DIVERSITY IN THE
WORKPLACE
Arizona Informant • Wednesday, August 12, 2009 • Section 2
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Diversity In The Workplace
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Diversity In The Workplace Makes A Difference FROM THE PUBLISHERS
CLOVES C. CAMPBELL, JR.
Recently, I have been involved in numerous discussions regarding, affirmative action and diversity. Some people have the two issues lumped into one subject. Others believe that diversity has taken the place of affirmative action. Then there are still those individuals who believe neither concept is necessary or fair. A couple of weeks ago conservative political
mouthpiece, Glen Beck, stated that he believed President Barack Obama was a racist! Knowing how desperate Mr. Beck and other Conservative pundits are, this really comes as no surprise to me. While President Obama works to try and improve the mess he inherited, “Haters” like Beck and Rush Limbaugh continue to consume gallons of “Haterade” and try their best to convince the public that President Obama’s plans are wrong. These “Haters” try their best to get Americans to buy into their divisive tactics. While assembling his cabinet, President Obama has put together the most diverse group ever! He has called upon some of the brightest minds in our country to put us back on track. By utilizing the skills of the members of his diverse cabinet, President Obama has afforded himself the opportunity to be advised like no
other President before. When you have the chance to receive advice from a person not only as an expert in their field, but to also receive that advice with an additional perspective that they have makes you a more informed decision maker. Yes, diversity does have a place and makes a difference in the workplace. Just imagine if President Obama had filled all his cabinet posts with Black folks, I can see Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh now. Sitting on Fox News every night “hating”! Diversity is what our country is made of. The idea of being an American citizen is a dream that millions of people around the world have. The qualities that make us so unique are the same qualities that make us Americans. Be proud of your heritage. Be ready to learn from others. Be ready to open your heart and your spirit to others.
Some of the
FACES OF DIVERSITY
in this issue
Clarence Boykins president/CEO Southern Ariz. Black Chamber - PAGE 3
American Bar Associaton Diversity Commission - PAGE 6
Tim Seay Valley Mason and SRP Engineer - PAGE 10
Scottsdale calls for Diversity Champions nominations - PAGE 11
Affirming Diversity: Multicultural Education and School Reform By Danny L. White The importance of diversity training and a multicultural education in today’s society and in regard to school reform is as important today as ever before. While many school districts and schools attempt to stray from this important subject matter, it is according to professors Sonia Nieto and Patty Bode, authors of Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education, at the very core of a well rounded, thorough education. Nieto, professor emeritus of language, literacy and culture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has taught students at all levels from elementary through graduate school and she continues to speak and write on the importance of multicultural education. She is the author of three books. Bode, is the director of art education for the Tufts University in affiliation with the School of Museum and Fine Arts, Boston. Her research interests include multicultural theory and practice in teacher preparation and the role of visual culture in the expression of student knowledge.
The authors note that in discussing multicultural education with teachers and other educators over many years, they have heard all sorts of comments, remarks and misconceptions concerning multicultural education, for example: “I want to include multicultural education in my curriculum, but there’s just no time for it.” And, “Oh, yes, we have multicultural education here, we celebrate Black History Month and there is an annual diversity dinner,” also “Multicultural education is just therapy for Black students.” And finally, “Multicultural education became irrelevant after 9/11. It is divisive because it focuses on differences, when we need to stress similarities.” According to the authors and those more cognizant of the importance of a multicultural education those statements could not be farther from the truth. “If multicultural education is limited to the stated issues or similar limited perspectives, the potential for a substantive change in schools is severely diminished. “Moreover, those that called for an end to multicultural education after 9/11 underscored
the need to emphasize multicultural education more than ever. In fact, we believe that nothing is more divisive than a monoculture education, because such an education excludes so many people and perspectives from schools curricula and pedagogy,” report Nieto and Bode. “When broadly conceptualized, multicultural education can lead to more understanding and empathy by students and educators alike. It can also help to address the four areas of potential conflict and inequity, racism, discrimination, structural conditions in schools that may limit learning, the impact of culture on learning and language diversity,” report Nieto and Bode. In their presentation on the importance of diversity training and multicultural education, the authors are very aware that many will attempt to create a kind of panacea for diversity and multicultural education/training. “It is necessary to stress that multicultural education is not a cure all for all educational ills. Because schools are a part of communities, they reflect the stratification and social inequities of the larger society,” the authors maintain.
