Transforming systems of inequity into anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity solutions.
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Together in spirit and action,
we echo Dr. King's vision for justice.
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I’m thrilled to unveil “A Vision in Action" Monthly Newsletter, a vibrant embodiment of a part of the King County Office of Equity, Racial & Social Justice's (OERSJ) 2024 brand refresh. Our newsletter relaunch is more than just a new look; it aims to be a storytelling conduit for our office's efforts to create anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity solutions.
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Each edition of the newsletter will offer insights, stories, and developments, serving as one of several platforms to highlight our collective commitment to a shared mission.
As we embrace the new year, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s profound legacy, a pivotal part of our newsletter’s inaugural issue. This year, MLK Day—celebrated on the third Monday of the month—happens to fall on January 15th, King’s actual birthday!
I invite you to join me in delving deeper into his work, moving beyond the familiar narratives of his “I Have a Dream” speech and nonviolent protests. Dr. King’s journey, especially in his later years, was marked by a significant shift towards advocating for radical change and addressing systemic injustices—the parts people leave out!
In the latter part of his life, Dr. King’s organizing focus expanded from mere societal integration strategies to broader Black liberation and freedom politics. This shift was born from the era’s intense social unrest and unrelenting public and police violence, leading him to adopt a more radical stance. While his commitment to nonviolent action remained, he increasingly emphasized the need to confront systemic and institutional barriers that denied progress for Black Americans.
In one of his poignant reflections, King expressed, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” These words acknowledge that he understood why people adopted violent protest tactics and he recognized the shortcomings of advocating for only one way of community political organizing. More importantly, we were gifted with the lesson that real change requires addressing the root causes of systemic injustices.
As we commemorate his life and leadership, let us honor Dr. King by embracing the full spectrum of his teachings. Study his later views, highlighting the need for counteraction and radical movement in the face of entrenched societal issues. Move beyond the comfortable and common narratives to embrace the more challenging aspects of his brilliance that call for profound and systemic change.
With gratitude for our joint journey,
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Antonio Herrera Garza
Strategic Communications Manager
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Passing the Torch and Continuing the Journey — 2024 Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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After a long wait, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our in-person, Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday, January 11 from 12 to 1:15 p.m.
This event celebrates the spirit of King County’s commitment to justice and equality. This year’s theme, “Passing the Torch and Continuing the Journey,” echoes the words of Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, “The task is not done. The journey is not complete. We can and we must do more.” These powerful words remind us that while we’ve made strides, our work advancing Dr. King’s legacy continues.
Set in the heart of Seattle at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, the event promises a blend of reflection and celebration. We are excited to present a lineup of talented artists who embody the spirit of Dr. King’s message through their art. Jeffrey Lewis, known for his soul-stirring music; BroHamM, a group that blends traditional gospel, jazz, and other genres with contemporary rhythms; Jamaar Smiley, whose spoken word captures the heart of social justice, and the electrifying dance crew Massive Monkees, will all grace the stage.
Jayda Gray, an Institute of Community Leadership graduate, will provide the keynote address. Her insights, drawn from a rich background in community leadership, promise to inspire and challenge us in our ongoing commitment to Dr. King’s legacy.
This event is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to the dedication of our employee-led Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee, who have worked to create an experience that honors Dr. King’s legacy. Their commitment to service and community engagement inspires our shared values in King County.
While this celebration is open to the public, as its importance extends beyond our organization. By sharing this with our wider community, we aim to celebrate our community's dedication to learning, historical reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of social justice. Their collective commitment to Dr. King's legacy and serves as an inspiration for continued action and awareness within the broader community.
We hope you will join us for this important event to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reflect on our shared values, and explore how we, as a community, can continue to advance his dream.
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Equity, Racial & Social Justice Strategic Plan
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King County is making significant strides in the Equity, Racial & Social Justice (ERSJ) Strategic Plan Refresh, a two-year endeavor to enhance policies for a more equitable community.
In 2023, we engaged with diverse staff in employee-led “Affinity Spaces,” fostering crucial dialogues on systemic inequities and inclusive and responsive policymaking.
Looking ahead to 2024, we’ll continue this momentum with community advisory group engagements and department collaborations.
Our goal is to refine our equity strategies, culminating in the finalized ERSJ Strategic Plan, a roadmap for a more equitable King County government and region.
Upcoming Milestones
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- Jan 2024: Affinity Spaces Retreat and the end of the employee engagement phase.
- Early 2024: Engagements with community advisory groups and county departments.
- Mid-2024: Deliberation and synthesis of strategic goals. Data synthesis and review.
- Late 2024: Finalization of the ERSJ Strategic Plan and public launch.
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When solutions are genuinely designed in collaboration with affected communities, it is possible to shift power, change systems, and advance equity.
