As stated in the By-Laws the purpose of the Mayor's Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity is to create a community where every person is valued and presented with equal access to opportunities.
In February 1987, the Columbus Consolidated Government received complaints that disparities in hiring practices, treatment, and promotion policies existed between male and female workers.
A Committee was then appointed by Mayor Jernigan to 'identify problems, make progress reports to the Council, and finally, develop a plan of action addressing problems, and make recommendations for corrective action.'
After a thorough study the Council Committee recognized that a continuous and concerted effort must be made in order to eliminate or minimize barriers which hinder women and minorities in reaching their full potential. Women and minorities make substantial contributions to our government and community through their skills, knowledge, and talents. The reality; however, was that many obstacles still remained, both institutional as well as attitudinal, which prevented women and minorities from exercising real choices and participating to their full extent.
To facilitate in this effort, the Committee recommended the establishment of an external 'Commission' of concerned citizens to provide input and address community issues.
This Commission was therefore charged with creating a positive climate in this community with respect to women and minorities through public relations efforts, education, and the establishment of viable goals and objectives. Under this charge the Commission became the Mayor's Commission on Unity and Diversity.
Mayor B.H. Skip Henderson III carried on a new vision that began taking shape as he entered office, which changed the name to the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity. This new vision focused on tackling poverty and meeting equal access needs for all in the City of Columbus.
Under Mayor Henderson’s time in office, this commission began to work on major projects such as historic recognition projects and active community engagements. This is combatting and facing the challenges the pandemic brought causing division. Mayor Henderson now focuses on ways to address social concerns and meet a united community despite many challenges faced. In addition, the Commission continues to support long time community events such as Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration activities and other cultural and diversity-based events.
Meetings are generally held the first Wednesday of every month.
Chair: Norman Hardman (norman.hardman@gmail.com)
Objective: During the height of the pandemic, communities found many ways to be divided. The commission found that many areas of division could be solved by recognizing diverse history and fostering community engagement around unity. The new focus prompted several projects centered around bringing the community together and addressing historical and social issues.