National League of Cities Recognizes Four Municipalities for Innovative Diversity Programs

Washington, D.C. – The National League of Cities has selected four municipalities for their innovative programs promoting inclusivity and diversity as the winners of its 2021 Cultural Diversity Awards.  

The awards celebrate programs that support the arts, community building and Black history. Submissions for the awards program were grouped by size and evaluated for creativity, impact on the community and scope of the program. The winning communities were selected from more than fifty municipalities that applied.

Winning Communities

Population of 500,001 and above

City of Atlanta, GA – Strength in Beauty and CreATL Relief Fund

Population 200,001-500,000

City of Arlington, Texas – Arlington Unity Council

Population 50,000-200,000

City of Providence, RI – African American Ambassador Group

Population under 50,000

City of District Heights, MD – OPERATION MENTAL HEALTH

“In a year when local leadership was on the frontlines, it should come as no surprise that cities, towns and villages are also respond to the changing demographics of their communities to make them more welcoming and inclusive,” said NLC President and Councilmember Kathy Maness of Lexington, SC. “We are excited to celebrate these municipalities that are leading the way in embracing diversity.” 

In addition to the top four winners, NLC also recognized six second place winners. 

Second Place Winners

Population of 500,001 and above

City of San Antonio, TX – Mission Marquee Plaza

City of San Antonio, TX – City of San Antonio: Core Grants Program

Population 200,001-500,000

City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, LA – Mayor’s Commission on Racial Equity & 

Inclusion (COREI)

Population 50,000-200,000

City of Gainesville, FL – Gainesville Social Justice Mural Project

Population of 50,000 and below

City of Millbrae, CA – Millbrae Anti-Racist Coalition

Awardees were recognized at the 2021 virtual Congressional City Conference.