Mark Washington | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair

The holiday season, spanning November through early January and extending into the new year, is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, lights, and reflection. For local government leaders, it represents a unique opportunity—and a critical responsibility—to demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Being aware of the diverse holiday traditions, from Christmas and Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, and recognizing significant events like Ramadan (which shifts throughout the calendar year), Diwali, and other celebrations, is not merely a courtesy; it is a foundational necessity for fostering an inclusive and cohesive community.

The Imperative of Awareness

Local government leaders often focus on the historically dominant cultural celebrations, leading to an unconscious exclusion of large portions of the population. An inclusive community understands that its calendar is not universal.

Understanding the Scope: Awareness goes beyond the December holidays. It includes:
- Hanukkah (Judaism): A Festival of Lights, often celebrated with menorahs, gifts, and special foods.
- Kwanzaa (African-American Cultural Celebration): Focused on seven core principles (Nguzo\ Saba), celebrated with the lighting of the kinara and communal feasting.
- Diwali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh): A major Festival of Lights celebrated in the fall, marking new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness.
- Ramadan (Islam): A month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, which requires accommodations for city employees and public services due to fasting from dawn until sunset.
- Lunar New Year (East Asian Cultures): An important celebration marked by family feasts, cleaning the home, and the exchange of red envelopes.
The Power of Recognition: When a local government’s public displays, event schedules, and employee policies reflect this diverse calendar, it sends a powerful message: “You are seen, and you belong here.” This recognition builds public trust, which is the cornerstone of effective local governance.

Strategies for Inclusive Government Leadership

Local government leaders can implement clear, tangible strategies to ensure inclusion extends throughout their operations.

Public Spaces and Decorations

Instead of defaulting to a single set of decorations, governments should adopt a “Festival of Lights” or “Winter Season” approach.

Neutral Themes: Utilize seasonal, non-denominational décor like snowflakes, generic lights, winter greenery, and universal colors.
Equitable Displays: If religious or cultural symbols are displayed (like a Christmas tree, a Menorah, or a Kwanzaa Kinara), they must be done under clear legal guidelines (e.g., in a public forum, not favoring one religion, and including multiple traditions) or as part of an official, temporary, community-led cultural event.
Sponsorship: Encourage local community groups to sponsor public displays for their specific holidays, with the local government ensuring equal opportunity and space.

Employee Policies and Flexibility

Inclusivity begins in City Hall, County Administration, Village Administration, and Township Administration. Leaders must ensure internal policies support all employees’ rights to observe their traditions.

Floating Holidays: Offer employees a set number of floating holidays in addition to statutory holidays. This allows employees to choose to take time off for holidays not officially recognized by the city (e.g., Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, or Yom Kippur) without having to use standard vacation time.
Meeting Scheduling: Consult an interfaith calendar when scheduling major public meetings, committee votes, or important internal events to avoid conflicts with religious holy days or major cultural observances.
Workplace Accommodations: Ensure employees observing holidays like Ramadan have access to appropriate, private space for prayer and are not penalized for temporary changes to their energy levels due to fasting.

Community Programming and Engagement

Local government events should reflect the true diversity of the residents they serve.

Co-Hosting Events: Partner with community, cultural, and faith-based organizations to co-host events. For example, instead of solely sponsoring a tree lighting, the municipality could support a community-led Hanukkah lighting ceremony, a Kwanzaa celebration, or a Lunar New Year parade.
Diverse Vendors: When hiring performers, vendors, and caterers for public events, prioritize businesses that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community.
Language and Accessibility: Ensure all holiday-related public announcements, signage, and online information are accessible and translated into the most spoken non-English languages in the community.

The Return on Inclusion

An inclusive approach to holidays is not just ethically sound; it is a smart governing strategy.

Fostering Unity: Acknowledging diverse holidays moves the community beyond tolerance toward genuine celebration and understanding. It provides educational moments where neighbors can learn about each other’s history and values.

Driving Economic Activity: Diverse and accessible community events attract residents and visitors alike, boosting local businesses and creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that is attractive to new residents and companies.

By making a conscious effort to be aware of and accommodate the full spectrum of holidays and traditions, local government leaders can ensure their communities are not only successful but truly reflective, equitable, and welcoming for every single citizen.

Mark Washington
Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
City Manager, Grand Rapids

Mark Washington has served as city manager for Grand Rapids since 2018. He is committed to making Grand Rapids a city that is nationally recognized for being equitable, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative with a robust economy, safe, and healthy community, and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all. Mark has 26 years of experience in public sector service. Previously, he served as assistant city manager for the City of Austin, Texas, and as director of human resources and civil service in Austin. He also worked in Fort Worth, Texas, as assistant director of human resources, and street services operations program manager. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tarleton State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Amberton University, and a Master of Arts in Education and doctorate degree in education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as several certifications. Mark is a member of the International City/County Management Association, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, and serves on the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Spectrum Health Community Commitment, National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Tarleton State University College of Business advisory boards, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and is a trustee of the Michigan Municipal League Board and at Paul Quinn College.