January 22, 2019

Ottawa County Commissioners proclaim National Day of Racial Healing

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners today proclaimed January 22, 2019 as the National Day of Racial Healing for Ottawa County. Residents are urged to:

• Find ways to reinforce and honor our common humanity and create space to celebrate the distinct differences that make our communities vibrant.
• Acknowledge that there are still deep racial divisions in America that must be overcome and healed, and
• Engage people from all racial, ethnic, religious and identity groups in genuine efforts to increase understanding, communication, caring and respect for one another.

Ottawa County is committed to ensuring all people feel welcome to live, work, and visit here. The Cultural Intelligence initiative began in 2012 and progress has been made through training, participating in community events with a variety of diverse groups and through the efforts of the Cultural Intelligence Team. This year, Ottawa County will implement the recently created Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

"Global talent drives the success of many of our major employers and talent is as diverse as the people that it resides in.  Ottawa will continue to be a thriving, prosperous place in the future defined by being a place where all people want to be and are welcome to be," said Al Vanderberg, County Administrator.

The complete resolution is included in the Board of Commissioner Meeting Packet.

Media Contacts:
Al Vanderberg | Administrator | 616-738-4068 | Avanderberg@miottawa.org