What is an emerging leader? To start, the term “emerging” means becoming apparent or prominent, up-and-coming. An emerging leader can be found in each of our young people and youth who are advancing equitable causes and projects, already engaged in leadership and advocacy, or finding their way to define what being involved in their communities mean to them. So this …
Please join the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs and the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement as we engage with our past, take informed action in the present, and work together to shape the future during Utah’s first annual Civic Season. Throughout June and July the department as a collective will highlight nine historic days that honor our nation’s rich …
By: Taysha Tiatia This year, the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs (MCA) partnered with Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) to host their annual Multicultural Youth Leadership Summit for students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. However, due to COVID-19 social-distancing measures, the division had to pivot its efforts in holding an in-person event to ensure a safe and healthy experience …
In continuing our research on evictions and their impact on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in Utah, the Division of Multicultural Affairs’ research team has analyzed data on rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic or year 2020. In collaboration with the Utah Department of Workforce Services, we analyzed data on how approved rental assistance applications are being distributed in …
The state of Utah is about to have a new license plate design for residents to choose that celebrates inclusion, diversity and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With the slogan “Many Voices, One Utah,” the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission is proud to announce the winning artwork of their license plate design contest. The artwork, …
By: Maegan Castleton, Student Fellow – Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs Since the beginning of 2020, the question of “How are you doing?” has been used frequently. However, I have noticed that amongst my other college-aged peers, it’s now normal to respond to that question with a plain, “not well, but what can you do” along with a shrug, some …
By: Taysha Tiatia, Student Fellow In October, the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs launched the Pockets of Peace Wellness series focused on self-care and mental health. Each month since then, we have provided resources, events, and information to encourage communities to reserve moments throughout the month for their “pockets of peace”. For this final installment of our series, we will …
On December 15th, Governor Gary Herbert and racial equity leaders across the state, gathered at the steps of the Utah Capitol to launch The Utah Compact on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. This document is a declaration of five principles and actions that invite cross-discipline commitment to be anti-racist and advance equal opportunity for all in our communities. It is …
The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs has taken the opportunity to study issues of eviction in our state. The research team – composed of Dr. Joél Arvizo-Zavala, Taysha Tiatia, and Ramy Ahmed – worked with data from the Utah State Courts and the U.S. Census to understand whether or not evictions are disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) …
By: Juan Becerra, Multicultural Advisory Committee – State of Utah COVID-19 Response En esta época de pandemia e inquietud social, podemos ver nuestro verdadero carácter. ¿Nos ayudaría ser un pueblo mejor y movernos hacia el progreso? ¿O nos hace retroceder unos pasos? La manera en la cual conquistamos estos desafíos y tiempos difíciles nos indican el desarrollo del ser que …
By: Dustin Jansen, Utah Division of Indian Affairs & Multicultural Advisory Committee – State of Utah COVID-19 Response Native Americans are facing the same challenges as the rest of the U.S. population during this COVID-19 pandemic. But for many reasons, the pandemic has taken a greater toll on our Native communities. Native American communities suffer from disproportionate rates of asthma, …
By: Emma E. Houston, Multicultural Advisory Committee – State of Utah COVID-19 Response Let’s keep it simple as I compare COVID-19 to a cousin who keeps showing up at the family gatherings uninvited. We may all have a family member who regardless of our intent to keep them away from family gatherings, always manages to find out where they are …