“As long as this is the case, no school program alone, no matter how broadly conceptualized can change things completely without addressing inequalities in the larger society. It will not cure underachievement, eliminate boring and irrelevant curriculum or stop vandalism.
richer and more complex than simple lessons on getting along or units on ethnic festivals. “By focusing on major conditions contributing to underachievement, a broadly conceptualized multicultural education permits educators to explore alternatives to a system that pro-
“When broadly conceptualized, multicultural education can lead to more understanding and empathy by students and educators alike. It can also help to address the four areas of potential conflict and inequity, racism, discrimination, structural conditions in schools that may limit learning, the impact of culture on learning and language diversity.” - Nieto and Bode “Multicultural education will not automatically motivate families to participate in schools, reinvigorate tired and dissatisfied teachers or guarantee a lower dropout rate. However, when multicultural education is conceptualized as broad based school reform, it can offer hope for real change,” wrote Nieto and Bode. “Multicultural education in a sociopolitical context is both
motes failure for too many of its students. “Such an exploration can lead to the creation of a richer and more productive school climate and deeper awareness of the role of culture and language learning. Taken in this context, educational success for all students is a realistic goal rather than an impossible ideal,” conclude Nieto and Bode.
Diversity In The Workplace
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tucson Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce Brings Diversity To The Workforce, Supports Spending At Minority Businesses Story and photo By Bobby Burns TUCSON – The Tucson Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce TSABCC will tell you that money is a muscle in our society. It needs to be used, exercised – and the use of muscle must have a wage. But the economy – the flow of money - has been in recession. Now it may be about to emerge from the downturn. But if the economy is about to begin growing again, it will be from a very low level. The economy may seem to be depressed even after growth resumes. Being a minority owned business is no walk in the park in the current business climate. The Tucson Southern Arizona Black Chamber is an extremely valuable organization for minority owned businesses to network and share ideas in Southern Arizona. It is estimated that black people have $300 billion in spending power, yet, as soon as the dollar enters our community it exits almost immediately. The dollar doesn’t circulate to a black bank to pay the mortgage, or to a black-owned gro-
Tucson City Manager Mike Letcher and TSABCC President and CEO Clarence Boykins promote diversity - and spending in Tucson
cery store to by food, or to a black fashion designer or retailer to buy clothing. Some say the money enters our community in the form of a paycheck and exits to a bank, a cleaners, a record store, and to all of those outside the community who provide goods and services to us. The Tucson chamber and others like it are designed not only to support diversity, but to
encourage minorities to spend money supporting minority owned businesses. It’s great for the economy – it’s even better for your commmunty. For more information call the chamber 520-623-0099 or email www.tsabcc.org
Support Black Business
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Glendale An Organization That Values Diversity! The city of Glendale applauds the Arizona Informant for continuing to showcase the positive impacts that various communities (within the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area) are experiencing as a result of their commitment to valuing diversity. Glendale prides itself as an inclusive community, and our city government continues to promote diversity as an integral part of its daily operations. In Glendale, our diversity initiative was formalized in the late 1990s. We are a maturing organization, one that continues to see demographic growth in the community and organization, and we view our commitment to diversity as crucial to Glendale’s future. This commitment is led by our employee Diversity Committee – a cross-section of employees from around the organization tasked with leading the city’s diversity initiative. The Diversity Committee has been successful in hosting annual cultural celebrations that include Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Luncheon, Cesar Chavez Breakfast and Glendale Hispanic Network Hispanic Heritage Breakfast celebrations. In addition to cultural celebrations, the committee hosted several public dialogues designed
to create forums where employees can engage in civil dialogue focusing on diversity topics where they learn about unfamiliar or sensitive issues. Furthermore, the committee contributes to policy decisions related to recruitments, procurement and performance management. Last year, the organization introduced “diversity” as an added core competency in the performance management process. The significance of this change is that executive level staff performance evaluations now include a discussion of how that employee’s performance supports the organization’s diversity goal. Most recently, this effort was expanded to all employees with supervisory responsibility. The next phase will be an expansion to include diversity as a core competency for all of our employees. In Glendale, our belief is that an organization’s commitment should be reflected in our daily activities and be a topic of discussion in an employee’s performance evaluation. We truly value diversity, and we’re excited that everyone will be included in measuring our level of commitment as we seek ways to ensure that diversity is integrated in everything we do!
