Mother of five. Justice seeker. Believer in good.
What does it all mean and why isn’t diversity enough?
Last month at the Noblesville Diversity Committee’s learning series we tackled the foundation of diversity and its meaning. This topic can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. I’ve often wondered if there is a Diversity for Dummies book I could get my hands on. It isn’t something most of us have been equipped to talk about and sometimes just lack the language. Sometimes we can be afraid to say something wrong so we don’t say anything.
In case you missed our last event, let’s catch you up and define a few things to get us started.
Diversity in the simplest of explanations is just variety … the presence of difference.
Equity understands that when people come together, some have more power than another. There are built in advantages and disadvantages in this life. Equity in practice assures that everyone has the same opportunities and access.
Inclusion, at its heart, is a culture of belonging and sense of worth. Inclusion is your voice being valued and empowered, an inherent dignity of all people. Inclusion isn’t about tolerance. Inclusion is about embracing our differences and valuing the richness that brings to the environment.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are all crucial to a healthy community. There is a popular quote by DEI consultant Verna Myers swimming around social media that says, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” I would alter that a bit in regard to our above definitions.
Equity is getting an invitation to the party.
Diversity is everyone showing up.
Inclusion is dancing to the music you requested.
This month’s Learning Series will take us farther into the discussion of diversity and hit key topics of fostering an equitable and inclusive community. We are delighted to present Cornelius Minor as our speaker at our fourth installment, “Going Beyond Diversity,” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29 at Noblesville High School.
Mr. Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator and staff developer with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Cornelius works with teachers, community-based organizations and leaders to support equitable literacy reform across the globe. By utilizing his love for hip hop, social media and technology, he brings together communities and broadens access to learning for all.
“We’re in a place where collective study can save us,” said Minor. “Movements are splintered because people don’t understand each other … As long as the rhetoric keeps us divided, then nothing big happens. I’m thinking about how I can create intersectional moments.”
Come be a part of that moment with us! Cornelius Minor recently released his first book entitled, “We Got This.” He is an engaging speaker with an interactive style and we are excited to host him for what is sure to be a memorable evening. All ages are welcome!
Let’s grow in this conversation and come together as a community that embraces our humanity, lives together in unity and deeply cares one for the other. In a world that can focus on division and ugliness, let’s be that place that doesn’t. I look forward to seeing you at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Noblesville High School auditorium.