Sugar Land is institutionalizing a multi-cultural and faith-based initiative that has greatly contributed to City programs and accomplishments, including Sugar Land’s selection by the Anti Defamation League as the nation’s first “Community of Respect.”

The group was a community initiative launched by Mayor David Wallace, who decided not to seek reelection in May. With the mayor’s departure, the initiative will move to a city program led by city management.

Wallace and members of the City’s management team recently met with the Mayor’s Multi-Cultural Task Force and community faith leaders to discuss the groups’ continuation. More than 30 multi-cultural leaders representing various ethnic groups and faith communities were in attendance.

The community leaders agreed that a city-based Multi-Cultural Task Force of approximately 12 to 15 citizens will be established during the next month to create an action plan. Task force objectives will include:

• helping the City meet the needs of residents of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds and assist city staff to better meet the needs of all residents;

• promoting a citywide understanding of all cultures among all City residents, with the task force providing educational opportunities for residents to learn about cultures and traditions of Sugar Land groups; and

• building opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to share in and be a part of Sugar Land and American traditions - creating a common culture among all residents.

Examples of opportunities for the Multi-Cultural Task Force might include:

• hosting a Cultural Kaleidoscope, a community-wide festival that could feature a variety of costumes, food and customs;

• identifying or designating space in parks where organizations or groups could plan, develop and maintain public gardens through private participation and donations, including projects that would reflect cultural or ethnic heritage; and

• assisting in the planning of events for City employees that provide cultural overviews.

One of Sugar Land’s core values is to promote a common vision, while welcoming a rich and diverse understanding and interaction. The multi-cultural and faith-based groups have been instrumental in fostering an environment of civility and mutual respect - a community where everyone can live, work and grow in a culture that appreciates and values individual differences.

Sugar Land’s continued promotion and institutionalization of the Multi-Cultural Task Force will be a priority of city management.

A continued focus on multicultural opportunities is consistent with goals and objectives established by City Council. During a planning session last October, City Council identified an “Inclusive Community” as a principle in the future vision of Sugar Land. As part of this vision, City staff identified the institutionalization of the multi-cultural program as a City program and has included it as a mid-year addition to the City’s strategic projects. Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard is seeking the community’s assistance to continue progress made toward the City’s multi-cultural goals.

“Our diversity is our strength, and together, we have successfully created a respectful and inclusive environment that provides support and the opportunity necessary for each member of the community to prosper and achieve,” said Wallace. “It is important to further develop our multi-cultural efforts and implement the initiative as a city program.”

Talent and tolerance are two tenets of successful cities. Sugar Land’s continued commitment to a Multi-Cultural Task Force mobilizes both qualities to ensure the City remains one of the nation’s strongest communities.

“It is the responsibility of everyone to help create a welcoming community and to discover that the one who is deemed ‘different’ is not really different but that we are all really the same,” said Farha Ahmed, one of the many community leaders who recently met to discuss the future of the task force. “The Multi-Cultural Task Force will be instrumental in the continuation of the momentum we’ve created in Sugar Land to celebrate our differences while working toward a common culture.”