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
MAPP Program Expands Options For Mesa Community College Students By Patricia Moore A recent partnership between the Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University is expanding the options for Mesa Community College students. The Maricopa to ASU Pathways Program (MAPP) provides specialized advisement, guaranteed acceptance to in-demand programs such as psychology or accounting, and offers merit based scholarships and tuition incentives for students who’ve successfully completed the general education requirements at MCC. The program encourages and enables students to continue their education by streamlining the transfer process to ASU where they can apply their MCC credits towards a bachelor degree. According to MCC vice president of Academic Affairs, James C. Mabry the partnership with ASU is intended to provide students with a well-defined plan for obtaining a four-year degree. “The Maricopa ASU Pathways program will provide a seamless and transparent transfer process for MCC students. It will be easier to plan a path to the higher education goals of our students,” Mabry said. The MAAP program includes
MCC Students register and prepare for the 2009 Fall Semester beginning August 22. dedicated advisement by ASU transfer advisors who hold office hours at MCC, priority or guaranteed admission to ASU when a prescribed course sequence, called a MAPP, is followed, merit based scholarships and tuition caps that limit tuition increases to 5 percent for MAPP participants. Mabry said he believes a variety of students will benefit from the program. “It will help students who come to MCC without a plan. They will be able to easily see how obtainable a four-
year degree is when they look at the clearly prescribed pathways.” He added that students with big dreams and limited resources will likely benefit not only from an affordable MCC degree but also from potential scholarships and other financial incentives built into the MAPP program. The MAPP program represents a mutually favorable relationship between local educators that will benefit the entire community. “This will improve enrollment for MCC as more students see that they can get
from MCC to ASU on an easily definable route. It will help ASU's retention and graduation rates because MCC students who transfer to ASU persist and graduate at very high rates,” Mabry said. “This should help increase the number of graduates with a bachelor degree which will have a positive economic impact on the community.” Mesa Community College has been serving the city of Mesa since 1965 by promoting education, community involvement and volunteerism.
In addition to offering more than 200 Associate degrees and Certificates of Completion, the college also provides summer youth programs for elementary or high school students, a variety of guest speakers and theatrical or musical events, as well as an innovative service learning program that allows students to earn college credit for volunteer work. MCC was recently recognized by Community College Week magazine as one of the nation’s Top 100 Associate Degree and Certificate Producers for 2009. The college placed 12th for twoyear certificates in all disciplines and in the Top 50 nationally for both nursing and liberal arts and science degrees. To learn more about the MAPP Alliance visit: http:// transfer.asu.edu/communitycollege/AZ/mesa.
“The Maricopa ASU Pathways program will provide a seamless and transparent transfer process for MCC students. ... It will help students who come to MCC without a plan. They will be able to easily see how obtainable a four- year degree is when they look at the clearly prescribed pathways.” - James Mabry
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American Bar Association Creates Diversity Commission Resource for minority lawyers to challenge “glass ceiling” The American Bar Association is reinforcing its already strong commitment to a diverse legal profession through a new Diversity Commission. Newly installed ABA President Carolyn B. Lamm recently announced the formation of the commission to provide practical resources and guidance that will help women lawyers, lawyers of color, disabled lawyers, lawyers of differing sexual preferences and young or old lawyers navigate the cultures and practices in law firms and corporations to pierce the glass ceiling. “Regardless of physical attribute or age, lawyers should be able to practice and excel on the basis of their talent, work ethic and devotion to their clients,” Lamm said.
come barriers to advancement can share with aspiring lawyers the strategies and understanding that worked for them. The commission also will review the findings and recommendations from a diversity summit organized in June by past President H. Thomas Wells, Jr., to identify programs and activities that can be implemented in the
Judge Ellen F. Rosenblum of the Oregon Court of Appeals to chair the new Diversity Commission. “Building a more diverse legal profession is not a quick-fix, short-term goal,” Lamm said. “It is an ongoing campaign, one in which the ABA has been engaged for decades, and which we are committed to continue as long as it takes,” she stressed.
