Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

BoCC Appoints Community Members to the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion

August 17, 2022

BoCC Appoints Community Members to the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion

Contact:
Nicole Miller MA, CDE®, Racial Equity Program Manager, (360) 754-3362 or Nicole.Miller@co.thurston.wa.us 

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of the initial seven community members to the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion (council).  

The following community members have been formally appointed to the council:  

  • Evelyn Clark
  • Jason Clark 
  • Tabissa Gainey 
  • Dr. Auzimuth Jackson
  • Keoki Kauanoe 
  • Juliet Lawson-Hall 
  • Marlon Wakefield

Over the next three years, the council will grow to a total of 15 members with a goal of a vibrant membership representative of the many intersecting identities across the community.   

The council will provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, Board of Health, and elected and appointed officials on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.  

Background
The BoCC has engaged in several critical steps to addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging:

  • On March 9, 2021, Thurston County BoCC approved Resolution No. 15995, declaring racism a crisis in Thurston County. 
  • In August 2021, the county hired a Racial Equity Program Manager.
  • On December 14, 2021, the BoCC approved Resolution No. 16097, establishing the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion.
  • Spring of 2022, the county began recruiting council members with review of applications in July 2022.   

The establishment of the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion is critical to the effectiveness of the racial equity action plan and other efforts to implement a racial equity program within Thurston County government. Thurston County is a diverse county with approximately 29% of residents identifying as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).   

If you are interested in more information about the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion, please contact Nicole Miller, MA, CDE® at 360-754-3362 or Nicole.Miller@co.thurston.wa.us, or visit the county's Racial Equity and Inclusion webpage. 

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Board of County Commissioners
Press Release