Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted dozens of Dallas-area high school students for the 8th annual Youth Summit and Diversity Dialogue held at the Southern Methodist University’s Owens Art Center. The Youth and Diversity Summit was designed to bring about greater understanding and working relationships between young people of different faiths, ethnicities, and countries of origin in the Dallas area.
“It is important that as a society we celebrate diversity,” Congresswoman Johnson said to the students. “In our city, we have young people from all over the world who contribute to bringing a culture of peace and brotherhood. Together, we can share our cultural differences and make our world a better place for all people.”
Farrukh Valliani, president of the Aga Khan Council for the Central United States, addressed the students, highlighting that cultural diversity was crucial in today’s world. “Bringing people together for dialogue will create a more peaceful world,” he said. The Aga Khan Council worked in conjunction with Congresswoman Johnson’s office to make this year’s event happen.
Dr. Lori White, the Vice President for Student Affairs at SMU spoke to the students, noting that they were the future leaders of the world. “It is important that different people have respect for each other, and one another’s cultures,” she said. “The world will need your talents.”
During the summit students participated in four regional workshops exploring the cultures of different parts of the world. The workshops were led by experts in the fields of international relations and education. Tim Livingston of Dallas’ Channel 5 news served as the summit’s master of ceremonies.
