A. COW2025-077 Racial Trust Building Initiative Discussion – Bridges Holmes Mayor Norton explained that the Racial Trust Building initiative began around four years ago modeled after a program in Lagrange, GA. There have been several workshops, but attendance has diminished. It is time to move onto the next phase. Chief Marcos introduced Bridges Holmes who spoke at a recent Small Business Association event who made an impact with his presentation. Bridges Holmes is from Smyrna (Kenwood neighborhood) and attended UGA where he experienced his first encounter with racism. He is launching a practice around professional coaching and leadership development, Moray Advisors, which will help people learn how to communicate again. Mr. Holmes presented the following: Why are we here? Original Smyrna Racial Trust Building Initiative • Intended to bridge relationship gaps among the many diverse communities within Smyrna • Began during pandemic, continued through early 2025, with updates ahead • Initiative included a racial workshop series and a breakfast fellowship that spotlighted guest speakers • Gain great insights gathered from participants, but attracted a very small subsection of citizens • Felt siloed and awareness was not widely visible There is a better way to activate more participa
Housing & development · committee of whole
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