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1/12/24, 10:17 AM HSOA-24-16 <br />https://chapelhillnc.workflow.opengov.com/#/explore/records/63230/296812 6/13 <br />Describe how the agency incorporates racial equity into its goals. (150 word limit) <br />Describe how the intended beneficiaries of the proposed project(s) were involved in the planning and design <br />process. (150 word limit) <br />Percent (%) of Staff who attended racial equity <br />trainings. <br />20 <br />Percent (%) of Board Members who attended racial <br />equity trainings. <br />0 <br />Describe other racial equity related activities. <br />It is important that we tell the full story of the Burwell School, which includes the <br />horrific abuse and exploitation of people of color at the hands of the Burwells and <br />their white students and neighbors. Therefore, researching and interpreting the <br />stories of people of color, both free and enslaved, who lived and worked at the Burwell <br />School has become an integral part of our mission. We particularly focus on Elizabeth <br />Keckly, a woman enslaved at the site who went on to buy her freedom and become <br />arguably the nation's first fashion designer. We aim to both reflect the horrors of <br />slavery and honor the lives of these people of color, as they were far more than their <br />condition. The Burwell task force researching antebellum people of color adopted <br />several goals, including "To teach the history of the Burwell School to visitors - the <br />good and the bad, for to do less is a distortion of what has gone before." We strive to <br />live up to this goal in all areas of our work. <br />The Burwell School Historic Site continues to offer its services free of charge with the <br />support of the public. Operating exclusively with a small, part-time staff, Burwell's <br />success relies heavily on volunteers and the full participation of the HHC members. <br />Each aspect of Burwell's operations is guided by its own committee, inviting both <br />commissioners and volunteers to assist in the creation, development, and <br />implementation of its programs. Encouraging input from our volunteers and public <br />supporters helps us offer well-rounded services and better identify shortcomings so <br />we may effectively enhance the overall visitor experience. <br />The HHC has been actively working to recruit a more diverse commission over the <br />past 3 years. This diversity then carries over to all aspects of our work, as all <br />commissioners serve on at least two committees and/or task groups. We will continue <br />our efforts on this front in order to have a Commission that reflects and therefore <br />serves our diverse community. We are also actively pursuing racial equity trainings for <br />staff and commissioners. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: F5E5F5C2-1D2F-4220-AB83-15724033E4F0