Between 1990 and 2000 our population increased four times faster than the State of Michigan's. During that time, the county's Caucasian population increased by only a fifth while the Hispanic, Asian and African American populations more than doubled. This dynamic shift has been accompanied by racial tensions experienced in many U.S. communities.

From criminal acts of racial violence in the mid-1990s to a 2008 racial intimidation incident involving the spray painting of racial slur on a community member's driveway, it is clear that our county is under-going the challenges that often accompany the rapid mixing of cultures, perspectives and skin colors.

The changes underway are likely to intensify as our area continues to attract people from around, and outside of, the United States. The way we handle this change will define our community in the 21st century.

The demand for Diversity Alliance programs far exceeds the capacity of our organization. Significant expansion in volunteer activity and program delivery is possible with modest community support. We must, and can, reach more people during the next years -- a time of dramatic community change.

The Diversity Alliance is poised for growth. This is the moment to engage more residents in the vital work of building a strong and enduring community. read more...
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