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As Kansas City prepared to celebrate the U.S.
bicentennial in 1976, an idea was born which
eventually led to the appointment of the Mayor's
Ethnic Enrichment Commission. In order to focus
the public's attention on the area's rich
cultural heritage, Charles B. Wheeler, Mayor of
Kansas City during the bicentennial year, formed
the Ethnic Heritage Committee. That committee
planned an Ethnic Bicentennial Parade, presented
ethnic menus at local restaurants, and compiled
a written history of contributions made to
Kansas City's growth by various ethnic groups.
The latter project won national recognition from
the United States Bicentennial Association.
The committee took a step toward permanency
in 1978 when two members of the Naturalization
Council urged the formation of the Ethnic
Enrichment Committee. During that period, the
group hosted its first Ethnic Enrichment
Festival at the Liberty Memorial. The festival
drew the attention of Mayor Richard Berkley and
City Councilman Vic Swyden, who introduced a
resolution to the City Council in 1980 creating
the Mayor's Ethnic Enrichment Commission. The
Commission, with membership from 66 countries
and ethnic groups (click here to learn more),
continues to foster understanding and
appreciation of cultural diversity in the
greater Kansas City area. With Kansas City and
Missouri Parks and Recreation, the Commission
hosts an annual festival in Swope Park each
August.
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