Diversity + Inclusion

A clear vision: Arts nonprofit unveils Cleveland’s vibrant Mexican heritage
The newly minted arts and culture nonprofit AlmaVision: Cultura y Más, an arts and cultural center focused on Mexican and other underrepresented communities, will open its Hecho en CLE exhibit this weekend at Ingenuity Cleveland. The exhibit tells the stories of Cleveland's Mexican community through photos.
Saint Luke’s Foundation awards $1.46m in grants to 11 organizations
The Saint Luke's Foundation announced this week that it has granted more the $1.4 million in grants to 11 area organizations that are working toward strengthening Cleveland neighborhoods.
Pride in the CLE in photos
People came by the thousands to celebrate Pride in the CLE on Saturday, June 1, hosted by the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland. FreshWater managing photographer caught the events of the day to share with our readers.
Cleveland Asian Festival sets records, two attendees win FreshWater raffle
Cleveland Asian Festival set some new records last weekend. FreshWater Cleveland was there too, raffling off goodies and gifts provided by Cleveland Museum of Art, MAGNET, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery, and Kimpton Schofield Hotel.
Literary Cleveland opens applications for paid yearlong adult writing residency
Literary Cleveland has opened applications for its yearlong Breakthrough Writing Residency program to support emerging writers in Greater Cleveland who have a passion for writing and a commitment to their manuscripts, but who have not yet published a book. This year, the six residents will receive monthly stipends of $200 over the course of the year.
Reflections of a Troubled Black Man: A journey of healing, mindfulness, and grace
Morris Ervin overcame a troubled past to become a passionate educator and advocate for social justice. His memoir, “Reflections of a Troubled Black Man,” recounts his transformation and his ongoing work to foster empathy and inclusivity in challenging environments. Ervin will host a book signing infused with music and meditation at The Yoga Lab, reflecting his journey and mission.
Step right up: Cleveland State’s CarniVike returns, opens to the public
CarniVike, Cleveland State University's carnival-like festival that started last year as a way for students to bond and blow off steam before finals, returns to the campus lawn. This year the festival, designed to foster inclusivity and community, is open to the entire Cleveland community.
Why is everyone doing 'The Prom?'
From the Near West Theatre in Cleveland's Detroit Shoreway neighborhood and Chagrin Valley Little Theater in Chagrin Falls, to Akron, Medina, and Ashtabula, "The Prom" musical is flourishing with audiences and actors alike. Ken Schneck, editor of "The Buckeye Flame" and Baldwin Wallace University professor, decided to find out why.
How are Black women faring in Cleveland? Project Noir 2024 aims to find out
In response to Cleveland's 2020 ranking as the worst city in overall outcomes for Black Women, Enlightened Solutions in April initiated Project Noir—a study to assesses local disparities. Now the organization looks at whether things have changed, and how.
Make It Home: A plan to support homeownership, stabilize east side CLE neighborhoods
In early April, the City of Cleveland, Enterprise Community Partners, Cuyahoga Land Bank, CHN Housing Partners, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless united with Rocket Community Fund to unveil the Make It Home Cleveland program. Aiming to address tax foreclosure and improve Black homeownership rates in East Side neighborhoods, the initiative offers renters the chance to become homeowners through financial support and housing stability services.
Right at home: Cuyahoga County opens doors to new Welcome Center
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and other County and the City of Cleveland officials, Re:Source Cleveland, and Global Cleveland recently celebrated the opening of the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center, aimed at supporting the area's diverse immigrant and refugee population. The hub provides essential services to help newcomer populations feel right at home. The new center earned a “Certified Welcoming” designation by Welcoming America.
Photos: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Cleveland Museum of Art
With offices and government buildings closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s galleries were open to everyone—offering art activities and entertainment to honor and celebrate the work and lessons of the Rev. Dr. King. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski was there to capture the day in photos.
Honoring Dr. King through art: Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates with creative expression
The Cleveland Museum of Art will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15 with its regular free admission, hands-on art activities, and entertainment from WOVU 95.9 FM's DJ Kristyles and Humbly Submitted—all to learn from each other, celebrate humanity, exchange ideas, and spur creativity in a space for reflection.
Conversations in Courage: Shaker Arts Council to present MLK documentary
In honor of the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Shaker Arts Council will be sharing “Conversations in Courage: The Visit,” its documentary on Dr. King's 1965 visit to Shaker Heights.
Discussing diversity: Engage! Cleveland hosts DEI Conference
Engage! Cleveland recently held its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference at the Cleveland Museum of Art. A sold-out crowd participated in conversations about diversity and listened to speakers discuss how to foster inclusive workplaces, address systemic barriers, promote equitable opportunities, and create a more just and inclusive society.
Cultural pride: Hispanic arts and culture organizations celebrate Latino pride through art
National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs earlier in the fall, but Cuyahoga Arts & Culture celebrates Cleveland's Hispanic arts and cultural organizations all year long. Here's a look at five organizations—Cleveland Orchestra, LatinUs Theater, Julia De Burgos, MoCa Cleveland, and Abrepaso Flamenco—focused on Latino pride through the arts and culture programs they produce.
Día de Muertos: A day to celebrate and reflect in the Gordon Square Arts District
Cleveland Public Theatre, Teatro Público de Cleveland, and Día de Muertos Ohio will present the 19th Annual Día de Muertos Festival this Saturday—a celebration that integrates harvest festivities and gathering family to remember past family and friends.
Word power: Five nonprofits that get creative in storytelling, writing, and music
Stories—written. oral, and through music—can transform lives, change minds; teach, or make us laugh, cry, or scream. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture celebrates five nonprofits that elevate voices and let people be heard.
All are welcome: First annual Neurodiversity Cultural Festival celebrates our differences
Doug Blecher's autism diagnosis at age 42 led him to partner with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and start the first annual Neurodiversity Cultural Festival, happening Saturday, Sept. 30 at Solon Community Park.
Cleveland Restoration Society to unveil eighth Civil Rights Trail marker at Browns Stadium today
The Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Restoration Society will celebrate athlete activism and the Civil Rights movement with the unveiling of the eighth Cleveland Civil Rights Trail historical marker—honoring the athletes at the 1967 Ali Summit.