Mill Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report and Recommendations
It all begins with an idea.
The Black experience in Mill Valley is so different from the White experience that it can be difficult for White community members to acknowledge and accept. That White denial itself lands a dehumanizing blow to Black people who battle the headwinds of racism on a daily basis.
A Black parent from Marin City who plans to attend a Tam High open house, a Black teen going to school or meeting up with classmates in town, and a Black resident going for a run: all know when they set out that they will see few if any others who look like them. They know what it is like to be watched and followed in Mill Valley stores and have seen the Nextdoor postings warning neighbors when a Black person “suspiciously” appears on Mill Valley streets. They have experienced “the corridor” on Miller Avenue where driving while Black is a magnet for police detention. They are wary of the danger and humiliation that accompany a too likely police encounter, when theirs will become the public face of “the criminal suspect.” And always front of mind is an awareness that this perception could trigger a police officer to deploy the heavy arsenal at his or her disposal.
The perception and reality of racial bias in our community is a powerful deterrent to Black people and other people of color who might otherwise choose to live, work in, or visit Mill Valley. The resulting lack of diversity harms the entire community, narrowing perspectives, fueling intolerance, and stifling innovation, artistry and entrepreneurship.
This DEI report demonstrates that racial inequity and injustice have been firmly woven into the fabric of Mill Valley’s community and civic life. The Task Force has identified evidence-based best practices for advancing racial equity in six essential areas: DEI leadership & city government, law enforcement, affordable housing, culture and recreation, economic opportunity, and education.
Mill Valley DEI Task Force Report Essentials
This 11 x 17 pdf distills the Mill Valley DEI Task Force Report into a chart.
