Cranford Equity + Inclusivity Initiative To Host 'We're Talking' Event

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford's Equity and Inclusivity Initiative is hosting an event later this month to foster an inclusive community conversation.

The event, titled "We're Talking," will feature multiple diverse perspectives to foster greater empathy, respect and equity within the school community, according to flyer sent out by Superintendent Scott Rubin on Thursday.

The discussion will take place on Tuesday, July 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cranford Community Center located at 220 Walnut Avenue.

The Cranford Equity and Inclusivity Initiative is made up of the Cranford Township Committee, Cranford Police Department, Cranford Board of Education, NAACP, the Cranford Clergy Council, and additional concerned citizens.

The group's mission statement is to "create a community that nurtures diversity, empathy, respect and equitable opportunities for all," according to the event flyer.

Within the initiative, there are several action planning committees. These include the following:

1. Education (this committee also includes reading groups)
2. Just and Transparent Policing (in a Democratic Society)
3. Equitable Hiring and Promotional Practices and Better Recruitment of Minority Led Business (to make sure these groups are represented and included in all aspects of the community and across the scape of the town).
4. Religion
5. Health, Safety and Support Networks
6. Political Representation in Town (to make sure these groups are represented and included in all aspects of the community and across the scope of the town).
7. Resources and Administrative

According to the school district's website, each committee is dedicated to help eliminate unfair and unjust practices toward Black and Brown people, other people of color and any group that has been marginalized by society and has been traditionally and systemically at a disadvantage.

This also includes women, LGBTQ+ and religious groups, among others.