The Diversity Commission will provide practical resources and guidance that will help women lawyers, lawyers of color, disabled lawyers, lawyers of differing sexual preferences and young or old lawyers navigate the cultures and practices in law firms and corporations to pierce the glass ceiling. According to Lamm, the initiative will sponsor regional programs that will emphasize building networks in which lawyers who already have over-
coming bar year. The commission will work with other ABA entities focused on diversity issues to carry those recommendations forward. Lamm appointed
Mesa To Host Vendor Fair Thursday, Aug. 13 It is a priority of the City of Mesa to work with local vendors and business on projects. To help facilitate the process of becoming a business that works with the City, the City is holding a vendor fair. “Doing Business with the City of Mesa” will be held Thursday, Aug. 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. on the south end of the ground floor lobby. Sponsored by the City of Mesa Purchasing Office, the vendor fair will provide a great opportunity for Mesa businesses to conduct business with the City and understand its decentralized procurement process. “We held a similar open house last December that
was very productive and I am confident this one will be even better,” Mesa Purchasing Administrator Jim Ruiz said. Representatives from various City departments, will be present to discuss the goods and services they need that may be bought from Mesa vendors. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce will also have representatives attending the event. Beverages will be provided by The Human Bean and other refreshments will be provided by the Food and Nutrition Department of Mesa Public Schools. For more information, contact Stacie Hopper, City of Mesa Purchasing, at 480-644-3168.
Lamm noted the range of association diversity efforts, from a Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity with projects to expand the pipeline of
young persons aspiring to be lawyers, to increase opportunities for racial and ethnic minorities in all areas of legal practice, and to address racial and ethnic issues in the legal system; to commissions focusing on issues of women lawyers, lawyers with disabilities and lawyers with varying sexual orientations. Lamm also announced creation of a new commission to review lawyer ethics and regulation in light of how technology and globalization have transformed the practice of law, called the Commission on Ethics 20/20, and a Commission on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on the Profession and Legal Needs. With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
When It Comes to Education in Arizona, It’s Time to Learn More, Do More and Expect More From their earliest years, Arizona’s children are in a race for the best job opportunities and quality of life. And although there are many successes within education to be celebrated, research shows that our students are falling behind their global peers in academic achievement, high school graduation rates and postsecondary degree attainment. Unfortunately, the gap widens for many Hispanic, AfricanAmerican and Native American students. Expect More Arizona is a statewide effort to make education Arizona’s top priority and increase the success of all students. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical partnership, there is a place for everyone within this important movement. More importantly, in light of the eye-opening statistics, everyone needs to get involved to make Arizona’s education system the best it can be – from birth through career. The first step for every Arizonan is to understand the issues affecting education today.
An easy way to stay informed is to sign up on the ExpectMoreArizona. org Web site. Next, make a commitment to get involved in improving education by volunteering at schools, tutoring children, running for school board, donating to academic programs or voting for people who are supportive of education. Regardless of whether or not you have children, it’s time to raise the bar and expect more of ourselves, our students and each other when it comes to what we are putting into education. After all, when our children succeed, we all benefit. Join the movement to strengthen education, visit ExpectMoreArizona.org. Did You Know? • Only 7 out of 10 Arizona 9th graders earn a high school diploma • Fewer than 4 in 10 enroll in college • Of those who enroll in college, fewer than 2 in 10 finish college within 6 years
To Advertise in the Arizona Informant Call 602.257-9300
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Tucson Northwest Neighborhood Center A Model Of Diversity 30 years. She has been an eye witness to the growth of the Center and its diverse setting. “There are many service organizations that are housed here,” said Liggins, naming a few; WIC, Tucson Branch of the NAACP, senior programs, food share and other service oriented programs. The Center is also used by a number of organizations across the city for weekly and monthly meetings, after school and summer programs as well as
special events. “Wedding receptions, special community meetings, recognition events, senior gatherings, youth events, we are here for everyone,” said Liggins. A few years back, the NW Center underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in which an indoor gym, state of the art fitness center, expanded reception area and more meeting rooms were added. A Tucson landmark, and a NW Center trademark is the uniquely craft-
ed full length wall montage that spans time from the great pyramids, to the transatlantic slave trade, Lincoln’s signing the Emancipation Proclamation, the civil rights movement and many of its leaders on into the late stages of the 1970s. “This is a public facility, open to any and everyone that wants to utilize it. We expect those that come in to respect others, respect themselves and respect the facility. That is not asking too much,” said Liggins.
Tucson Northwest Neighborhood Center Director Donna Liggins joins two youthful visitors to the Center in a game of foosball, as another young man racks up a game of pool in the background. The center has after school and summer programs for students.
