by Michelle Delaney
I am white, my friend is black. I was born in the United States, my friends were born in China, Vietnam, India, Ireland, Mexico, Italy, Hungry, Serbia, Africa, South America…… I enjoy foods and cultures from around the world, which I never would have known about if it wasn’t for my friends.
My friends may not share many of my life experiences nor beliefs, but we have a common bond: We want to live in peace and be able to feed, shelter, clothe and educate our children in a safe environment.
I celebrate my friendships and enjoy our differences and similarities. The world would be a boring place if we were all alike. I enjoy living in a colorful world. I embrace diversity!
At a recent City of Clermont council meeting, Mayor Tim Murry issued a proclamation stating that Clermont is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and equality and declared May 21 as World Day of Cultural Diversity
The proclamation stated that the city commits to developing and upholding a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring that city employees at all levels are aware of, sensitive to and behave in accordance with fairness and justice to all citizens. Clermont’s residents are urged to expand community engagement that will empower each person with the ability and desire to help create a society that condemns racism, hatred, intolerance, discrimination and oppression toward any person. The city commits to including citizens from all races, ethnicities, socio-economic status, genders, religions and sexual orientations, and ensuring all voices are heard and the needs of our community are addressed. The City of Clermont commits to cultivating an atmosphere and organizational culture that encourages self-awareness and reflection to ensure Clermont is a place where all citizens can safely live and prosper regardless of their backgrounds.
Unity will only be achieved if everyone embraces diversity. VIVE LA DIFFERENCE.
