News Summary
The Greenville Racial Equity and Economic Mobility Commission has announced its closure by June 30, marking the end of five years dedicated to addressing racial equity in the community. Established in 2020, REEM aimed to dismantle systemic barriers affecting various sectors. Despite its impactful initiatives, financial sustainability challenges prompted this strategic shift. The organization emphasized that its mission will endure through established partnerships, continuing the work of promoting racial equity in Greenville County.
Greenville Racial Equity and Economic Mobility Commission to Conclude Operations by June 30
The Greenville Racial Equity and Economic Mobility Commission (REEM) has announced that it will officially cease operations on June 30. This decision is portrayed as strategic rather than one motivated by survival, marking a shift in focus toward ongoing evolution and engagement within the community.
Founded through a collaborative effort by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Greenville County, and Urban League of the Upstate, REEM was established in 2020 amid widespread national unrest following incidents of police violence against Black individuals. The commission aimed to identify and dismantle systemic racial barriers in Greenville County, utilizing data to expose significant inequalities affecting various community sectors.
REEM’s closure comes after five years of impactful community service, highlighting the organization’s commitment to addressing issues of racial equity. The commission’s mission will persist through the partnerships and community connections forged during its operational years. The relationships built are expected to sustain and advance the work of racial equity in the region.
Throughout its existence, REEM engaged in numerous initiatives aimed at improving racial equity in Greenville. Their efforts included family support programs, community advocacy, and the development of a systems change framework, which emphasized the need for comprehensive approaches to the issues at hand. One notable achievement was the creation of Family Connects, a program designed to support new parents by providing access to vital health resources.
Despite its notable contributions to racial equity initiatives, REEM faced considerable challenges, particularly related to financial sustainability. Fundraising efforts for racial equity projects proved increasingly difficult, putting pressure on the organization’s operations and long-term viability. The evolving landscape of community engagement and support also necessitated a reevaluation of the commission’s approach.
Throughout its operation, REEM was guided by a diverse group of 36 commissioners, comprising public officials and community advocates dedicated to tackling racial inequality. A racial equity index published by the United Way played a pivotal role in driving the commission’s strategies and initiatives.
As REEM prepares to conclude its activities, leaders within the organization have emphasized that their work in promoting racial equity will continue through alternative channels and partnerships that have been established over the years. This transition signals a commitment to adapting strategies that enhance community engagement and collaboration moving forward.
Meghan Barp, CEO of United Way, reiterated the organization’s commitment to sustaining efforts in community work despite REEM’s impending closure. The transformation of REEM is viewed as an essential step toward more effective collaboration with existing partners and broader community efforts to address racial inequities in Greenville.
In summary, while the REEM will cease operations at the end of June, its legacy and impact will endure through continued partnerships and initiatives in the community, ensuring that the mission of promoting racial equity remains a priority for Greenville County’s future.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina News on Race Equity
- Google Search: South Carolina Race Equity
- Post and Courier: Greenville REEM Commission Disbands
- Google Scholar: Greenville REEM Commission
- Greenville Journal: Habitat for Humanity Juneteenth Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Upstate Business Journal: Q&A with David Lominack
- Google News: David Lominack
- Greenville Online: Greenville SC Area News Updates
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
