McKinney city employees are paving the way for diversity, equity and inclusion by participating in a series of listening sessions that started Wednesday.
The opening session focused on Juneteenth “and its historical significance in today’s climate regarding diversity, equity and inclusion,” Denise Lessard, city of McKinney media and communications manager, said.
“This forum is part of the city’s efforts to educate and humanize our employees on a larger scale and bring people together to share their unique stories and backgrounds,” Lessard said.
City Secretary Empress Drane and employee Jakia Brunell presented the history of Juneteenth, which was followed by a discussion period for employees.
Last year, the city presented a series of listening sessions with Black employees after the death of George Floyd. In 2018, the city’s series of listening sessions with its female employees led to a citywide pay study, Lessard said.
Later this year, Lessard said the city hopes to schedule other roundtable discussions regarding culture, race and religion, such as one about Hispanic Heritage Month, and other issues such as single parenting and retired military life.
McKinney is set to host a community-wide Juneteenth event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Finch Park.
