Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Westchester County.

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Human Rights Commission is hosting a kick-off discussion entitled “Acknowledging Racism and Building a Path Forward.”  The virtual event will take place on Thursday, July 16 at 6p.m.  County Executive George Latimer will provide opening remarks.

Latimer said: “We as a County, and society, must openly discuss these issues to ensure a way toward finding resolution. This discussion, and the outstanding panel, aim to start us on that path. I commend the work of the Human Rights Commission to make this event come to fruition – even in the midst of a global pandemic.”

Four dynamic panelists will discuss their personal experiences with race and building a path forward.  The panelists include:

• NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins;
• Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard;
• Greenburgh Town Councilman Ken Jones; and
• Civil Rights Attorney Mayo Bartlett.
• Registration is required.  Interested individuals can register via email [email protected].
• Human Rights Commission Executive Director Tejash Sanchala said: “The first step forward is to acknowledge racism in its many forms including systemic, overt and implicit. We felt this was an important discussion to have at this time.”

This is a first in a series of conversations that the Commission will hold on race as it celebrates its 20^th anniversary. A copy of the flyer for the event is attached.