The Albany Racial Inclusivity and Social Equity Commission met on September 7, 2023, to review several subjects, including their work plan and upcoming events, and to take action by forming important subcommittees.

The meeting began with the Commission passing the July 23rd meeting minutes, followed by Commissioner Jim Lindsay’s announcements. On September 16th, there was a Celebración Latina with music, food and face painting at Albany Middle School from 2:30 to 6 PM for Hispanic Heritage Month. The City of Albany Arts Committee has a social justice arts display up until September 28th at the Albany Community Center.

Members then moved on to discussing several matters related to the Commission’s work plan, including the following items: the city-wide racial equity survey, the city’s housing element, a potential sugar sweet tax, the city’s equity statement, and a read along program.

Lindsay then proposed forming subcommittees with three people per committee. Every member picked their top three choices, and Lindsay then helped decide subcommittee assignments for commissioners. Subcommittee assignments reflected the work plan items and subject areas above.

After subcommittees were formed, commissioners moved on to discussing future agenda items. Lindsay suggested a discussion of a hip hop for the people group based in Oakland that could potentially do an event in Albany. Commissioner Erin Cho added to the list a discussion of the book Accountable by Dashka Slater, and the possibility of the Albany City Council promoting community attendance at a forum Slater will attend in January at Albany High School. Other members suggested discussing the sugar sweet tax.

The next meeting will be held on October 3, 2023.

–Melia Smith