New Hanover County Government creates Office of Diversity and Equity

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Government has changed its flow of business.

This week it established an Office of Diversity and Equity. The goal is to promote an inclusive and fair work environment.

“Now is the time,” New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield expressed.

He said county leaders are not waiting any longer.

“When you see what’s happening across the world and the fact that so many people are saying that I don’t have equity, my voice is not heard,” Barfield said. “It’s important that governments…large and small, local and state…federal are definitely listening and in tune.”

Barfield said they have been pushing for an Office of Diversity and Equity for some time now with one mission in mind, to create a work environment that is inclusive and fair along with making employees and residents feel respected, valued, and understood for their own identity.

“When you say diversity, you’re most definetely bringing a diverse group together, but also the word equity. Equity means everyone has a part to play. Everyone has a role to play,” Barfield said. “Everyone has a voice that’s being heard. Everyone will benefit from what’s happening.”

Barfield said this new office will be tuned into all parts of the county.

“It’s so important that equity does indeed happen whether it’s health equity, whether it’s government equity, and public education, and finding ways to ensure that happens,” Barfield explained. “And that’s one of the chief roles of this new department.”

Resident Jody Greenwood said it has been a long time coming.

“Had we really taken reconstruction seriously in 1865, then our boards and our administration and everything else would be more diverse. This city was more diverse in 1898 when the Coup D’etat happened,” Greenwood said.

County leaders say the Office of Diversity and Equity will be created using existing resources and positions.

A chief diversity and equity officer will also be hired soon.