The Greater Mankato Diversity Council (GMDC) exists to enhance the Mankato area’s commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community through diversity education. Our mission is to provide diversity education as a catalyst for social and economic success. GMDC strives to give people an understanding of diversity and build their cultural competence through Promoting Respect Workshops, multi-cultural activities, diversity events and more.

GMDC's mission is providing diversity education as a catalyst for social and economic success. Three supporting statements focus our mission work within our community. Those three supporting statements are: Global - Preparing our communities for increased global presence and awareness.; Inclusive - Creating an open and safe learning environment in our schools for all students.; Vibrant - Partnering with businesses and industry to create workforce that ensures a healthy economy.

GMDC is a non-profit organization that actively affirms and promotes the full participation of all. GMDC is not an advocate for any particular group or individual. It serves as a resource to all and emphasizes respecting differences.

"One Thousand Peace Cranes"

:Promoting Peace and Unity  

 In the Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of longevity which can only be achieved through peace. Therefore it has become a tradition in Japan to fold one thousand origami cranes and hang them together (as one sculptural unit/mobile  called 千羽鶴 Senbazuru  in Japanese) to symbolize peace, unity, health and happiness. People from all over the world have folded millions of paper cranes which are currently displayed in the Hiroshima Peace Park at the location where the first atomic bomb was dropped. This park is dedicated to promoting everlasting peace. 

We want to promote respect, tolerance and everlasting peace by inviting everyone in the Mankato area to fold paper cranes in order to create many "one thousand peace cranes sculptures" (Senbazuru) to spread throughout our community thus declaring the Greater Mankato area is united for peace.

 This project was featured in the Mankato Free Press.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

The 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration will occur on Monday, January 21, 2019 in the CSU Ballroom on the campus of MSU, Mankato. The 2019 Pathfinder Award, Young Pathfinder Award, Business Pathfinder and the first-ever Leadership Pathfinder Awards recipients will be honored at this community celebration.

Join us for a wonderful evening to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King!

The 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration is sponsored by the following organizations: Rasmussen College, Gustavus Adolphus College's Diversity Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato, YWCA of Mankato, Greater Mankato Growth, Inc., South Central College, Creative Ad Solutions, Inc., Halverson Law Offices, Mankato and Greater Mankato Diversity Council.

(Parking is FREE in the paylot in front of CSU!)

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The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’ oeuvres and social time.

The program begins at 6:15 p.m. with the awards, followed by entertainment at 6:45 p.m. and our keynote at 7 p.m.