Commission on Cultural DiversityAnnual Report to City CouncilMarch 3, 2014

Tom Reardon - City Council Liaison

Diana Beatham - ChairGeraldine Alexis - Vice-ChairRita Battle, AJ Biami, Michael Denton, Gail Houston, Sigrid Limtiaco – Commissioners

Victoria Yarbrough - Staff Liaison

The Commission’s Purpose The commission was established in 2007 to foster cultural

awareness, public education, and community engagement.

The commission will promote and improve relations and understanding amongst the many diverse ethnic and cultural segments of the City of Sierra Vista.

The commission will provide a permanent forum for these issues, and offer ongoing educational and informational activities to address current issues, raise public awareness, and foster understanding within our community.

Many, if not all, of the activities planned and sponsored by the commission fulfill up to 3 of the 9 Strategic Focus Areas in the Strategic Leadership Plan◦ Quality Cultural, Tourism, and Recreational Amenities◦ Attractive, Welcoming, and Healthy Community◦ Working Together as a Community

¡Greet Yourself, Sierra Vista!A Cultural Diversity Fair8th Annual FairSaturday, April 20, 2013Buena High School

• 17 countries represented by volunteers

• 30 international students from the International Military Student Office on Ft. Huachuca representing their countries

•14 entertainers and groups singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments plus 24 people demonstrating martial arts/karate

¡Greet Yourself, Sierra Vista!A Cultural Diversity Fair

¡Greet Yourself, Sierra Vista!A Cultural Diversity Fair

African Film FestivalMarch 5, 2013Partnership with

TRADOC Culture Center

Hosted finale of two-week festival

Films, fashion show, hosted discussion, food sampling

Cochise College International Film SeriesFebruary 5-7, 2014Partnership with

Cochise College liberal arts department

Commission selected the film ‘Hotel Rwanda’

Shown at the Sierra Vista Public Library, Cochise College, and Douglas

Additional ProjectsMOA with TRADOC Culture Center

◦Agreement would formalize a working relationship between TCC and the Commission to collaborate on activities that promote cultural diversity awareness, education, and training

◦Current status is under review by MG Ashley’s office

◦Although not yet signed, TCC is still willing and able to partner with the commission for cultural activities

Thank you!