News : CDRC in the News
Leadership in DiversityNovember 9th, 2010
Chemung human relations commission explores diversity
Area groups recognized for efforts
Holly Strickland asked the question, "Is it new diversity or is it humanity?" and answered it by saying, "Isn't it about the Golden Rule?
Strickland, assistant principal at Ernie Davis Middle School, was the keynote speaker at the 28th annual breakfast meeting of the Chemung County Human Relations Commission.
Speaking on "The New Diversity," Strickland said the concept can be applied to all fields. And she challenged members of her audience to "stop and consider what role the new diversity plays in your area of expertise."
Following her talk, Nicky Hylton-Patterson, who coordinated and hosted the program, said, "The new diversity isn't new at all. It's all around us every day.
"Go out and seek the humanity or the new diversity that's out there."
Two individuals and a local organization were recognized for doing just that and were honored with 2010 Way Awards. Those honored were:
* Armani Dozier, a 2008 graduate of Corning West High School, who is associate minister at the Friendship Baptist Church in Corning. He was recognized for his work with minority youths.
* Gina Tinker-Williams, who was recognized for her efforts on behalf of minorities at the Community Dispute Resolution Center.
* Cosmopolitan Women's Club, which was recognized for its efforts to assist minority youths.
Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli, who presented the awards, said of diversity, "The job isn't done, and the job will never be done."
After the program, Joel Robinson, chairman of the Human Relations Commission, said the first year with the YWCA Elmira & the Twin Tiers as a partner agency went "really well. I think they're very visible in the community, so people are comfortable with going there to get advice."
Robinson told the gathering that the commission has fielded a large number of concerns from people who feel discriminated against, and "we're really able to resolve a lot of those locally without it going to a formal legal complaint.
"We continue to focus on education, awareness and helping people work through situations rather than just filing complaints and making everything a legal process.
Robinson urged people with an interest in joining the commission or with concerns about discrimination to call Hylton-Patterson at (607) 733-5575, ext. 227.
