6/12/2009

Chattanooga, Tennessee – The City of Chattanooga’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) will host the 3rd annual Power of One Mayor’s Luncheon on Tuesday, June 30.  The keynote speaker will be Bill Strickland, a nationally recognized social entrepreneur and author of, Make the Impossible Possible.  Mr. Strickland is the president and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation and has received numerous national awards for his work in jobs training centers and community arts programs.  “We are honored to have Mr. Strickland as this year’s keynote speaker,” said Mayor Ron Littlefield.  “He is an outstanding example of the Power of One through his work with communities throughout the country, helping to build better lives for disadvantaged citizens.”

“Mr. Strickland exemplifies the Power of One man’s positive changes in life, transforming the lives of youth, adults and the business sectors of our nation,” said Beverly Cosley, OMA Director.  The Power of One luncheon serves as a catalyst for everyone to work together in promoting unity and reaffirming the city’s commitment to make Chattanooga a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community.  The Honorable Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta, was the speaker in 2007 and author and screenwriter Eric Metaxas spoke in 2008.

Mayor Littlefield established the Office of Multicultural Affairs in 2006 with a mission to encourage understanding and goodwill, to promote justice, and eliminate discriminatory practices between and among the citizens of Chattanooga because of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability or ethnicity.  OMA seeks an environment that reflects equal treatment and participation of all segments of Chattanooga's diverse, culturally-rich communities in civic, economic, educational and social development.

The Power of One Mayor’s Luncheon will be held June 30, 11:30 a.m. at the Chattanoogan Hotel.  Reservations are required and must be received by June 23.