The Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance was formed by the Raleigh Chamber in 2019 to kick-start discussions in our community about what it means to be a part of vulnerable populations and how to cultivate more inclusive environments.
The group, consisting of local government and business leaders, creates programming and events designed to support the implementation of inclusive strategies for underrepresented business communities.
“After 2020, we decided that a statement on systemic racism was not enough,” Torri Staton, Director of Equitable Economic Development, told RALtoday. “So we formulated A Better Wake initiative, a collection of municipalities in the area that have decided to have county-wide conversations on what systemic racism is and how it affects Wake County.”
The group sparked a partnership with the Research Triangle Institute to collect data on racial disparity in the area. In February 2022, Triangle DEI debuted A Blueprint for Dismantling Systemic Racism, based on focus groups and raw data from RTI.
The blueprint focuses on four main topics: criminal justice, economic mobility, education equality, and health equality, and is made up of more than 40 goals and 150 action items.
“If we want to dismantle the system, we have to slowly change it one by one, one action by one action, one thought by one thought,” Torri said.
Here’s how you can help spark powerful discussions and change:
- On Tuesday, May 16 join the next Courageous Conversation, Coping with Racial Trauma in the Workplace.
- Make your voice heard on Thursday, April 27 at A Better Wake Town Hall: Economic Mobility at Knightdale Town Hall.
- Join the 2023 DEI Conference on July 25 to initiate conversations about diversity at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Browse all programs and upcoming events.