Story and photos By Danny L. White The Tucson Northwest Neighborhood Center is a model of diversity in action. From the center’s staff, to those that frequent and utilize the facility for its spacious gym, fitness center, meeting, computer and game rooms, the center meets many needs. One might argue the Center, one of several neighborhood centers under the direction of the
City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Division, should be a diverse setting for all. But that is not always the case. Many such sites located in Tucson, around the state and the country often become isolated havens only for those in the immediate proximity. Territorial, social economic, gender and even ethnicity come into play at many locations. Not so with the Tucson Northwest Neighborhood
Center. Many people drive across town to meet, play and frequent the site. “I really believe people see this center and my staff as being open and available to assist them in their recreational, meeting planning and or leisure needs,” said longtime Center Director Donna Liggins, whose staff includes: seniors, male and, female staff of various ethnic origins. Liggins has risen through the ranks in a career that spans close to
Donna Liggins (left) stands at the reception desk with staff members Richard Sanders and Patsy Ambrowich.
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African Americans Lose Ground On Fortune 500 Boards Blacks remain seriously underrepresented WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recent study on African Americans on boards of directors of Fortune 500 companies commissioned by The Executive Leadership Council found that the number of board seats held by African Americans has declined since its inaugural board report released in 2004. The percentage of African Americans on corporate boards decreased from 8.1 in 2004 to 7.4 percent in 2008, a 0.7 percent decline. Four years ago, African Americans held 449 corporate board seats and today they hold 413 or thirty-six fewer. “African Americans lost ground in the boardrooms of corporate America between 2004 and 2008,” said Dr. Ancella B. Livers, executive director of The Executive Leadership Council’s Institute for Leadership Development & Research. “The total number of board seats during the period declined as well, but not nearly as much as the number of seats held by African Americans. In
light of current economic conditions and board reviews, there is an opportunity for companies to increase board diversity and reverse the downward trend.” There were 5,556 director seats available in 2008, 16 fewer than the 5,572 available in 2004. The importance of diversity on corporate boards is likely to become more apparent as organizations recognize that changing demographics are altering the nation’s business needs. Many corporations realize the benefits they have achieved from a diverse workforce and are beginning to make inroads on their governing boards of directors. The study shows that the higher an organization is on the Fortune 500 list, the more likely it is to have African Americans on its board of directors. “It’s been proven again and again that companies with board members who reflect gender and ethnic diversity also tend to have better returns on equity and sales,” said Carl
Brooks, president and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. “Businesses understand the economic benefits of diversity. They talk about it, but not all of them have a plan for achieving it. We expect this report to spur meaningful progress in this important area of management and governance.”
ing onto it. Companies are reevaluating their governance structure following the economic turmoil of the past year and now have the opportunity to introduce new experience and thinking on boards. As a member of the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD), The Executive Leadership Council is a
“It’s been proven again and again that companies with board members who reflect gender and ethnic diversity also tend to have better returns on equity and sales. ... Businesses understand the economic benefits of diversity. They talk about it, but not all of them have a plan for achieving it.” - Carl Brooks, president/CEO The Executive Leadership Council.
Even as many Fortune 500 organizations understand the importance of having diverse boards, gains are sometimes difficult to maintain. Since the original report in 2004, the mix of Fortune 500 companies has changed with some companies moving off the list and other, previously smaller organizations mov-
strategic partner with Catalyst, the Hispanic Association for Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP). The Alliance uses a business focus to support and advance the business interests of executive women and minorities in the workplace, including increasing the diversity
pipeline in corporate America and guaranteeing the fair representation of women and minorities on corporate boards. Corporate boards continue to be overwhelmingly white and male. ABD partners are determined to make the business case for inclusion on corporate boards through the belief that shareholder interests are best served by promoting the diversification of boardrooms within publicly traded U.S. companies. This is the third publication of the Census of African Americans on Boards of Directors of Fortune 500 Companies. This census is a listing of African American board members of Fortune 500 companies and is based on data from fiscal year 2007. In addition to presenting a listing of AfricanAmerican board members of Fortune 500 companies, the 2008 census examines firm and industry data of Fortune 500 companies regarding the extent to which African Americans are represented
on corporate boards. It also examines geographical data of Fortune 500 companies regarding the extent to which African Americans are represented on corporate boards. • Provides demographic profiles of African Americans serving on corporate boards. • Presents data comparing firms with “best diversity practices” and board diversity. • Presents a trend analysis of African American board representation from the inaugural 2004 report. In addition to the information here, the full census report provides a comparison of African American directors of Fortune 500 companies to other underrepresented groups (i.e., women, Hispanics, Asians) serving on Fortune 500 boards and analyzes committee membership (e.g., nominations, finance, etc.) of African American directors serving on Fortune 500 boards. The full report is available at www.elcinfo.com.
