Celebrate Diversity Month: How You Can Celebrate
Happy Celebrate Diversity Month! Since 2004, April commences a time for communities to gather and celebrate the diversity amongst their people. Diversity is more than simply tolerating others for their differences; this month is a great opportunity to remind communities to lovingly embrace differences. Diversity in communities can be expressed through race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disabilities, religion, and more. Creating awareness of diversity encourages mutual, deeper understandings of each other’s differences.
Communities are able to become more equal through understanding there is value in each other’s differences. Grasping the concept and celebrating diversity creates the opportunity to address systemic inequities and readdress those inequities. Learning about where others come from challenges people to look past their own perspectives. Understanding diversity is more than just a word, it is an ethical value! As stated in a statement about diversity by the Social Justice Through Collaborative Research and Action organization, “it is additionally important to support and protect diversity because by valuing differences we foster a climate where equity and mutual respect are promoted, and where dehumanization and oppression are incompatible.”
During the 2020 census, it was discovered that the United States population is much more diverse than it was thought to have been in the past. In an effort to get a more accurate understanding of the population, further questions concerning race and ethnicity were added. The census reported a whopping 276% increase in the Multicultural population since 2010. Due to better representation in the census questions and our evolving population, the Multicultural population now accounts for 33.8 million people in the United States.
Practicing diversity and inclusion is a mindful decision to recognize, learn about, and show support to others. Let’s discuss ways you can do this!
-Connect with different people than usual! Have discussions with someone from another culture, race, background, etc. Take the time to learn about their values and the reasons behind them.
-Acknowledge that people have the right to be different than you! Embrace your differences, it is what makes you special.
-Learn about other cultures! Try listening to international music, watching international movies, or even trying new foods.
-Make an effort to stay informed! Keep up with news and current events around the world.
-Keep up with local legislation. Participate in voting to help fight for social justice and equality!
Take the time to expand your mindset and love others for their unique qualities and backgrounds. It is a great time to learn more and practice promoting diversity. Let’s celebrate diversity this month and every month every year! Happy Celebrate Diversity Month!
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” -Maya Angelou
Upcoming Greenville Events:
March 30 | 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm | A Reading by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo
April 1 | 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm | International Coffee Hour: Outdoor Game Day
April 22 | 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm | International Coffee Hour: End of Year Gathering
Related Links:
https://nationaltoday.com/global-diversity-awareness-month/
https://globaldiversitypractice.com/what-is-diversity-inclusion/
