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Quality of Life – Embracing DiversityBy Miranda Gilbert
City of Guymon Community Development Specialist & Arts & Humanities, Tourism Liaison
Pioneers Farmers & Ranchers Top Ag Producers in the State and
Nation
How residents defined Guymon
They cultivated the land no one wanted They braved the dust bowl They ran off the outlaws They were a tough breed They wrestle stock for fun
Historically – No Man’s Land
As the Global Need for Ag Grewso Did Guymon’s Economy…
The Cattle Ranches Grew
The Farming Grew The Pork Industry
Grew
AND THUS: So Grew the Jobs So Grew the
Industries So Grew the
Population Diversity
Community & Economic
Development are one and the same –
You can’t have one without the other.
Let’s focus on what “We HAVE”-A great this, a good that
A.K.A. Asset Based Inventory
This focuses on: Strengths Opportunities or Celebration of our Diversity
We find that in contrast…
The focus on “We Have” leads people to:
FEEL positively about their community
Inspires innovation and creativity
Who did we want to be?
Bridge the Divide, Be One Community
We want all residents to feel welcome.We want them all to feel included.
-Gain Understanding-Feel Compassion-Give Purpose, Pride-Communicate
Goal:
Minorities became Majoritywith 26 Languages in the Community
The easiest way to break the language barrier:
The Arts - Food
Dance Music
“With a huge language barrier and different cultures how can we communicate best?”
Featuring: Hispanic Dance Troupe Alma de
Folklorica
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Featuring: Mariachis Frescas/Juice Water
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Featuring: Authentic Food Hispanic Snacks
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Featuring: Piñatas & Games Entertainment
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Evolving Over Time to Cross Culture Groups: YMCA Zumba School Dance Team
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Evolving Over Time to Award OPSU Scholarships:
First Partial Now Full Ride & Multiple
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Evolving Over Time to Cross Culture Vending: Wild West Soda Funnel Cakes
So a cultural exchange was born known as Guymon Fiesta
Guymon Fiesta was a success in joining the community & moreEvolving Over Time: Hispanic Advisory Board Leadership Trainings Alma Dancers Perform on State and National Levels
The economy continued to grow, and so has the diversity. We found ourselves in another scenario of residents unsure of the unknown. So a new cultural exchange was born: Azuma – An AfricanCelebration
It again uses food, dance, and music to communicate and share an experience to create a sense of one community, embracing us as a melting pot. It also adds storytelling of the Lost Boys of Sudan.
Azuma - An African Celebration
Azuma – An African Celebration Traditional Costume Music, Drumming Food
Azuma – An African Celebration They Show a Great Respect to also Celebrate Western Culture
The immigrants share the positivity with others The employers support the events and community
programs that relate to their employees quality of life The community, local government, and visitors
embrace the melting pot of culture and events The brand for hospitality instills pride and
compassion Pride and compassion in a community deters crime
and makes us more healthy over all
As a result of cultural exchangeswe have seen our community and economic development continue to expand in a positive way:
Other Quality of Life Growth: New Public Library Arts Center/Gallery Main Street Revitalization Retail and Housing
Developments Industry Diversification
Who we are now:
