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Each year, the Birmingham Bloomfield Race Relations and Diversity Task Force sponsors an awards presentation for people who have been champions in our area for ethnic diversity and the principals of inclusion during the previous year.
The Task Force says that a diversity champion "... may be the conscience of your organization, someone who won’t settle for the status quo, someone who embodies the ideals of your group, a dreamer who envisions new ways of inclusion, a “doer” whose actions speak of respect for others, someone whose friendship circle represents many different kinds of people, someone whose voice persistently speaks out against insensitivity and prejudice. "
In 2007, Mary Lehoczky was chosen as our congregation's Diversity Champion.
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 In her role as a member of the Church and Society Ministry at the First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Mary has been a leader in advocating for diversity and inclusion.
Mary’s awareness of these issues developed when her family lived for two years in a predominantly Muslim area in northern Nigeria, and it was heightened when she worked for a U.S. Senator on disability, nutrition, education, and welfare issues.
In 2006, Mary chaired the Women’s Issues focus area within our church. She laid out a mentoring program for women from our church to work with at-risk girls. She was instrumental in initiating an interfaith dialog between women of our church and Muslim women in our community. She also initiated a book study consisting of a small group of women from Christian, Jewish, and Orthodox backgrounds. In addition, Mary took a lead role in educating our congregation about the importance of diversity, particularly around the issues of Proposal 2.
Mary is an inspiration to everyone who works with her and constantly challenges us to think more deeply about these issues. Our church is proud to select Mary as our 2007 Diversity Champion. |
In addition, in 2007 another member of our congregation was named a Diversity Champion. Diana McComas was selected by Pierce Elementary School for her work with their diversity committee and her service work with families at the HAVEN.
For additional details, see the Race Relations and Diversity Task Force website at www.racerelationsdiversity.org. |