Tim Seay Honored By King Solomon Lodge #14 SRP engineer lauded for community involvement, helping young people interested in engineering
Tim Seay (2nd left) with event emcee John Flowers (left) and lodge members
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King Solomon Lodge #14 recently honored Timothy Seay for his community involvement as well as being named the Arizona Worshipful Master Mason of the year. Timothy is a 32nd degree Mason and the Worshipful Master of King Solomon Lodge #14. The Chicago native has been a resident of Phoenix for over eight years. Seay is an electrical engineering manager at SRP who spends a lot of his free time working in the community, educating young men interested in engineering. He has a B.S. in electrical engineering/computer engineering from DePaul University and a M.S. in electrical engineering from A.S.U. Seay became interested in Masonry in 2004 and a Worshipful Master in 2006. The evening was a celebration to honor and acknowledge his achievements in the community, with young people, as well as his involvement in Masonry. There was an excellent turnout to honor him. A posting of the colors by the members of the Buffalo Soldiers began the event followed by a prayer from Charles Fanniel. The master of ceremonies for the evening was John Flowers, a past master of the lodge. BOB MOTLEY, REPORTER/PHOTO
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Award Nominees – It’s Not Just About Tony And Oscar In Scottsdale, It’s About Martin, Too It’s that time of year. We’re abuzz with nominations for various awards. Tony award nominees celebrated their wins in May. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recently divulged the names of the actors and programs nominated for Emmy Awards. In February 2010 we’ll learn what theatrical releases and performers will vie for the illustrious Oscars. And in the upcoming few months, the City of Scottsdale also will be seeking and announcing nominees – for Diversity Champion Awards. While these nominees likely won’t grace the covers of infamous magazines or capture an Oprah interview, their performances are just as worthy, if not more so, than those by the “Halles” and the “Benicios” and the “Meryls” of the world. Diversity Champions are people who embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They’re people like Tina Brown and Lin Ling Lee – winners from last year: Brown founded the non-profit Sistas of AZ in 2002 and serves as its president. The group is the first in Arizona that brings businesses and community together to empower and educate the African-American community regarding health care choices and issues. She is currently employed with Assured Imaging Women's Wellness as an account advocate.
Last year’s Diversity Champions, Tina Brown and Lin Ling Lee, embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nominations are being accepted for Scottsdale Diversity Champions to be honored January 7, 2010.
Brown has led outreach and marketing efforts for Planned Parenthood of Arizona with a focus on the African-American community. Lee has been principal of CEFC Chinese School for 15 years and has also served during the past two years as principal of the Arizona Chinese Mandarin & Culture Academy. She has been involved in educational and cultural outreach around the Valley. She is the president of Phoenix Chinese Week and an advisor to the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission of the Republic of China. So put your nomination thinking cap on – Halle, Benecio and Meryl would be proud!
Diversity Champion nominees should be individuals who have enriched the community by empowering others. Those living, working or volunteering in Scottsdale are eligible. While the Diversity Champions may not get national TV recognition, they will be honored and applauded at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration on January 7, 2010. Please visit the City of Scottsdale’s Web site, www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov, or call the Office of Diversity and Dialogue at 480-312-7772 in the near future for nomination and event information.
The Arizona Dream Builder Foundation Encourages Students To Apply For Arizona Dream Builder Scholarship Opportunity The Arizona Dream Builder Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that raises funds to support the future leaders of Arizona, announced that applications are currently being accepted for the 2009 Dream Scholar Award. Applicants must be high school seniors enrolled full-time in an Arizona school, maintain a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, personally demonstrate commitment to school and community leadership through the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and provide two letters of support demonstrating their commitments to school and community. To apply, students must submit a written application by Friday, September 15. Applications can be found at www.azdreambuilder.org. “At The Arizona Dream Builders Foundation we strongly believe in supporting Arizona youth
through higher-education opportunities,” said Valerie Churchwell, founder and president of the Arizona Dream Builder Foundation.
