In December, we celebrated the graduation of the fifth cohort of ACRE CoLab (Alamance County Racial Equity Collaborative) at Impact Alamance. Facilitated in partnership with NCCJ (NC for Community and Justice), this 12-week leadership experience equips leaders, professionals, and community members across Alamance County with the knowledge, skills, and tools to foster belonging and address unfairness within systems.
This fall’s cohort included just over 20 participants representing healthcare, local government, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other sectors. Throughout the program, participants explored topics such as identity and implicit bias, the history of Alamance County, disparate systemic outcomes, culture and socialization, and action planning and commitment. Site visits to the Occaneechi Tribal Grounds and the Alamance County African American Cultural Arts & History Center, along with guest speakers and panel discussions, provided meaningful opportunities to connect lived experiences with local history and present-day realities.
Participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the program’s structure, skilled facilitation, and the opportunity to engage in thoughtful, constructive dialogue on topics that can often feel challenging. One graduate reflected, “It was really valuable to place people’s lived experiences within the historical context of our county.” Another shared, “I appreciate that there is a space to have these conversations with people. It is important to do it in community and to hear other perspectives and to continuously challenge the things that you think you know.”
By creating space for learning, reflection, and action, ACRE CoLab continues to strengthen a network of leaders committed to building a more inclusive and connected Alamance County.
Congratulations to our recent program graduates for their commitment and leadership. We look forward to the impact they will continue to make across our community.
