10/07/2022
BRING ALL THE BRIGHT
Whatcom Racial Equity Commission
Establishing Vote Celebration
OCTOBER 11th, 2022 4PM-5:30PM
Bellingham Library Lawn (Lee Memorial Park)
Public Hearing & County Council Meeting to follow
BRING ALL THE BRIGHT is a celebration of the community-led process that will culminate at the October 11th County Council where there will be a public hearing and vote to establish the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC). Starting at 4pm in Lee Memorial Park behind the Bellingham Library, our neighbors are invited to join the community of stakeholders and leaders who worked on the ordinance for complimentary pizza, cupcakes from It’s the Sweet Things Bakery, music, and more - sponsored by the Chuckanut Health Foundation.
At 5:30pm, those who wish to witness this historic moment or be a part of public hearing or offer a comment are invited to walk with community members who developed the recommendations, local leaders, and Foundation staff to the Council Chambers (a less than 5-minute walk). If you plan to join us in Council Chambers we encourage you to wear bright colors and/or to pin one of our provided boutonnieres to your outfit.
What does BRING ALL THE BRIGHT mean?
We’re asking folks to wear bright, vibrant colors on a PNW fall evening. Bright has come to mean several things to this work. It’s finding the light in dark, challenging, and divisive times in our community so we can move forward together. It’s the wisdom of community members being incorporated into the public process. It’s shining a light to foster understanding and learn more from one another. It’s embracing our bright future as one community and one Whatcom. So, the community is invited to BRING ALL THE BRIGHT with you into council chambers that evening.
This event will offer a variety of FREE activities for community members to connect, including:
● Breaking bread with pizza & cupcakes
● Crafts (chalk, bubbles, & a coloring station)
● An opportunity to give live public comment directly to Whatcom County Council
The populations within schools across Whatcom are more racially diverse than the county as a whole. The Foundation’s Commission Development Team values young voices and would like to encourage parents, caregivers, and grandparents as well as the students in our area to engage in this civic process. Addressing racial equity is generational work that is an investment in the future of Whatcom County and its youth.
On September 27th, the establishing ordinance for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission was formally introduced by Whatcom County Council. Council voted unanimously hold a Public Hearing on the establishing ordinance. This is an opportunity for the community to participate in the coming weeks and on the night of the Public Hearing. If community members are interested in following the process or participating in the Council’s process more details can be found at:
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3415/Participate-in-Virtual-Council-Meetings
Because of the Council's vote to introduce, the community has an opportunity to share their voice for the following two weeks before the Public Hearing. We invite folks to follow the journey leading to the celebration. We also welcome our neighbors to support this public process by writing their Council members letters or emails sharing their perspectives. Community members can also participate in-person or online at any County Council meeting. Add your voice and be a part of this ongoing civic engagement.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead
