Editorial: Towns showing how to attain goal of diversity

Last month, we commented on the resignation of an African American Lake in the Hills trustee who said she was moving out of the McHenry County town to Evanston because of a lack of diversity.

Our view that suburban communities must do more to attract and retain a diverse population and leadership was criticized by at least one letter writer who tried to make the point that diversity brings division and strife.

We strongly disagree. And thankfully we can point to several examples throughout the suburbs in which community leaders are actively acknowledging and welcoming the growing numbers of minorities within their borders.

Often the media, us included, gets criticized for publishing too much negative news. So here's some positivity that should be emulated by many more communities.

This past Sunday, Naperville hosted its first India Day Parade, marking the 69th anniversary of India's independence. Why Naperville? Because its leaders - both former Mayor George Pradel and current Mayor Steve Chirico _ understand the importance of working with this growing minority population within the city.

"The Indian-American community is very important to the fabric and culture of our city," Chirico said at the parade as reported by Steve Zalusky. "It adds color. music, food, dance, and these are all things that make us just a more interesting and enjoyable place to live."

Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, the first Latina to hold that office and a former Wheaton City Council member, also attended the parade. "There is a need for more diverse cultures in leadership, so that we can represent all the colors and all the facets that make us a beautiful, diverse state."

Refreshing and important views on a local and statewide level. The parade was the result of a city-backed cultural outreach program to the Indian and Chinese communities started in 2013 by Pradel. At that time, he said they represented 12 percent of the population.

"It is so important to make sure all of our cultures are connected within Naperville and that we embrace our unique backgrounds. ... I hope ... this brings us all closer together."

What better goal than that - to understand and get closer to your neighbors.

Naperville, of course, is not the only community to recognize this. And we have not done an exhaustive search for all like efforts. But among those who recognize the importance of diversity is the city of Elgin where iFest, the fourth international festival that showcases the cultural diversity of Elgin and the Fox Valley, will be held on Aug. 29. It's a daylong festival featuring entertainment, activities and food, highlighting cultures and countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.

The iFest website, http://elginifest.org/ states: "The Elgin community is committed to living, playing and working together peacefully and harmoniously." All suburban communities should aspire to that goal.