Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Raleigh, N.C.

A visit to Raleigh, N.C., is more than a trip to a blossoming Southern metropolis. With over one million residents, it’s truly the smart, savvy and welcoming locals who make our destination unique. Individuals from different backgrounds, with different beliefs and of different abilities are shaping the growth of our emerging creative businesses, extraordinary food scene and enriching cultural experiences.

The hospitality community in Raleigh/Wake County extends a welcome to all visitors with open hearts and the desire to meet their needs. We’re here to help you discover your own Raleigh story.
 

For both visitors and residents
Nondiscrimination ordinances

Regarding area ordinances and policies, Raleigh, Cary, Wake County and towns within the destination have adopted nondiscrimination ordinances stronger than N.C. law. These municipalities in our destination have put inclusion into law, giving visitors of all types peace of mind. Below is a list of those ordinances and links to more information.

• The Wake County Board of Commissioners has adopted a nondiscrimination ordinance protecting everyone in the destination from discrimination based upon “race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status and more.” Individuals who believe a business or organization has discriminated against them can file a complaint with the County Manager’s Office for investigation.
• These Wake County municipalities have adopted similar nondiscrimination ordinances: Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville and Wendell.

Another policy-related note: Abortion in North Carolina is legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (sometimes longer).

Local minority-owned event service providers

If you're having an event or meeting in the Raleigh area, opt to utilize services from these local minority-owned event service providers.

Local resources and initiatives

• Triangle DEI Alliance
  • The Alliance, which launched in March 2019, includes both local government and regional business leaders to accelerate efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusivity.
• A Better Wake 
  • A movement that started with a collection of leaders from a diverse cross-section of organizations—all with the desire to address racism and dismantle any systems that negatively impact Black and brown residents.
• LGBT Center of Raleigh
  • Empowers the LGBTQ community and allies to help themselves and others through education and socialization.
• All Access Wake County
  • An initiative led by Visit Raleigh committed to making our area fully accessible to as many visitors as possible and encouraging all hospitality partners—hotels, restaurants, attractions, venues, retailers and transportation companies—to provide stellar customer service to visitors with disabilities.
• Visit Raleigh (Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau)
  • Its DEI Committee's goal is to assist the Bureau in being inclusive and diverse in all aspects of business operations and professional interactions, both internally and externally.
  • The Bureau is committed to the industry-wide DEI initiatives of Destinations International, the industry association for professional destination marketing organizations. President and CEO Dennis Edwards has taken the CEO pledge and signed the Allyship Letter.