“Unity doesn’t mean sameness; it means oneness in purpose.” This was one of the first statements Clayton Muhammad, the City of Aurora’s Director of Communications and Equity made during our Unity Breakfast on Monday, April 24th.
At the beginning of the year, the NACC made a conscious decision to push unity through education. As part of our ongoing efforts, we took the lead in planning an event that centered around bringing the community together after the local elections. Like many before it, diverse thinking and negative outlooks divided the Naperville area during this recent election.
The NACC recognized that timing was crucial in building a strong foundation to achieve forward thinking. One of our biggest concerns is the loss of talented leaders with each election cycle, which has resulted in missed opportunities for partnerships to be formed and to strengthen our unification efforts. With so many current and newly elected officials, along with previous candidates in attendance, it showcased the leaders among us.
You may be left wondering how we move forward from here. Dr. Geneace Williams, the City of Naperville’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, addressed the crowd with her own question, “How do we continue to pursue unity?” She continued by sharing that the answer to achieving these goals can be found through reflection:
- Why did you show up today?
- What gifts do you possess that you have not offered in service to your community?
- What is the story you tell about the problems in your community?
- What is the contribution you make to the very thing about which you complain?
Outgoing Mayor Steve Chirico’s message in closing was simple: always remember why you choose to serve. Whether you serve in public office or not, we all serve in some way.
Do you want to make more of an impact but are unsure of where to start? The NACC’s Business Works Committee is doing some great things. If you are interested in serving on the Business Works Committee, please send an email to bgoncher@naperville.net for consideration.