Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the event lineup for Cook County’s inaugural Racial Equity Week, September 16th through 20th, 2019. During this week of learning, listening, and engagement, Cook County will hold a series of events to hear from residents and community partners and educate the public about racial equity, why it matters and how everyone can work together to close the gap. In November 2018, President Preckwinkle released the Policy Roadmap: Five-Year Strategic Plan for Offices Under the President in November 2018, she made equity one of the foundational values of her administration. Confirmed events during Racial Equity Week are as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 16: President Preckwinkle will deliver a City Club Address on the importance of approaching government work with a racial equity lens and highlight key projects promoting equity in her administration. The address is titled “Advancing Racial Equity: Closing the Gap Through Policy and Practice.”

• Friday, Sept. 20: President Preckwinkle will moderate a discussion on the intersection of public policy and public art in advancing racial equity with artists Faheem Majeed and Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford of the Floating Museum collective at EXPO Chicago on Friday, September 20 at Navy Pier in view of their large-scale sculpture, Founders Inflatable. Learn more about their work here: (https://floatingmuseum.org)

For continuous updates regarding Racial Equity Week and added events throughout the week please visit: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/racial-equity

(Photo Caption: Floating Museum Installation Founders Inflatable in Pendleton Park; image provided by Floating Museum.)