“When you educate people and they have a better understanding of each others cultures, you learn to have better respect for one another,” Detrick said.
The centerpiece of the campaign is the Elk Grove Diversity Pledge; wherein all residents are encouraged to pledge their support for diversity by signing a pledge online at elkgrovediversitypledge.org, according to the release.
“The awareness campaign will be promoted in local publications and websites, at community events, through the city’s social media channels and in local establishments throughout Elk Grove,” according to the city’s press release.
After incidents this year including a shooting involving two Muslim men as the victims and the assault of a man because of his sexual orientation, Detrick said the city needed to have something that was more ongoing that would involve and bring more of the community together.
A multicultural committee was the city’s answer, and each councilmember and Detrick himself appointed two members to fill the 10 positions on the new commission which had its first formal meeting in October. A formal outreach by the city encouraged Elk Grove citizens to apply to become a member of the committee during an open application period.
The committee aims to address the city’s needs in regards to raising awareness about its diverse citizens and is doing so through its citywide awareness campaign. Committee members will also be looking into other ideas and events to bring a greater knowledge and experience to all the beauty of different races and religions in Elk Grove, Detrick said.
The U.S. Census in 2010 published that Elk Grove has a population of 153,015 and the racial makeup included 46.1 percent White, 18 percent Hispanic or Latino, 26.3 percent Asian, 11.2 percent Black or African American, 1.2 percent Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 0.6 percent Native American and Alaska Native, and 7.9 percent from two or more races, according to the release.
“Elk Grove is a wonderfully diverse community and a city that accepts and embraces all cultures. Our diversity is one of the city’s greatest assets and is what makes Elk Grove the community it is today,” Detrick stated in a press release.