The National League of Cities and National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) recently presented the city of Phoenix with the first place award in the Excellence in Diversity category.

The Healing Racism community dialogue series sponsored by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission, city of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department and community partners received the 2008 City Cultural Diversity Award for cities with a population of more than 400,000 residents.

The Healing Racism community forums were established as a collaborative effort with Arizona State University, Maricopa Community College District, Maricopa County Diversity Office, Phoenix College, Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Bar.

Since 2005, these quarterly community conversations have provided a forum for city residents, community leaders, faith-based organizations, Phoenix College students and faculty and the general public to discuss the impact of racism, share constructive dialogue on race relations and identify strategies to challenge racism and promote healing.

District 8 Councilman Michael Johnson accepted the award on behalf of the city at the Celebrate Diversity breakfast at the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C.

"It is a great honor for the city to receive national recognition for its Healing Racism community dialogue series,” said Johnson. “The fact that Phoenix has received the City Cultural Diversity Award six times since 1994 speaks for itself. Our dedication to continuous improvement and success in the area of diversity demonstrates that Phoenix is a leader in the field.”

The forums feature panel members from a cross section of the community, including business and government executives, community college staff and administrators, college students and “community voices,” city residents who share personal insights and experiences abut race and racism.

The free series spotlight the issue of racism and problems that many still are subjected to, provide a safe environment for learning and discovery about the lasting effects of racism in our community and society, and identify practical strategies to challenge racism and promote healing.

For information and dates of upcoming free public forums, call 602-262-7716.