Lexington city council members are beginning the process of considering facets of the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice and Equality. An extensive report with 54 recommendations came earlier this fall.
Council Member Josh McCurn said during times of racial protests this past summer he met with friends and mentors in the African American community. “You know sat down and asked, just for a better understanding from my perspective, because I didn’t grow up in your shoes. We didn’t grow up in each other’s shoes so it was a way for me to get a better and a better understanding of what I am missing here. And this report reflects and echoes exactly what they were talking about,” said McCurn.
It was the first meeting to officially discuss the report which contains suggestions on everything from law enforcement, to health disparities, to economic opportunities. Council Member Jennifer Reynolds cautioned progress is likely to occur over time and not quickly. “I think that we can do it and I think that we can make progress that’s needed. I just think it’s going to be hard. And I don’t want to paint a picture that it’s going to be easy or that somehow in a year we will have you know gone through all of the recommendations and made a ton of progress,” said Reynolds.
Vice Mayor Steve Kay suggested some of the items contained in the report could be taken up in existing council committees. Council Member James Brown said he would like to wait on suggestions from Mayor Linda Gorton. Kay said the administration strategy is expected after Thanksgiving.
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