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DALLAS -The Office of Equity and Inclusion and Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability hosted the Sixth Annual Equity Indicators Symposium at Briscoe Livestock Carpenter Center-Fair Park on Friday, January 17, 2025. Residents, businesses, organizations, and other key stakeholders joined the City of Dallas to bring together local and national leaders to discuss the updated Equity Indicators Report and explore the latest indicator—Environmental Justice.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, District 4 Council Member and Chair of Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee Carolyn King Arnold and District 10 Council Member and Chair of Parks, Trails and Environment Committee Kathy Stewart.
“Environmental Justice is a cornerstone of advancing equity because it ensures that every community, regardless of background or zip code, has the resources and opportunities to thrive,” said City Manager, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.
The day launched with a panel on Closing Disparities in Public Health, Education and the Community. Panelists highlighted the top priority public health issues according to data, philanthropic areas of importance, and extracurricular educational activities helping students to succeed.
The day continued with the second panel, Fair Park: Honoring Legacy, Embracing Innovation, and Connecting Communities. Moderated by Assistant City Manager Liz Cedillo-Pereira, the panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities of revitalizing Fair Park while preserving its rich cultural and historical legacy.
Focusing on "Environmental Justice," the highly anticipated fireside chat featured Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer, and moderator Kathryn Guerra Bazan, Chair of the Environmental Commission. The discussion explored the history of environmental justice, examined current efforts at both national and local perspectives, and issued a call to action on shaping the future of environmental justice in Dallas.
"When we talk about advancing environmental justice, it’s more than just policy but it’s policy that is informed by the wisdom of communities that are the most impacted” said Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer, Dr.Jalonne White-Newsome.
The day concluded with a presentation from the Chair and Vice Chair of the Dallas Youth Council Environmental Commission, who challenged attendees to make a commitment in their roles to advance equity.
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