Mayors, police chiefs, school leaders, and dozens of other officials from across Lake County gathered Tuesday at the College of Lake County for a summit aimed at promoting inclusiveness and making the county a more welcoming place.
"Lake County's strength is rooted in our people and their diversity," County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said in a news release after the event, which officials said drew more than 200 civic leaders. "Recognizing the strength of diversity starts with understanding our differences and having the courage to show kindness to each other, even at times of profound disagreement."
Lawlor, along with Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim and The Partnership for a Safer Lake County, hosted the Summit of Leaders, which they say was organized in the wake of increased reports of divisiveness, intolerance, and disrespectful actions across the country.
"While there have been instances of hate and intolerance in our community, there are many leaders working in every corner of Lake County to bring people together, and to promote inclusion and understanding," Nerheim said. "The purpose of today's meeting was to bring all of those leaders together so that we can learn from each other, share solutions, and ensure that we are all working together towards our common goal of promoting a safer and more welcoming county."
Among the leaders taking part in the event were Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik, Zion Police Chief Steve Dumyahn, Mundelein High School Superintendent Kevin Myers, Megan McKenna of The Partnership for a Safer Lake County, and David A. Northern, Sr., executive director of the Lake County Housing Authority.
Attendees showed their support by signing "Lake County Welcoming and Inclusive Community Pledges" and pledged to stand against hate and discrimination
"It was very inspiring to see so many leaders come together to reaffirm our county's commitment to inclusion, tolerance, and respect," McKenna said in a news release. "Working with immigrant families, we have seen a recent increase in fear and anxiety in the community. Today's meeting showed that leadership at all levels and in all areas of our county are committed to making Lake County a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone."
Leaders will reconvene in three months to report on progress that has been made.
Residents can learn more about the initiative by visiting www.facebook.com/SaferLakeCo and can provide written comments to The Partnership for a Safer Lake County at thepartnership@saferlakecounty.com.
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