Against the backdrop of a nation tearing itself apart with racial, political, and economic divides, a diverse committee of 52 has formed out of a community dialogue initiated by former state Sen. Andrew Dinniman.

The Senator, who provided inclusive teaching for more than 30 years as a West Chester University professor, was honored at a ceremony Saturday morning, April 22, for his community work promoting respect, understanding, and equity. A campus walk was renamed the Diversity Walk and dedicated to him.

The well-attended Diversity Walk ceremony was followed by the first annual Community Gathering for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity.

The Community Gathering

The Community Gathering will meet annually and will recommend specific actions to encourage more diversity and inclusiveness among races, ethnicities, and religious groups in Chester County.

“Former Senator Dinniman’s relentless work to unite all people in our community is to be applauded,” said West Chester University President Chris Fiorentino. “By establishing an ongoing forum to discuss new approaches to societal challenges, he has opened another door to engage our region in a series of dialogues designed to generate respect, increased understanding and a much-needed resolution.”

The aim of the group is to look for new and innovative solutions that will promote healing, defy hatred, and respond to negative social media. The group will utilize the research and teaching knowledge of the West Chester University faculty.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is time to assess and discuss where we are as a society,” said Sen. Dinniman. “The question is what can we do differently this time?”

The retired Senator said he has always been sensitive to the issues of diversity and inclusion.

“Where I grew up, I was probably one of two or three Jewish kids in the school. Through that, I learned how we need to reach out and welcome every group in this county and that’s precisely what we’re doing,” he said, prior to the ceremony.

The Gathering committee is made up of representatives from different races, ethnicities, and religions in Chester County, the first time that has been done, Sen. Dinniman said.

It is supported through the Dinniman Together Fund at West Chester University.

The fund, which stands so far at $112,000, provides resources for the annual gathering.

The inspiration for the Community Gathering comes from the work and philosophy of abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass.

Douglass gave his final public speech at West Chester University (then called West Chester Normal School) on Feb. 1, 1895.

In honor of that speech, Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste set up an endowment to focus on the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass.

It was Dr. DeBaptiste’s focus on Douglass that inspired Sen. Dinniman to establish the Community Gathering. Dr. DeBaptiste is the honorary chair of the First Annual Gathering.

The hope is that the Dinniman Together Fund will allow the conversation started by Douglass back in 1895 to continue.

West Chester University is a natural springboard for the Gathering with its active partnership in the community, its access to research, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the free exchange of ideas, Dr. Fiorentino said.

The committee is already looking at research projects from two West Chester University Department of Communication Studies professors that show promise in reducing our cultural and racial divides.

Professor Emerita Anita Foeman and Professor Bessie Lawton are researching how DNA sampling could change our view of ourselves and others, helping to eliminate entrenched racial stereotypes.

The DNA Discussion Project encourages thousands to get genetic tests which are followed up with an analysis and a discussion.

Allowing people to find their roots was a way to get them to discuss their differences and similarities without being defensive or feeling like someone was putting them on the spot, Dr. Foeman said.

“My favorite statement that somebody makes is “Gee I didn’t know this about myself, and I was wrong about myself.  What other things don’t I know?’ It just opens up a conversation,” she said.

The Project asks people about their family and background, then a DNA test and analysis are performed. For follow-up, people are asked how the test results fit in with what they‘ve been told in their family.

Sometimes there are surprises, or histories that only some family members know about. The process starts a potentially mind-changing conversation and demonstrates there may be more diversity in your family than you thought.

Professor Emeritus Charles Hardy III is taking a slightly different approach, using storytelling to break down barriers.

An expert in digital storytelling. Professor Hardy is looking at how historical research can bring perspective and understanding to a person’s life experiences, and how we learn from our ancestors.

The group will also look at how to create positive relationships using social media, as guided by Deb Ciamacca, a former Marine Corps officer, business executive, and retired social studies teacher.

The Dedication Ceremony

The Diversity Walk Dedication was attended by several of Sen. Dinniman’s colleagues, including State Sen. John Kane, State Sen. Tim Kearney, State. Rep. Dan Williams, State Rep. Chris Pielli, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell, and West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste, daughter of Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste.

Also speaking at the Diversity Walk ceremony were West Chester University student trustee Julie Ward and Deb Cornelius, executive director of the West Chester University Foundation.

“When I look upon what we’re doing today I want to make it clear that this walkway is not just in my honor alone but it’s in honor of those leaders of this university and the faculty of this university who are committed over the many years to diversity and many who continue that work today,” Sen. Dinniman said at the ceremony.