Diversity Events
Diversity Events
Our employee Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) hosts several cultural events and promotions designed to enhance our employees' understanding of different cultures. Annual DAC events include the following:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration - Dr. King's birthday is nationally recognized in January. In Scottsdale, we recognize his birthday through a partnership with Community Celebrating Diversity (CCD). We sponsor an annual MLK celebration that involves a community dinner, youth voices presentation, and concludes with an outdoor Peace & Community Day celebration. Each event has an educational component, entertainment and great food! (January)
Black History Month Authors Celebration - The month of February is nationally recognized as Black History Month. In collaboration with the City of Glendale Library we host a community event where residents are invited to engage in a dialogue with Black authors in recognition of Black History month.
Cross Cultural Communication Series - Scottsdale: Many Cultures; Many Stories - A series of programs on the rich cultural heritage of Scottsdale. Each program will introduce you to the cultural groups that have had and continue to define the development of this wonderful community. Programs are moderated panel discussions. The Cross Cultural Series is offered by the Scottsdale Human Relations Commission and the Scottsdale Public Library. Light refreshments provided. Register for Sessions
Regional Unity Walk - The cities of Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, and Gilbert honor civil rights history and ideals by joining together in a short walk that begins at different locations and culminates at the host city's location for a day of celebrating the unity of our communities.
Random Acts of Kindness - DAC members solicit nominations from city employees where employees are observed conducting a "random act of kindness". The month of February is nationally known for Valentine's Day and the Committee sponsors this promotion in recognition of that day.
Cinco de Mayo - US citizens of Mexican descent celebrate their ancestry on May 5th, in a celebration known as Cinco de Mayo. Employees are invited to attend for the purpose of learning the history and significance of the celebration. Festivities include live entertainment, piñatas, and great food.
Read more information about this holiday.
Juneteenth - Most employees are aware of history related to the Emancipation Proclamation. However, some are unaware that although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, some slaves didn't receive word of their freedom until two years afterwards on June 19th. The event serves as an opportunity for employees to experience a Juneteenth celebration.
Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration - The month span of September 15th through October 15th is nationally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month. In partnership with the Human Relations Commission (HRC), we host the annual Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration. Each year the event gets larger and includes live entertainment, educational booths, food, vendors, and art exhibits. (late September)
Check out past event photos.
Sharing The Seasons - During the holiday season (October through January) there are a number of religious holidays celebrated by our employees. Each year we publish a document that provides a historical context about each of the different holidays and enhances our understanding of others whose faith may be different from our own.
