From participating in civil rights campaigns with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to serving as a passionate and involved preacher of Salt Lake City’s Calvary Baptist Church, Reverend France A. Davis’ legacy has been centered on promoting unity through tireless advocacy. In December of 2019, Reverend Davis retired as a preacher after 46 years of service, causing many to reflect …
Welcoming Our New Director, Nubia Peña
“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 …
The Social Determinants of Health: Elevating Voices and Understanding through Partnership
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 …
Voices of Utah Highlights Multicultural Commission
A student journalist at the University of Utah has published a comprehensive, engaging story about the Multicultural Commission.
Legislative Wrap-Up for Multicultural Communities
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.
A Farewell to a Leader in Diversity and Equity
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 …
Shawn Newell, MLK Commission Member, Appointed to Utah State School Board of Education
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 …
Leader brings power of listening to Utah’s MLK Commission
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 …