Since 2003, a group of North Mississippians have united under
the banner of the Mississippi Trailblazers organization and has
done something few other organizations or individuals in
Mississippi have done: recognize and celebrate diversity. At its
simplest, “diversity” has two meanings. First, it means
inclusion. Second, it means differences. For those who make up
the Mississippi Trailblazers organization, diversity means,
making sure that people of different races, cultures, genders,
socioeconomic status, political affiliations, and philosophical
persuasions are recognized for their personal and professional
endeavors, despite their differences. Unfortunately, for far too
many of us, diversity only pertains to race, and even in that
regard some have a hard time accepting or embracing others of
different races and ethnic groups. Too many will only associate
and assimilate with those of their own race, excluding from
their lives the blessings and benefits of getting to know people
who don’t look like or live l