WILMINGTON — In an effort to help address social issues, including discrimination and prejudice, the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County created the joint Community Relations Advisory Committee.
Communications Manager Malissa Talbert said the group was formed sometime last year, and city action was taken in July.
The committee consists of 12 members, representing the civil rights community, the faith community, the business community, the education community, and four at large members.
“Their purpose is to address community issues involving prejudice or discrimination, provide information about their findings and make recommendations,” Talbert wrote in an email.
For residents interested in the newly formed organization, the committee is hosting an open house on Oct. 24 at the Martin Luther King Center from 6 -7:30 p.m. During the meet and greet residents will have the opportunity to take a survey and voice their opinions on the most pressing issues facing the city.
“We are a bridge to promote trust, communication, resources, diversity and respect within the community,” said Owen Wexler, chairman. “We want to hear from the community about what issues need to be addressed to ensure that our community is as vibrant as possible in terms of human relationships between neighbors and citizens and our government and law enforcement.”
Vice Chair Evelyn Bryant said, “The community is facing some tough issues and these conversations are essential so that all voices are heard.”
The current members include: Evelyn Bryant, civil rights community; Emily Cottrell, education community; Melanie Frank, at-large; Jeffrey Hovis, business community; Brenda Swartz, faith community; Owen Wexler, at-large, Kristen McKeithan, at-large; Walter Samuels, civil rights community; Lori Wainright, at-Large; and Florence Warren, education community.
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