From Deseret News archives:

Rocky lauds diversity at Washington event

Published: Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:19 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
WASHINGTON — Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson used a book club he started two years ago as an example of how diversity can strengthen communities. He spoke Wednesday during a program designed around the release of the latest statistics on diversity trends.

Anderson's commitment to diversity, whether creating a social outlet for minorities or improving the city's hiring practices, has made him a "star" among those who work on diversity issues, said Diversity Best Practices spokeswoman Carole Florman.

On Wednesday, Diversity Best Practices released the 2007 Wow! Facts book, which outlines demographic information on women, Latinos, seniors, African-Americans, Asians, people with disabilities and other groups.

In his book club example, Anderson said that when he started the club, he "sought out people whose backgrounds and life experiences differ substantially."

His group now includes a white, lesbian lawyer; a Zimbabwe native; a lesbian rabbi; a female Hispanic educator; and a white male Catholic physical therapist. Anderson described himself as a "white ex-Mormon, recovering lawyer and soon-to-be-recovering politician."

Anderson said the club's monthly meetings have provided so many more "interesting, enriching" experiences because of its diverse makeup than if it were comprised of people who were all from the same background.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Sounds like a good option if you can't or won't switch to AT&T for the...

I worked with and around Bill Sederburg for 5 years while he was at...

Price injured; Miles has cast removed

hand. He needs to work on his moves to the basket and rebounding. Lateral...

Jazz blow big lead, hang on

play Fez or Koufos tonight. He went with a smaller line up and Boozer, Okur...

I've met Bennett before and he is a nice man. He also knows the Constitution...

Thousands protest health bill

That's never been a secret. Everyone will pay for it except those that don't...

What exactly were Nephite interpreters?

I agree with NonMormon. I am active LDS, and I enjoy Ash's articles, and I...

I kept saying don't resign Milsap, especially after Portland offered that...

U. hopes to keep clicking

BYU is the slowest team that has ever been in the top 25. Utah will put up a...

NFL: Midseason grades

i think u have the cowboys ranked too low! at least an A- LOL nice work!

Advertisements
Advertisement