Diversity Richmond addresses Chesterfield Police community meeting

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Published: Monday, April 24 2017

Written by Diversity Richmond

For several years now, Diversity Richmond has been a leader in building bridges with the LGBT community and local law enforcement. Because of that, Diversity was invited to address the recent Chesterfield County Police Community breakfast. The event is held quarterly and includes a diverse collection of community leaders. Representatives from Muslim, African American, Hispanic, Asian organizations, along with elected leaders, communities of faith, the Attorney General's office and mental health nonprofits are among those who attend.

Bill Harrison presented the good work, mission and accomplishments of Diversity Richmond and addressed that while much progress has been made in building solid relationships with law enforcement, more work needs to be done. The Chesterfield Department was one of the first to appoint a liaison, Corporal D. Elliott Anderson, who has been a tremendous asset in connecting our communities. Corporal Anderson shared with the audience how rewarding the work had been.

We now have LGBT liaisons with police departments in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and the sheriff departments of Richmond and Chesterfield. Also recently added is a liaison with Richmond City Fire and Emergency Services and an FBI representative.

This is but one example of how Diversity Richmond works to unite communities and build bridges every day. Your support makes this happen.

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Pictured: L to R: Officer O.O. Ortega (Hispanic Liaison), Bill Harrison, Lieutenant Colonel B.C. Smith, Diversity Board Member, Robyn Deane, Deputy Chief of Police, Daniel Kelly and LGBT Liaison Corporal Elliott Anderson (Not pictured is community activist Roland Winston)

Please support Diversity Richmond on "Give-Out Day"

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Published: Friday, March 31 2017

April 20 is "Give-Out Day." The 24-hour online fundraiser is the only effort to raise money for LGBT groups on a national level. Since 2013, the project has raised over $3 million. We hope you will donate to Diversity Richmond this year.

Diversity Richmond has worked very hard over the last few years to meet the ever-changing and challenging needs of our communities. We are now in the process of developing our next five-year strategic plan and are incorporating the community's input as to the directions we need to take.

Since 1999, you have made it possible for us to put over $955,000 back into the community. You have enabled countless numbers of organizations and people to gain enormous help and support. LGBTQ youth, seniors with memory loss, people needing healthcare, individuals without homes; Diversity Richmond grabs every opportunity to help. And we do this with the knowledge that we cannot be everything to everybody. That thought process has ended many a well-meaning nonprofit. We daily refer people to other agencies for help, another service we provide -- that of being a clearinghouse.

School kids on public assistance can shop for free clothing at Diversity Thrift. Over the past few months we have donated books to schools whose libraries are lacking. (That is a very real need, believe it or not.) Hardly a night passes that our rooms are not filled to capacity with folks using them for free. Our warehouse offers free storage to 11 local nonprofits, saving them thousands...money they can now invest in the community.

We will keep you posted as to "Give-Out Day." Like us on facebook and keep up with the activities at your community center.

We need your help.

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Looking ahead and charting our course

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Published: Monday, March 13 2017

Please let us hear from you!

The last few years have been an exciting time for Diversity Richmond. We rebranded and married our new name. We gave our building a fresh, new look and renovated some of the interior.

We also worked hard to raise the community's awareness of our presence. The figures say that we are accomplishing the outreach. The number of people using our building increases constantly. It is exciting to see so many new faces, people who have never been here before. We are growing at a rapid pace.

The world is also rapidly changing and Diversity Richmond must constantly pay attention to the new expectations and needs of the community.

We are in the beginning stages in the development of our five-year strategic plan and we want ... we need your input. What do you like about your community center? How could we do a better job? What can we do that we are not doing?

Please email your thoughts. This is a confidential way of relaying your opinions. The email goes directly to Dr. Yetty Shobo, the consultant who is guiding us through the process. No names will be shared with the input.

Thank you for your continued support.

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

"You've got a lot going on at Diversity"

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Published: Tuesday, February 21 2017

We hear that comment lots. And it's true. Most every night your community center building is packed with folks who are working on a better self and an improved community. Play rehearsals, committee meetings, twelve-step programs, support groups and art gallery openings. It's a happening place.

This newsletter is filled with examples of how we are making a difference. If you are looking for ways to connect with others, want to work for social justice, or give back a few hours a month as a volunteer, you need look no further. Let us hear from you.

We are working diligently every day to become a more inclusive hub of activity and inclusion. Please join us.

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Diversity Richmond launches campaign,"Let's Get Rolling"

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Published: Monday, January 30 2017

Long range strategic planning depends on community feedback

In an effort to gain community input as it begins the process of mapping out a five-year strategic plan, Diversity Richmond is launching, "Let's Get Rolling."

"Our last plan was completed a while back and we accomplished much," stated board chair, Art Toth. "Now we need to look at where we go from here and community participation is critical."