Luther King, Jr. Arizona Dream Builder Dinner on November 14. At that time, the Dream Scholars will be awarded a $4,000 scholarship -
“... supporting the future leaders of Arizona through scholarship, internship and mentorship opportunities remains vital to their growth and success.” - Valrie Churchwell, founder “As we continue to face tough economic times, supporting the future leaders of Arizona through scholarship, internship and mentorship opportunities remains vital to their growth and success.” After the September 15 deadline, the Dream Scholar applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and Arizona students that best meet the tenets of the foundation will receive scholarships. The Dream Scholars will be announced and honored at the Martin
$1,000 each year for up to four years - to attend an accredited two- or fouryear college or university of their choice. Last year, the Arizona Dream Builder Foundation awarded three Dream Scholars with college scholarships. The Foundation is looking forward to reviewing this year’s applications and naming its next selection of Dream Scholars. For information visit www.azdreambuilder.org or call 480-557-4734.
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Robert Mosley Honored By M&I For Outsdanding Community Service PHOENIX - Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (M&I) has honored Robert Mosley with a 2009 Wings Award, recognizing his dedication to serving the local community. “Wings” – which stands for Worthy Individuals Noted for Generous Service – is an annual program that honors M&I employees for their commitment and dedication as volunteers in the community. Mosley is among ten M&I associates receiving this corporate honor. Each year M&I employees donate thousands of hours to the causes in which they believe. This is the 13th year M&I has recognized its employees with the Wings Awards. Mosley, vice president, branch manager, M&I Bank, Phoenix, began teaching financial literacy five years ago to adults at the Keys Community Center. Since then, he has expanded his programs to include youth, also mentoring young men. In addition, he helps plan the center’s annual backpack giveaway, which gave 3,000 children backpacks and supplies they needed to succeed in school the past year. “The community that Keys serves is in need of those who have a heart to help – and I have been blessed with so much. To whom much is given, much is required,” said Mosley. As a Wings Award recipient M&I will donate $500 to the Keys Community Center in Mosley’s name. “Because these individuals willingly give so much of their time and talent to their organizations, they greatly deserve this honor. Their service is a reflection of the Corporation’s mission statement and our commitment to supporting each community we serve,” said Mark Furlong, president and CEO, Marshall & Ilsley Corporation. Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (NYSE: MI) is a diversified financial services corporation headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., with $59.8 billion in assets.
Rights Leaders: U. S. Commission On Civil Rights Must Be Replaced Conservative appointments dilute purpose By Hazel Trice Edney The 52-year-old U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, historically a leading force for overturning racist policies and enacting civil rights laws against Jim Crow segregation, has become obsolete and must be replaced, say civil rights leaders who are moving to make it happen. Largely because of right wing political domination and appointees stacked by the former Bush Administration, rights leaders say the eight-member Commission has done little for civil rights progress lately and over the past several years has done more to turn back the clock. “There should be a new commission. You need a commission because you need a commission to do what it did when it was doing what it was supposed to do, which is look at all these new problems – the old ones and the new ones,” says constitutional law expert Mary Frances
Mary Frances Berry Berry, a former member of the commission, who served 11 years as its chair. “Discrimination complaints on the basis of race have increased exponentially at the (Equal Em ployment Opportunity Comm-ission). And most of them are found to be valid. This has just happened over the past few years.” Berry, who resigned from the Commission in 2004, continues, “People are still having problems on their jobs, we’ve still got police - community issues and everything. People are getting shot, every kind of issue you can think of.
“The fact that Obama is president doesn’t mean that the issues just went away,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who the president is. You need an independent watch dog that will investigate and look at civil and human rights issues, try to build consensus and make recommendations, and work to try to get something done.” In her new book, And Justice for All, an extensively researched history of the Commission and America’s “continuing struggle for freedom”, Berry says the current commission must be replaced with a United Stated Commission on Civil and Human Rights in order to renew its power against injustice. Berry writes at the conclusion her book. “A civil and human rights commission could also monitor U. S. compliance with the international human rights covenants to which we are a party and encourage adoption of those we have not approved.”
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Diversity In The Workplace
Wednesday, August 12, 2009