I think that part of the reason why race and ethnic relations are better in Arlington is because most of our folks that are of a minority population have been taught and accepted a need to assimilate into the dominant culture.
– an Arlington resident
Race & Ethnicity
Since its inception, participating in and championing the Unity Council recommendation has been an honor. It has been a pleasure for us to witness minor and significant improvements in our city that stemmed from the idea of a community task force. For the past two years, seeing the interest in these resolutions among community leaders, City leaders, and Arlington residents increase further solidified the need for the Unity Council recommendation to expand to be indeed inclusive of all.
Serving on the Unity Council, while emerging out of the George Floyd movement, a global pandemic and inflation has been very eye opening, especially when analyzing the evolving economic disparities that are challenging MWBE and minority residents in Arlington.
I think that part of the reason why race and ethnic relations are better in Arlington is because most of our folks that are of a minority population have been taught and accepted a need to assimilate into the dominant culture.
– an Arlington resident
The first set of recommendations of the Unity Council brought meaningful solutions regarding race and ethnicity to the forefront and while the City has implemented many of those recommendations, we still have work to do to not only bridge any gaps, but take the momentum for diversity, equity and inclusion even further.
The subcommittee revisited the initial approach with a more expanded lens. The information presented to the Unity Council from the public forums, panelists, subject matter experts, surveys and statistical data, all hold us accountable as a community. This is an evolving matter, which will change with time.
With the most recent recommendations, the subcommittee wants to ensure our neighbors have a safe space for equity, belonging and access to the resources that make Arlington“ The American Dream City” for all of its residents.
Race & Ethnicity Subcommittee
Unity Council Report 2023 127