Diversity leadership wants to know what people like about the organization, its programs, the thrift store, event hall, communications, staff, board and outreach. Also, how can Diversity do a better job? What is lacking? What would you like to see from your community center that is not there? What do you want Diversity to maintain?

Communicating thoughts is easy. People can email, with the messages going directly to Dr. Yetty Shobo, who has been contracted by Diversity Richmond to coordinate the planning process.

Comments can also be mailed to 1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond, 23220. To keep correspondence confidential, please note on the envelope "Let's Get Rolling."

"A nonprofit can never rest on its laurels," said Toth. "The community continues to change, as does its challenges. And because of that, expectations of the community can also change. We must stay in touch with our public to ensure that we are placing our focus where it needs to be."

Questions about the campaign can be directed to or by calling 804-622-4646.

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

We Need Your Body

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Published: Monday, January 16 2017

Thanks to community support, Diversity Richmond accomplished much in 2016 and we have lots in store for this year.

We proudly now host our third LGBT twelve-step program, which meets regularly in our classroom. Our free wellness and fitness classes will begin soon along with our men's discussion group that starts in February. The Women's Coming Out group begins yet another year in collaboration with Metropolitan Community Church.

February is Black History Month with several programs planned, some in collaboration with the Black History Museum. (That in itself is history.) Local African-American LGBT pioneers will be recognized with discussions about African- American activism, black queer politics as well as workshops addressing the lives of lesbians and transgender people of color.

Diversity Thrift will soon be open six days a week (we're now open five) and a "boutique" area of higher quality merchandise is in the works. Iridian Gallery has an exciting schedule of work by LGBT artists, some nationally recognized.

We estimate that last year more than 10,000 people used our free meeting spaces and attended events here at Diversity Richmond. We continue to work with our partner agencies in helping with clothing for those in need.  Our partnerships with schools and nonprofits where folks with challenges volunteer at the thrift store continue to grow.

None of this is possible without your support and that does not mean only financial backing. We also need bodies.  We need folks to work with special events, governance, programs and helping in the thrift store. If you get in touch with us, we will put you to work and you will make a difference. Let me hear from you, please.

Bill Harrison

We build. We bridge.

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Published: Thursday, December 15 2016

I have often written about what I term, a "Diversity Wow Moment." During my tenure here, I have had many. Last week I experienced two the same night.

It was at the recent Iridian Gallery opening of "Bling It Out," an invitational of works by local artists who used Diversity Thrift purchases to create art. The event drew our largest gallery crowd yet, and just about everything sold. The energy in that room was electric. Lots of laughter, hugs and community. It was wonderful to watch.

Then the first "Wow" happened. I introduced myself to a young man who I thought to be an exhibitor. After a few minutes I realized this "young man" was a former ROSMY youth I had met several years prior. He is now a third year art student at VCU and wants to join the gallery committee. He spoke of how inspired he was by Iridian.

Then a few moments later I was introduced by another young artist to his parents. The father shared how thankful he was that his son had found "somewhere he could be himself and grow as an artist."

One by one, we make a difference. We change lives. We build, we bridge.

We work every day at Diversity Richmond to grow as a community center, that place where folks "can be themselves." Be it the transgender support groups, twelve-step programs, any number of community conversations, political candidate forums or times where we have fun and amateur singers compete for cash prizes.

The past year has been a mixed bag. We have celebrated often, mourned together and challenged each other to grow as individuals and as a community. Through all of it, your community center has been ever present.

Our next year will bring new challenges, innovative responses and the need for a truly united community. And once again, your community center will be at the forefront, leading.

Thank you for your continued support. We could never do we what do without you.

Bill Harrison

Pictured: Iridian Gallery steering committee member, Justice Dwight, center, with his parents, Crystal and Rall Elder at Bling it Out!

Hey Toots, we need a party!

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Published: Wednesday, November 23 2016

In April 2015 we launched our rebranding campaign ... new name, new logo, new look, new strategies. We are proud of our accomplishments and want to share them, along with our 2017 plans with you.

Please join us on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:00 PM in our event hall. We'll announce our 2016 grant recipients (we have 14 receiving a total of $30,000), recognize volunteers, organizations and funders who have made a big difference in the community, plus we are giving a couple of lifetime achievement recognitions.

We are also excited that Richmond mayor-elect Levar Stoney will be with us as will Monument City Music, plus lots of good food by Nacho Mama's.

Your community center has been in the middle of so many things this past year. There is cause to celebrate. So we hope to see you on November 29.

None of our good work could have been done without community support. Come be a part of that community and celebrate who you are.

Please let us know that you are coming RSVP.

See you soon!

