Oak Park Organizations Unite for Strength and Inclusivity
Published on February 10, 2025
In a powerful display of solidarity, various organizations within the Oak Park community came together Monday afternoon to issue a public statement underscoring a shared commitment to inclusivity, compassion and shared values.
“Our strength lies in our diversity,” said Village of Oak Park President Vicki Scaman. “Through our combined leadership, we are resolved to uphold compassion and embrace inclusivity. We gather together to demonstrate our commitment to leading as one, and we will continue to remain unified in our dedication to our values. It is our collective strength that protects these values and ensures we will always remain a safe community for everyone.”
The Village of Oak Park has a long history of working to be inclusive of all people. This work is hard, and it is sometimes done imperfectly. The community, however, remains unyielding in its commitment to these values, which have formed the very fabric of what Oak Park is and what it strives to continue to be.
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This gathering aimed to reinforce the message that Oak Park is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community where every individual is respected and valued, and that these values will be protected when challenged. Elected officials and leaders from the following organizations were in attendance: Village of Oak Park, Oak Park River Forest Township, Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Oak Park Public Library, Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, PFLAG, Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association +, Thrive Counseling Center, Housing Forward, Community Mental Health Board, Collaboration for Early Childhood, Oak Park Housing Authority, Oak Park Residence Corporation, Downtown Oak Park Business District, Hemingway Business district, Arts Business District, Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, Community of Congregations and more.
Please click the video player below to watch a recording of the event courtesy of Unity Temple:
About Oak Park -The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.