In mid February the Gulf Coast Diplomacy Council hosted Maguy Salomon of France who participated in an International Visitor Leadership (IVLP) project titled “Engaging a Diverse Community: Cultural Resources, Programs and Serv ices.”
City Councilwoman Sherri Myers welcomed our French visitor to the city and presented her with a gift on behalf of Mayor Ashton Hayward III. The two women discussed local history, political and social issues, and environmental challenges. Next, Ms. Solomon participated in a civil rights discussion with local civil rights leader, Georgia Blackmon.
From there, Ms. Solomon enjoyed a lunch-time dialogue with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority about their mentoring programs. Ms. Solomon ended her first day by meeting with Eric Pickett and David Hawkins of STRIDE (Students Taking Responsibility in Developing Excellence) to learn about their mentoring program and to share her French culture with STRIDE students at Warrington Middle School.
The following day, Ms. Solomon participated in a community coffee discussion with local residents before a visit to Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Resource Center. After lunch in sunny downtown Pensacola, she Haley Richards, a World History Teacher at Pensacola High School, and her students welcomed her to their classroom where she spoke French culture.
On Saturday evening, Paula Drummond and Joe Hemmer invited her and her interpreter into their home for dinner and for the chance to relax in an informal setting.
The Gulf Coast Diplomacy Council extends a special thank you to all who helped make this a successful program.
