Junction City native and Academy Award filmmaker Kevin Willmott pointed to diversity as a community strength during a forum Tuesday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. He noted that there is a beautiful history in Junction City but we don't celebrate it. "Diversity is such an important element of our city but really of the nation. And I think when people talk about multiracial democracy they're talking about Junction City. I mean Junction City was a multiracial democracy before diversity was even a term." Willmott added that he thinks the city hasn't celebrated it enough.
Willmott was a keynote speaker for the Diversity and Equality forum sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and presented by Junction City Main Street. He provided the audience and a student panel that participated in the forum his story on growing up in the community and his efforts to later write and produce movies beginning with "Ninth Street " which focused on the former Ninth Street area in Junction City.
Also speaking during the forum was Miles Sandler, Director of Policy and Engagement with the Kauffman Foundation. " She touched on why main street matters, noting, "entrepreneurs make our country and communities great."
Sandler said research shows most net job creation comes from new and young firms. She added that one truth is that more is accomplished when we all work together.
Sandler pointed to one area where there needs to be improvement. "As adults we have to do better in helping young identify their strengths."
The student panel that participated in the forum identified key steps ranging from figuring out ways to motivate students to want to perform to the need for more entertainment for young people, for example a community center.