'We have to do better': Influential institutions in Wake to tackle systemic racism Zachery Eanes, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) Feb. 4—RALEIGH — Some of the most influential institutions in Wake County are together launching an initiative to address systemic racial disparities in North Carolina's largest county. The initiative, called A Better Wake, is spearheaded by the county, the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh Chamber, the Raleigh-Apex NAACP and the Triangle DEI Alliance. More than 30 businesses have also joined the initiative, including IBM, Advance Auto Parts and Pendo, according to announcement made Tuesday. It's a lofty goal for A Better Wake, whose members hope to recruit other businesses and community groups to commit to dismantling systemic racism.