City of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion moves forward
Published on August 26, 2021
A new chapter begins this week at the City of Huntsville as the Office of Multicultural Affairs transitions to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI).
The Huntsville City Council voted Thursday evening to create the ODEI under the leadership of Director Kenny Anderson, who joined the City as Multicultural Affairs Officer in 2013. The Council also approved an ordinance establishing a new position – Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
“The establishment of the new Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the addition of another staff member is exciting to me on many levels,” Anderson said. “I look forward to working closely with Mayor Tommy Battle and the City’s administration to create an office that better meets the needs and goals of our community.”
Mayor Battle launched the Office of Multicultural Affairs 12 years ago to serve as the administration’s point of contact for diverse races and cultures within the City. In October 2020, he announced during his State of the City Address he would make changes to the office to help foster a more inclusive community for all.
The goal of the ODEI is to engage in dialogue and expand staff and programs to ensure leadership is creating a more just and equitable City.
“It’s been almost a year since we first announced plans for the new Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and now it’s time to get to work,” Battle said. “We’re eager to come together to create an office that facilitates important conversations and challenges us to think differently as we make Huntsville the best it can be.”
For more information or to provide feedback on the new office, please email Anderson at Kenny.Anderson@HuntsvilleAL.gov.