Diversity Cafes, the brain child of the Diversity Lens Task Force, will begin holding meetings in various locations throughout the city to gain the input of a diverse array of residents.
The city’s Diversity & Inclusion Commission, of which the Task Force is a subcommittee, is holding the one-hour brainstorming sessions where residents can supply feedback on a number of community issues. The cafes are formulated to work with specific groups looking for solutions relative to their respective identity and challenges.
Among the groups believed to be underrepresented, which local organizations and businesses wish to learn more about and become more inclusive in their practices, are African Americans, women, individuals dealing with developmental disabilities, and Hispanics.
Scheduled diversity cafes include two dates for African Americans: April 17 and May 1 at the Booker T. Washington Center. Women have four dates: April 17 and April 18 at the Hamilton YWCA and two at the Truth and Life Community Church, on April 24 and May 3.
Two cafes for Individuals dealing with Developmental Disabilities will take place, one at BCBDD on April 24 and another at InsideOut Studio on April 26. On April 25, a Hispanic café will be held at the Booker T. Washington Center.
Poster printing directed at each group will likely go a long way in avoiding confusion about when, where, and for whom each café will be held, as the times of day vary.
