Throughout 2023, Aspire of WNY’s Quality Partnership on Diversity (QPDI) and Inclusion organized and supported many events aimed at promoting inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of the rich tapestry of backgrounds within our organization and our community. These events provided opportunities for education and celebration. Thank you to everyone who participated in our themed activities throughout the year. Here are some highlights from 2023:
- On March 21st, Aspire of WNY celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by wearing colorful and mismatched socks!
- In May, Aspire of WNY staff and programs celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Month with a variety of activities celebrating these cultures.
- In June, Aspire of WNY employees and programs not only participated in an agency-wide pride decorating contest to show off our rainbow pride, but we marched in the Buffalo Pride Parade for the first time this year!
- In August, QPDI participated in the Annual Back To School Backpack Giveaway event in Buffalo. This event was hosted by Agents for Advocacy and provided backpacks and other back-to-school essentials to the Buffalo community. Aspire donated over 100 backpacks to the drive, and QP on Diversity and Inclusion was there to pass the bags out and provide information on Aspire and our programs.
Photos by: Will Holton - In the Fall, Aspire of WNY partnered with Jewish Family Services (JFS) to host a Making Houses into Homes event. Aspire of WNY donated household essentials to assist JFS with resettling refugee families settling in the Community.
QPDI encourages you to get out and celebrate diversity through Community events in our area. If you attend any diversity events in the area, we encourage you to send some pictures to us at QPDI@aspirewny.org so that we can highlight the events and your pictures in the future. Here are some events coming up in February:
- Diverse WNY @ Castellani Art Museum. This exhibit features artists of different cultures, races, and ages. Embrace the vibrant creativity of artists in this area by learning about them and their works.
- February 2nd, 2024, at 12 pm: Black History Month Speaker @ Buffalo Central Library. Presented by the Buffalo African American Museum. Free to the public!
- February 10th, 2024, at 2 pm: African-American Quilting Heritage Workshop @ Buffalo Central Library. Free for all ages!
- February 17th, 2024, at 11 am: African Drum Workshop @ Clearfield Branch Library. Free for ages 6+.
If you are interested in joining QP on Diversity and Inclusion or would like to reach out to us, you can do so at QPDI@aspirewny.org