In 2006, racial tensions rose to a tipping point in Stratford, Conn., following the arrest of two African Americans – a teenager and a town councilman. The city used this as a springboard to improve community-police relations, and to address other issues related to racial equity.
To launch community-wide dialogue and action on racism, they formed “Citizens Addressing Racial Equity” (C.A.R.E.). Initiated by a Democratic mayor, C.A.R.E. transcends political identification, and now receives the support of the new Republican mayor. “C.A.R.E. serves an important purpose, uniting our town across racial and economic lines in pursuit of building a better community,” says Mayor John Harkins. “They have my full support.”
Stratford became one of nine sites across the country involved in the “Communities Creating Racial Equity” (CCRE) initiative launched by Everyday Democracy. This has allowed people to share lessons and tools for racial equity work and to create a network of communities addressing similar issues.
“In the beginning, C.A.R.E.’s work felt reactive,” says Tamara Trojanowski, C.A.R.E.’s Project Coordinator for the CCRE initiative. “Now our effort feels organized and intentional as we work to strengthen the community.”
Dialogue participants identified three action teams on racial equity in policing, education, and town leadership. Here are some of their accomplishments to date:
- A Juvenile Review Board was established to divert young, first-time, non-violent offenders from the Juvenile Justice System.
- Planning is in place to launch a Citizen’s Police Academy.
- The city’s public schools established an annual job fair to recruit people of color, earning them a “Friend of Education” award for their success.
- The Board of Education renewed its Affirmative Action Policy and Minority Teacher Recruitment Plan.
- They support youth dialogues within schools along with Parents Supporting Excellence in Schools (PSEIS).
- They are representing and supporting the interests of community members most marginalized by policies that may impact them negatively, including: reducing the number of liquor store licenses in majority African American neighborhoods, supporting the bussing system that maintains racial balance in Stratford schools, and opposing the sale of the town’s water treatment plant to another town that does not allow resident payment plans.
- More people of color are being hired to fill leadership positions, including the first black police chief and new members of Stratford Town Hall. C.A.R.E. is playing a larger role in identifying and recommending people of color to town boards and commissions.
Read more stories of communities addressing community-police relations.
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