About the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE)
Message From Mayor Malik D. Evans & County Executive Adam J. Bello
Dear Rochester and Monroe County Community,
We are dedicated to this joint, intergovernmental, collaborative effort to truly make Rochester and Monroe County an integrated, thriving, and equitable community. Rochester can no longer be a tale of two cities, separate and unequal. We must be a city and county united for change. Our futures are intimately connected. And, we must seize this moment to lift each other up and work toward our common good.
On June 18, 2020, the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) commenced. RASE was charged with examining current local laws, and developing new, local policies and legislation that seek to dismantle systemic and institutional inequities across Monroe County.
Within in six months, the commission developed comprehensive recommendations. A consultant group will evaluate the progress of the report and engage community stakeholders to further the implementation of the commission’s goals.
While we do not have the power to change state or federal law, the City and County are committed to acting on recommendations made by this commission where we have the authority to effect change. And, we encourage other local leaders to do the same within their organizations and businesses.
This is a historic moment in Monroe County and we are here to make lasting changes to our systems that for far too long have perpetuated inequities across our community. The work of the commission is just one step toward rebuilding the city of Rochester and Moving Monroe Forward.
Lilla Watson once stated:
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
Simply put, if you are coming because you realize our collective success is dependent on each other, then we welcome you to the table.
 Mayor Malik D. Evans |
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