The cover story of this week’s Mountain Xpress, “Hidden in Plain View,” is about the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition (WNC DEC), and the work they are undertaking to promote racial equity in Asheville. If you are interested, the article is well worth reading.

The WNC DEC is comprised of representatives of six of the area’s anchor institutions: Buncombe County, Asheville City, Mission Hospital, UNC Asheville, AB Tech and MAHEC, in addition to other concerned community members. The purpose of the group is to address the economic disparities that exist between whites and people of color in our community. (The Xpress article includes some very depressing statistics highlighting these disparities.)

By offering trainings for minority professionals, impacting the institutional practices of the six anchor institutions, and holding social/networking events, the WNC DEC intends to increase the diversity of WNC’s upper level professionals.

I am heartened by their efforts.

You can find out more at wncdec.com and facebook.com/wncdec.

photo by cindy kunst