Member Spotlight

John Edmonds

Prejudice Reduction Workshop Facilitator

Born in New York City and growing up in rural upstate New York, John Edmonds has lived in Rochester for nine years. 

It was his personal and professional background that brought him to the Diversity Council.  As an African American, John is aware of the disparities in health care, the service sector, and education.  As a social worker for Olmsted County Social Services working mainly with African American youth, John has seen firsthand the challenges faced by young people of color in our community.

John sees the Diversity Council as the “prime mover and shaker in raising diversity awareness in the community and vital to life in the community.”

He refers to the Prejudice Reduction Workshops as “an extension of the Diversity Council ideals built on respecting all people which PRWs bring to children in their formative years.  It is gratifying to see children in workshops from year to year and notice how their previous lesson experiences build in understanding.”

John is a long-term PRW facilitator and also a trainer for those new to the process.  He tells of being impressed with the August training sessions for new facilitators.  “It is gratifying to work with people who believe in respect and equality, people who are accepting of differences.  Here were 18 people, a diverse group, who have just finished the training.  The more who represent the community’s diversity, the better!”   

“The excitement that comes with seeing positive change occur,” is why John advocates membership in the Diversity Council.  “Oftentimes it is hard to realize what changes, what your efforts lead to.  The more you put into helping gain acceptance and respect, the more that comes back.  You get out of your involvement what you put into it.”

1130 1/2 7th St NW, Suite 204 , Rochester, MN 55901 · Tel: 507.282.9951 · Fax: 507.282.9964 · info@diversitycouncil.org

Diversity...It's all about respect.