Glendale, AZ - The Glendale Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee calls upon the City of Glendale to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth.

Currently, hundreds of towns and cities across the United States recognize the significance of inclusivity and have implemented actions to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Out of deep respect for our tribal partners and communities throughout Arizona, the Chamber DEI Committee has convened business and community leaders in calling for the City of Glendale to support official recognition.
 
In addition, the DEI Committee and business and community stakeholders recognize the importance of celebrating and uplifting our diverse and vibrant community. Born out of a desire to acknowledge history and the promise of full freedom, the City of Glendale is called upon to formally recognize Juneteenth.

“The ability of our Mayor and City Council to recognize both Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth should be among the most significant and least contentious of decisions. As a city that already proclaims the value of diversity and strives to ensure all people are welcomed and recognized, Glendale must act. Formal recognition is the right thing to do, it is good for business, it acknowledges and celebrates our diversity, and it simply speaks to truth.” said Robert Heidt, President, and CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. “If we are to continue to attract and retain the best and brightest talent to our community, our elected representatives must move forward with official recognition.”

“It is essential that we, as a country- city by city when necessary - recognize and celebrate the contributions and cultures of our historically disempowered groups. We must reverse the history of ignoring and eradicating the value that members of these groups bring to our community. Businesses have fared far better since we have been more open to the talents of the many, rather than the select few. As a community, we can only stand to benefit from being inclusive and recognizing holidays which celebrate contributions, and replacing those which are hurtful.” Said, Lynda Vescio, 2023 Chair of the Board for the Glendale Chamber, Chair of the Chamber DE&I Committee, and Senior Partner at Vescio & Seifert, PC.

For more information on the Glendale Chamber Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force and how to get involved, sign up for updates at www.glendaleazchamber.org.