Bill Harrison

We are community

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Published: Monday, November 07 2016

"Friday night, Diversity Richmond felt like a community center shining in the brightest light -- each other. We usually come together in our darkest hours, but this year we stepped into the comfort of each other. Through our special events such as Scary-oke,  All Americans and The Big OH, we are proving, time and time again, that we can come together to shine as we did Friday night"

~ Brian Harrison, Diversity Richmond Board Member

Some nonprofits shy away from special events. They require lots of work. Quite often, if one takes the profit made and divides it by the number of hours worked, the balance sheet is one-sided.

But, more happens with special events than raising money. A successful event also builds community. No better examples of such than the three events we orchestrated in the last few months. All did more than raise much needed money.

At Diversity Richmond, we strive to be a true community center, a place where people can come and be themselves. A place that is a safe haven for our community, be it at large events or simply when committees, theater companies, communities of faith or support groups need space for meetings, they know all they need do is call.

We also work to set good examples for the rest of the world as to what the LGBTQ community is all about.

I had one of my "Diversity Moments" at Scary-oke. As I sat there and watched people dance, many of them being twenty-somethings and many being allies, I thought, "Wow. Look at what we have created. Our community is out there having a blast, celebrating life. They could be anywhere else, but they choose to be here."

We are "getting there," but most every day we realize yet another unmet need, or we have an idea that will make our community stronger. Can you help us? Your community needs you.

Bill Harrison

Nationally recognized LGBTQ historians address Richmond crowd

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Published: Monday, October 17 2016

Written by Diversity Richmond

Dr. Richard Godbeer of Virginia Commonwealth University and Dr. Marc Stein of San Francisco State University were well received at Diversity Richmond's recent community conversation about LGBT history. Both are nationally recognized authorities on the subject and shared fascinating stories of our civil rights pioneers and how society treated LGBT people, even as far back as the 1600's.

This program was the first in a series that Diversity Richmond will sponsor addressing our history. For more information, contact Rodney Lofton.

Left: Big crowd filled The Iridian Gallery for the talk; Center: (L-R) Dr. Marc Stein and
Dr. Richard Godbeer; Right: Dr. Lauranett Lee, Beth Marschak, Bob Swisher,
Dr. Marc Stein, Dr. Ravi Perry & Dr. Richard Godbeer

Thanks again, Ryland

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Published: Monday, October 03 2016

As I have shared numerous times in my letters to you, every so often we experience a significant moment here at Diversity Richmond. Last Sunday we experienced a moment that will live with me forever. Many of us knew Ryland Roane, the well-respected HIV/AIDS educator who had earned a national reputation for his ability to humanize HIV-disease while helping others learn how to live with dignity and hope. Ryland died August 13 from leukemia after only a few days of illness.

Ryland's mother chose to have his memorial service at Diversity Richmond and we were humbled and honored. Last Sunday a large gathering of folks came together to celebrate Ryland's life and a true celebration it was. Co-workers, family and childhood friends shared fond and sometimes humorous memories of a man who touched and changed the lives of countless numbers of people.

His pastor, the Rev. Dr. A. Lincoln James spoke lovingly about a man he called friend. If I have ever heard music by angels, it was Sunday. The Trinity Baptist Church choir sent messages above that all is right with the world.

As I sat in the back of the room, I thought, "Even from the grave, he works his stuff." The hall was filled with hundreds of people who had never ever imagined being at Diversity Richmond. But once, again, Ryland Roane bridged the gap and brought us all together as one, as community.

My words fail, but Sunday was yet another signal to me that Diversity Richmond is on the right path. Sometimes we mess up, but our good work and efforts to build and support a community, one of inclusion and justice, is what we are all about.

Thanks, again. Ryland. Once again you did what you do best. You helped us see the good in us.

Godspeed.

Bill Harrison

Your support means everything. Donate online or mail a check to 1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220. Thank you, thank you!

Diversity Richmond offers $30,000 in grant funding

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Published: Tuesday, September 27 2016

Over $900,000 distributed since 1999

As I sit in my office and type, I am listening to the beautiful music of the choir of a community of faith that meets in our building on Sundays. I am reminded once again of the strength and gentleness of our community. We can overcome anything. We have often proven that. We need to remember.

What more appropriate surroundings than this to share that our 2016 funding cycle includes $30,000 available to local LGBT, LGBT-friendly nonprofits. And, for the first time in our history, individuals are eligible for financial backing. For several years, people have approached us for the funding of terrific ideas, but our allocations were only for nonprofit organizations. This year we changed the rules.

And a big thank you to our board, volunteers, staff, and of course, our financial donors for making these funds possible. Since 1999, we have distributed over $900,000 back into our community.

Another way we help the community is by supplying free meeting space for nonprofits. It appears 2016 will be the biggest year yet for folks using the building.

To apply and for more information, click here for all the details.

This has been an exciting and challenging year for our community, on both national and local levels. What better way to end our year than awarding grants to fund ideas and programs that benefit our community.

We could not do this without you. Thank you for making so much good possible.

Bill Harrison