Burlington
Burlington’s New Equity Director Steps In with Cautious Optimism
In a pivotal moment for Burlington, Kelli Perkins steps into the role of Director of Racial Equity with a sense of cautious optimism. Appointed to lead an office that has faced significant turnover and challenges, Perkins aims to rebuild trust and foster meaningful change through critical conversations about equity. This new chapter comes after a history marked by departures and debates within Burlington’s Office of Racial Equity (REIB), highlighting both the complexities and the necessity of such a role in today’s socio-political climate.
The REIB office was established in 2019 as part of the city’s commitment to advancing racial equity, gaining momentum during the Black Lives Matter movement. Under its first director, Tyeastia Green, the office expanded significantly but faced public disagreements with then-Mayor Miro Weinberger over approaches to systemic racism. These tensions culminated in an investigation into a Juneteenth event organized by Green—a scrutiny that many saw as racially biased.
Following Green’s resignation and subsequent departures of other directors like Kimberly Carson and Christian Berry, the office experienced instability but continued its mission under interim leadership. Now, with Perkins at the helm, Burlington seeks to stabilize and redefine its approach to equity. Bringing over two decades of experience in educational administration and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Perkins is poised to tackle the systemic issues that have challenged past directors.
Burlington’s first female and openly LGBTQ+ mayor, Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, has expressed her commitment to supporting the REIB office amidst broader city budget cuts. By clarifying its vision and fostering cross-departmental collaborations, Mulvaney-Stanak aims to strengthen the office’s impact within both community and government spheres.
Perkins plans to build relationships and promote change by engaging with stakeholders and residents in Burlington. Her goal is to dismantle existing power dynamics and foster a city where all individuals can thrive. This effort is particularly crucial as DEI initiatives face national scrutiny, and Black women continue to be disproportionately affected by job losses in these sectors.
Community leaders and organizations echo the need for sustained support and resources for Perkins’ role, recognizing that a stable REIB office is essential not only for equity but for Burlington’s overall resilience. As Burlington navigates this new chapter, it aims to set an example of how local governments can effectively address racial equity and inclusion, ensuring these values are woven into the fabric of city life.