ABOUT REEM
The Racial Equity and Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission was formed in the summer of 2020 to convene around matters of racial inequities, social justice, and disparities in key areas that negatively impact the Black community in Greenville County.
Co-chaired by Merl Code and David Lominack, the commission was comprised of community leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries who share a commitment to creating change in Greenville County. By coming together to listen, analyze, understand and learn, we believe we can start to heal and move forward in more equitable ways for everyone in our community.
Mission & Vision Statement
Mission
To develop strategies and partnerships that eradicate race-based disparities and inequities impacting the Black community in Greenville County.
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Vision
A Greenville County where racial equity is absolute and prosperity is accessible for all in the Black community.
FOCUS AREAS
INCOME AND WEALTH
Identify primary access points to income, access to capital resources, and the crippling financial practices that Black communities experience. Develop a systems-level collaboration in partnership with Black communities to widen access points to jobs, transportation, wealth/investment services, and home ownership.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Pinpoint strongest indicators of inequity in the local justice system and determine short-/long-term goals for systemic change (legislation, institutional policy, racial bias training, etc.). Identify best practices and methods of ongoing engagement with community-level leadership partners (neighborhood associations, faith communities, small businesses, etc.) to determine the needs of police service for Black communities in Greenville.
EDUCATION
Identify policies, practices, and cultural competencies that serve to increase educational achievement and college-readiness for Black students. Build connections with corporations and workforce development organizations to develop curriculum and learning experiences that align with the demands of the 21st century workforce.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Utilizing local data, identify primary health inequities in Black communities and the systemic changes needed to lower or remove barriers (cost, transportation, distrust, etc.) to high-quality medical care. Increase culturally-competent community wellness education regarding access to health living options and disease prevention methods for all ages and income levels.
COMMUNITYWIDE LEARNING
Utilize local organizations and educational institutions to develop place-based learning experiences and training to address Greenville’s history of racism, present-day implications, and an integrated action plan. Develop an accompanying institutional credentialing and recertification process for participating organizations.