Irondequoit racial equity commission appoints resident members

The co-chairs of the Irondequoit Commission Advancing Racial Equity (ICARE) have selected a dozen Irondequoit residents to serve as voting members of the newly-formed initiation. More than 50 residents applied to serve on the commission.

ICARE has selected Andrea Luke, Joy Claboine, Annalisa Rogers, Lisa Wall, Chris Cardon, Mitchel Adams, Diane DeRuyter, Paul Stack Jr., Evelyn Holmes, Richard Clark Eckert, Jae Min Yandow and Tracey Williams.

“It was a humbling and gratifying experience to meet with and speak to each of the individuals who applied to be part of ICARE. It was clear that they are all committed to making our town an even greater place to live,” said ICARE Co-Chair Margaret Burns. “I personally look forward to learning more from this group of committed citizens as ICARE begins the work of addressing racial equity in the Town of Irondequoit.”

The commission also plans to seek student representation from Irondequoit’s three school systems.

“Racial equity has been at the forefront of the public discussion throughout this year and I’m proud that the town of Irondequoit is intentionally walking the walk with the creation of ICARE,” said ICARE co-chair and Councilwoman Patrina Freeman. “So many energetic and qualified people applied to be a part of this work and it was difficult to narrow the field from over 50 applicants to the 12 individuals selected as advisory board members. I’m excited to be walking this path with our commission members, and I’m excited for our work to begin in earnest.

ICARE was created in October through a proclamation adopted by the town board. Its mission is to serve as an advisory body and help foster an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the community and in town government. As charged by the board, a majority of the commission’s voting membership will be persons of color.

“As we’ve begun the work of creating ICARE and selecting its membership, I’ve been amazed at both the number and the quality of the applications we have received,” said Irondequoit Supervisor Dave Seeley. “This experience has truly demonstrated the character of our community, and I look forward to working with both the ICARE appointed members as well as its Work Group members to create a more welcoming and inclusive town.”

Added ICARE Co-Chair Leslie Harvey: “We’ve got an amazing community, and seeing people of all ages, races, ethnicities and backgrounds coming forward to help improve their community was really moving. I’m confident this group of commission members will be able to guide ICARE’s work in a meaningful direction.”

vspicer[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer