Race, Reconciliation, and Response at the Institute
In 2020, the murder of George Floyd brought systemic racism to the forefront of our collective consciousness. We at the Institute and many other organizations and communities considered our role in addressing racial inequity. In our statement on racism below, we pledged to embody a spirit of anti-racism within our own hearts and through impactful programming. In 2020-21, the Institute:
Named Laurence J. Payne (decd. 2023) as our Director of Race, Reconciliation, and Response
Developed Together We Breathe, a series of mind-body skills groups and workshops for at-risk communities of color.
An MLK Day Relaxation program was offered, followed by a 4-Part Journey Through Black History Month.
Convened community members for a Care Vigil during the trial of Officer Derek Chauvin
Piloted a 6-week series, It’s Time: How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race, with our staff and members of the Rotary
Our Director:
The late Laurence J. “Larry” Payne brought 35 years of experience in public service, education, and not-for-profit and religious leadership to the Institute. Larry was recognized from City Hall to the White House, and city, State, and National leaders actively seek his counsel in leadership, diversity, management, organization design, and strategic planning.
Larry was President of The Educational Excellence Resource Group LLC, an education, training, and consulting firm based in Houston. He recently served as President and CEO of Houston Habitat for Humanity, America’s leader in building affordable housing for underprivileged families. During his tenure, he increased home production threefold and personally secured an endowment from Oprah Winfrey for 65 houses known as Angel Lane Subdivision for Katrina families.
Most recently, Mayor Sylvester Turner asked Larry to lead the task force for police reform, which convened perspectives from across sectors to compile 104 recommended measures for reform. The City of Houston has approved and is currently implementing those recommendations, and other police departments around the country are using the report as a guide for their own reform processes.
