The Corporate Equity Center is excited to announce the graduation of the Unpacking Racism for Action Spring 2024 IMPACT Cohort! Seventeen business and community leaders from across the Memphis metropolitan area participated in the seventh cohort of the IMPACT Edition training experience, which arms participants with tools and insights to address issues of racism within their respective communities and advocate for racial equity across society.

“I’m so inspired by every member of this cohort. This group represents such a wide cross section of the Memphis corporate, nonprofit, and education sectors and everyone fully committed to the experience as they endeavor to confront issues of racism and advance equity in their life, world, and affairs.” said Arlinda Fair Cathey, DEI Programs and Community Engagement Program Manager at the National Civil Rights Museum.

The Spring 2024 IMPACT Edition training experience challenged participants to explore a myriad of topics that will help them develop a greater awareness and understanding of how bias contributes to discriminatory behaviors, policies, and structures that negatively impact the experiences of historically excluded communities. Various session topics include identity formation, the history of racism in America, the social construction of “whiteness,” as well as racism beyond black and white. To culminate the six-session experience, cohort members are challenged to develop their own plan to advance antiracism and racial equity in their everyday lives.

“This cohort was a phenomenal way to connect and share ideas with professionals with a passion for change. The workshops and instructor-led sessions helped navigate the cohort’s conversation and help equip us to truly understanding the ripple effects that have plagued black and brown communities over the last several hundred years. The information was not only valuable but life altering regarding my intentions to be the change I want to see.” said Marcus Culp, Spring 2024 cohort member and City of Memphis employee.

Please join us in congratulating our Spring 2024 IMPACT Edition graduates:

Carleythia Anderson
Eunice Buffington
Marcus Culp
Melody Freeman
Gracie Kent
Amy Malaki
Renisha Mayes
Brooke Sarden
Gremesha Session
Bridget Sisney
Kayla J. Smith-Hardy
Brenda Taylor
Mary Tickle
Anasa Troutman
Schanaque Walker
Anecia Washington
Latetrica Wilson