The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in its organization and the communities that it serves. “Our goal is to be the best stewards of not only our parks system but the public trust. A critical part of earning and keeping that trust is becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We recognize that becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is a journey that requires discourse, collaboration, and an openness to change” says Metroparks Director, Amy McMillan.
On June 11, 2020, the Board of Commissioners of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks took action to endorse an open letter statement addressing the underlying racial injustice far too prevalent in our society. Metroparks Chief of Diversity, Equity and inclusion, Artina Carter, shares “We understand that this journey may not always be comfortable and will take time; we will make mistakes, but we are fully committed to engaging in the process and we would like to engage our communities and our region in that process as well”.
That is why the Metroparks are now launching a DEI Speaker Series for 2021 with the theme Unity of Purpose. The Metroparks will have national, regional, and local speakers present on a variety of topics related to the theme throughout the year. The goal is to share in open conversations, to expand learning, and advance the concepts and practice of diversity, equity and inclusion as a Metroparks team and with the communities in southeast Michigan and beyond.
The series kicks off with speaker Heather McGhee who will give a virtual keynote address and Q&A at 6 pm on March 24. A renowned expert on the American economy, Heather McGhee is one of the most brilliant and influential thinkers exploring inequality today. Both her viral TED talk and her instant New York Times bestseller The Sum of Us reveal the devastating true cost of racism—not just for people of color, but for everyone.
“We are really excited to welcome a speaker as influential as Heather McGhee as the first presenter in our new series. Her insights on inequality in America and the solutions she shares are something we can all learn from” explains Artina Carter.
Heather McGhee reminds us “the stories we tell ourselves can have a stronger impact on policy and progress than we think”. The Metroparks invites local leaders, community members, and friends to join them in learning together with Ms. McGhee. This program is free for all to attend but does require pre-registration. Information and registration can be found on the Metroparks website at www.metroparks.com/event/metroparks-dei-speaker-series/.
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