As diversity continues to grow in Northwest Indiana, Valpo continues to celebrate that growth and the development of inclusion. The Valparaiso Diversity Network Association hosted Unity Day this year at the Porter County Courthouse Square in an effort to expand awareness in Valparaiso and strengthen unity amongst the diverse population in the area.
Mayor Jon Costas and Valpo University president, Mark Heckler, received the first Reiner Family Diversity Award for their dedication to promoting inclusion and equality in Valparaiso. As proponents of diversity from their early days in office, this award is well-deserved and serves as a testiment to the citizens of Valparaiso who support their efforts.
In continuing to celebrate the event, multiple performers such as Shades of Gray and restaurants such as Don Quijote and Valpo Velvet, attended and offered food and entertainment to all the guests. Denise Coffman of Fun Faces by Denise also provided face painting for all the young or young at heart.
As part of a collaborative art exhibition of Unity Day, rTrail Collective Edge also presented over forty pieces of unity-related art from local artists who were asked to submit original work for the project. The pieces were put on display as a visual celebration of diversity - all ages were invited to submit something.