County Grand Jury In Sacramento Launches Push To Fix Deep Representation Imbalance

During a recent orientation for prospective grand jurors, Nolice Edwards, a retired policy consultant, noticed a significant lack of diversity, prompting her to inquire about it. "I raised the question—there's not much diversity here, and I wonder why," she recounted. Edwards appreciated that her concerns were acknowledged rather than dismissed, highlighting that such discussions are vital in today's climate of diversity and inclusion challenges.As chair of Sacramento County’s Community Engagement Committee for the 2025-2026 grand jury, Edwards emphasizes the importance of varied perspectives in decision-making. Traditionally, the grand jury has shown limited diversity, usually featuring only one or two African Americans at a time. Edwards and others are advocating for increased outreach to minority communities, aiming to ensure every resident’s experience is considered in policy recommendations. "Expanding our engagement strategies is crucial; diverse voices lead to well-rounded solutions," Edwards asserts. She believes that representation matters, noting her experience as an African American woman brings invaluable insights to discussions.