When youth are given the chance to voice their concerns in a powerful space, emerging leaders are born and their stories are elevated. “Having the opportunity today to share my story and express the changes I want to see really helped me feel empowerment for myself and encourages me to share my story more,” said Lexee, a First Star Academy …
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve as the new Director for the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs (MCA). I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome from community partners as well as the overwhelming support from my colleagues and leadership at the Department of Heritage and Arts. I am also thankful to have acquired a remarkable team …
Imagine you need to schedule a doctor’s appointment but the only available time you have outside of work are weekends and evenings, which is when the office is closed. In order to arrive anywhere on time you have to strategically navigate the bus schedule and account for walking distance between bus stops. Imagine having to choose between paying for groceries …
On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved African Americans had been freed (What is Juneteenth, Gates). As a result, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of slavery across the United States and the celebration of freedom across generations. Many take this day to acknowledge the hardship and contributions of African American …
With the school year wrapping up, you can let out a deep, collective sigh of relief. For many of you, the momentary pause does not last long as your summer is brimming with sun-filled activities. But what would that moment look like if you allowed yourself to rest a little longer? Being a student in the modern world has several …
A student journalist at the University of Utah has published a comprehensive, engaging story about the Multicultural Commission.
From a new hate crimes law to recognition to jazz legend Joe McQueen, the Utah Legislature passed a few important bills for the multicultural community.
Every year, the frenzy of the legislative session brings with it the excitement of seeing how state government works firsthand. For many high school students, attending Multicultural Youth Leadership Day at the Capitol is marked by the potential their future holds.
Hong Vu recently concluded her time as the director of the Utah Office of Multicultural Affairs. As a remarkable colleague and director, she left a tangible mark on the office because of her work on diversity and equity. One of her major contributions was the Senior Leader Toolkit, created as a resource for business and community models to emphasize inclusion …
Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed Shawn Newell to represent District 10 on the Utah State School Board of Education. Newell currently serves on the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission, the NAACP Salt Lake Branch as its Vice President, and the Board of Trustees for Salt Lake Community College. Newell has been a constant asset for diversity and …
As a community leader and volunteer, Emma E. Houston employs a superpower: She listens. “My philosophy of listening is that it’s my responsibility to be present when someone is speaking to me,” Houston says. “Fully present and intentional.” Houston brings intentional listening skills to her job as director of the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity. And …