Momentum: A Maine Racial & Social Equity Series, the Portland Regional Chamber, GPCOG, United Way of Greater Portland, the Portland Public Library, and the Maine Historical Society are bring you a panel discussion on how to successfully navigate the discussion of racism with kids and teens.
Panelists include Tracie Jae (Lead Rebel, The Quiet Rebel, LLC), Sarah MacLaughlin, LSW (Author, Speaker, and Parenting Educator), and Mercedes Samudio, LCSW (Founder, Diversity in Parenting, Inc). Moderated by Tori Pelletier (Special Projects Coordinator, GPCOG).
It's A Family Affair: A Personal Conversation about Black History in Maine
As part of Momentum: A Maine Racial & Social Equity Series, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, GPCOG, United Way of Greater Portland, the Portland Public Library, and the Maine Historical Society are bringing you a panel discussion about Black History in Maine. Black Mainers will share their family's history and experience in Maine dating back to the 18th century.
Panelists include Bob Greene (Historian and retired journalist), Garrett Stewart (Bath Iron Works; Member, Permanent Commission for the status on Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations), and Pam Cummings (President, Board of Directors, Abyssinian Meeting House). Moderator of the event is Krystal Williams (Founder, Providentia Group; Co-Curator Begin Again exhibition).
Local Leaders & Racial Equity
GPCOG hosted a panel for the 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance, which was hosted by the Maine NCAAP, Maine Initiatives and the MLK Holiday Observance Steering Committee. This observance is the largest celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. held in Maine, with this year’s event being a Virtual Teach-In and Call to Action.
On Monday, Jan. 18, local leaders discussed the racial equity initiatives that their municipalities are working on.
Panelists include Pious Ali and Lelia DeAndrade (Portland Equity Steering Committee), Deqa Dhalac and Margaret Brownlee (South Portland Human Rights Commission), and Nathan Poore and Dustin Ward (Town of Falmouth). Tori Pelletier (GPCOG Special Projects Coordinator) moderated the panel.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Cases
Why We Need to Talk
This July 8 webinar is moderated by Dwayne S. Marsh, who recently completed a four-year term as Co-director of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). The alliance works to normalize conversations about race and help municipalities advance opportunities for all. During Marsh’s tenure, the membership network of local, regional, and state entities grew from just over 20 to nearly 200 participating jurisdictions.
GPCOG staffer Victoria Pelletier talks about her experience as a woman of color growing up in Maine. Former Lewiston School Superintendent Bill Webster discusses his personal journey on understanding issues of race, and Westbrook City Councilor Claude Rwaganje recounts his experiences as an immigrant from Africa living in Maine.