The Diversity Institute Report Final

“Diversity is a resource and necessity; it is not a barrier.” The purpose of our workshop was to help eliminate fear, and establish a “common ground,” focusing on our similarities instead of our differences. Embracing diversity can, and will if utilized properly, open more doors and provide more opportunities than one can imagine. The real issue is that minorities (race, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, etc.) are being left out and denied access to resources that can better their lives. This, in part, is due to the majority culture’s fear and/or lack of knowledge about how to engage with minorities.

After December 6, 2006, CH2A’s focus moved toward small businesses as a whole, instead of solely on African-American owned businesses. CH2A eventually reached out to all communities, but initially focused on the African-American community because of its experience in communications and its historical knowledge of that community.

In their report, CH2A gives a historical overview of PDC as it pertained to the African-American community, who overall had a negative perception of PDC’s image. They listed many of the issues, and concerns of the community, and also found that many of those disenfranchised shared similar issues with those who had received funding and/or other resources from PDC. The issues that were apparent boiled down to lack of access, lack of communication, and lack of accountability on PDC’s behalf. After CH2A diagnosed the problem and gave recommendations to rectify the issues, The Diversity Institute was able to step in and continue to provide the necessary technical services.

Here are a few views from the “Night of the Century” in the Rose Room at the Portland Rose Garden.

CH2A and The Diversity Institute also want to reiterate our thanks to all our sponsors and to our champions!

• Bruce Warner, Executive Director of PDC
• Tom Potter, Former Mayor of Portland
• Ted Wheeler, Chair of Multnomah County
• Russ Danielson, VP and Chief Executive of Providence-Oregon
• Dr. Preston Pulliams, President of Portland Community College

Speakers include:

• Cyreena Boston, Field Representative of Multnomah County for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
• Charles Wilhoite, Board Chair of Portland Development Commission
• Dr. Matthew Prophet, Former Superintendent of Portland Public Schools

Plan on joining us at the Rose Garden on March 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as we celebrate the dedication.

Learn more and register today!