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NONPROFIT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
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My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn’t accessible.
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COMEDIAN, JOURNALIST
& DISABILITY RIGHTS ACTIVIST
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Part 1 - Paving Pathways for Equity & Justice
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As we relaunch this newsletter, we want to introduce our upcoming work to both new and familiar allies. The OERSJ is dedicated to a series of initiatives in 2024 to deepen our commitment to equity across the County. Take a look at some of our upcoming projects.
Strategic Planning & Policymaking
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- ERSJ Strategic Plan Refresh: Revamping our core strategy to advance equity work.
- Equity Impact Review Refresh: Enhancing our approach to assessing equity impacts in our projects across King County.
- Community Co-Creation and Compensation Approach: Collaboratively designing inclusive policies and projects with authentic community engagement.
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Accessibility & Inclusion Initiatives
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- County-wide ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Planning: Strengthening ADA compliance across King County agencies.
- ADA/504 Advisory Committee Refresh: Reinforcing our commitment to disability rights through cross-departmental work.
- Disability Equity/ADA Trainings: Empowering employees at all levels with essential ADA knowledge and resources.
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Race & Equity Integration
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- Racism as Public Health Crisis: Addressing the societal impacts of racial inequities by centering Black and Indigenous communities in developing solutions to repair past and current harm so these communities can thrive.
- Immigration & Language Equity Program: Ensuring language accessibility and immigrant inclusion in project and services planning and program rollouts.
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Part 2 - Fostering Inclusivity & Community
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Continuing our journey, we dive into more OERSJ initiatives set to transform King County in 2024. Join us as we explore further projects focused on enhancing operational efficiency, community connection, and our commitment to continuous improvement.
Operational Efficiency & Capacity
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- Enterprise-wide Systems Development: Streamlining cross-department operations for better equity outcomes and resources.
- EIB Manager Role Empowerment: Defining roles further and empowering Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) managers for effective leadership and implementing standards for cross-departmental collaboration.
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Community Engagement & Communication
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- Translation Management System: Improving communication resources and processes for delivering content and services to diverse language communities.
- King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission: Engaging immigrant and refugee populations to culturally, economically, and civically strengthen their communities and neighborhoods.
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We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.
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NOBEL & PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING
AMERICAN NOVELIST
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Explore the impactful strides and stories from King County
in our rotating highlights section, showcasing initiatives and achievements
that have shaped our community in the past month.
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Top King County Highlights of 2023
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A look at our work around the county this past year. Generational investments, access projects, and more!
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Determinants of Equity Data Tool
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15 indicators to help us understand disparities and opportunities to make a difference in communities.
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Veterans, Seniors & Resilient Communities
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The County voted to pass the VSHSL Implementation Plan determining how funds will be invested until 2029.
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Best Starts for Kids Accepting RFA Applications
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Promoting First Relationship – Agency Training Project request for applications is now open!
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Learning Resource Spotlight
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The Antiracist Deck: 100 Meaningful Conversations on Power, Equity, and Justice
By Ibram X. Kendi
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Join us in a journey of reflection and conversation with 'The Antiracist Deck.' Authored by Ibram X. Kendi, this deck of 100 conversation starters is a powerful tool to explore and challenge our perspectives on race, racism, and antiracism.
Each card is an opportunity to delve into meaningful discussions about race and its intersection with various aspects of society. We invite you to explore and use these cards as a starting point for dialogues in your homes, communities, and social circles. Together, let's uncover our collective power to foster change and build up our antiracist toolkit.
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OERSJ Mission, Vision, & Values
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Mission: “To lead the transformation of systems of inequity into anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity solutions that are measurable and lasting.”
Vision: “A county government in which every individual, team, and department is anti-ableist, anti-racist, and pro-equity.”
Values:
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- We recognize and honor our shared humanity.
- We center people and places with the greatest needs.
- We strive to create equitable outcomes.
- We value shared responsibility and accountability.
- We promote the well-being of all people.
- We practice servant leadership.
- We are lifelong and inquisitive learners.
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📌VALUES IN FOCUS: "We recognize and honor our shared humanity."
This value emphasizes every individual's inherent worth and dignity—challenging us to dismantle systemic barriers that dehumanize and harm underestimated communities.
It calls for acknowledging the interconnectedness of all people and the necessity for uplifting those whom we have historically oppressed.
In our new branding, this value is represented by a lush and vivid green. "Duwamish Emerald" symbolizes recognizing and honoring our shared humanity. Named after the Duwamish people, original inhabitants of the Seattle area, it reflects the deep connection to the land and its history, embodying the spirit of growth, renewal, and environmental respect essential to King County.
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Stay tuned as we work on launching a new and improved OERSJ website. In the meantime, visit our current site for information.
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