Long before she had any idea of its many dimensions, the notion of diversity was ingrained in Ericka Dunlap. As a youngster attending a private Protestant school in Orlando, she was the only African American girl in her classes for years. Yet, there was also exposure to fellow students from unexpected backgrounds – Jewish, Catholic, Hindu—that nurtured an appreciation of other cultures and religions.

Dunlap never dreamed that the influence of these early formative experiences, which would be deepened and enriched over the years, would become the source of a platform that would take her to points throughout the country and beyond.

Last Fall in Atlantic City, when she was crowned Miss America 2004, Dunlap announced that she would promote the ideals of cultural diversity and inclusion during her reign.

“Actually, it’s [diversity] been a part of my life for all my life so it wasn’t hard to solidify it for a platform,” Dunlap said by phone in December 2003 from Atlanta, a few days after returning from a trip to Kuwait to entertain American troops. “This was the easiest thing for me to sell. The participants in the program need to sell something. Diversity has always been in my life, and I’ve always had a chance to meet people from all cultures. It has truly enriched my life …and in choosing it, I hoped it would enrich someone else’s. I’ve gotten a lot of different responses from people really appreciating my taking a stance and speaking on this issue.”

By the end of 2003, Dunlap had taken her message to venues throughout the country, including several that are not typically associated with Miss America. She appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Hollywood Squares game show and Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor, and she was the grand marshal of a NASCAR race. She was especially enthused about visiting the troops in Kuwait, her first trip abroad. “It was wonderful, it was absolutely amazing,” she said. “It was the best trip I probably will ever take. It definitely boosted the troops’ morale, and it boosted my own because it gave me a chance to see what I have and what I take for granted.”

A student at the University of Central Florida studying advertising and public relations, Dunlap plans on returning to her studies in spring 2005 and then attending law school, with hopes of one day practicing entertainment and sports law. During her time away from her studies, she has been developing an educational tool in support of her platform: a cultural awareness activity book, directed for first- and second-graders.

Dunlap believes education is the key force to help foster diversity throughout society and that government and business can also play influential roles. While she acknowledges diversity is an oft-used (and misused) catch phrase these days, she explained her understanding of the principle.

“A lot of people kind of cringe, they have a bad perception of what diversity is. The title of my platform is celebrating diversity. The key is inclusion, bringing people together, allowing people to learn and respect each other regardless of what culture or backgrounds they come from. It’s not just race or ethnicity. …I think the most important thing missing is just basic respect. Respect of others, that’s the problem.

America’s diversity is its strength. America remains an open-policy nation of opportunity for anyone who is willing to work hard in pursuit of his or her vision of the American Dream.

Diversity is the backbone of America and as Miss America, I plan to share the tools we need to move past mere tolerance, move towards embracing the diversity in our communities and establishing an awareness of inclusion.

Today’s America is more diverse than that of our parents. Their America was more diverse than their parents’. With each generation, the face of America changes, an ever-evolving tapestry of colors, beliefs, backgrounds and philosophies.

The Census Bureau tells the story. For example, in 2000, more than 28 million people living in the United States were born in other countries, a 44 percent increase since 1990. We are a nation of 211 million whites, 35.3 million Latinos, 34.6 million blacks, 10.2 million Asians, 2.4 million Native Americans and more than 22 million of other ethnic cultures. We are also even more diverse religiously.

Diversity is a rich and endless source of experience, language, custom and tradition that enhances our nation and makes us unique. I have learned to overcome the prejudice and ignorance I experienced as a child and to celebrate the diversity that defines the United States. Experience has shown me that others can make that transition, too.

Technically, I did not choose my platform. It chose me. I became sensitive to cultural confusion at a very early age. I was the only African American girl in my classes for many years and saw many forms of prejudice and misconceptions about communities of color. I often found myself in conversations with my classmates, correcting stereotypes and media images.

Later I witnessed prejudice and discrimination within the African American community, targeted towards people of different skin shades and of Caribbean descent. I experienced this kind of judgment personally when people with whom I had close associations and relationships questioned my love for country music and my decision to pursue opportunities to sing at the Grand Ole Opry’s Opryland, U.S.A. For my critics, my decisions were out of sync with their vision of what it means to be black in America.

Barriers such as these are damaging to individuals and to the community. Every American has the same rights under the law – and should have the same opportunities to pursue a life of peace, prosperity and cultural freedom.


EDUCATION
Education is the key to creating a society that values and celebrates diversity. Some children have been taught racism and bigotry as a way of life. We have a responsibility to break the chain of generational ignorance and open our children’s eyes to the joys of diversity and the dangers of intolerance. We have nothing to fear.

Outside of the classroom, people of all ages will benefit from education on the issue. In my experience, moving forward starts when individuals are willing to look inward and examine their own predisposed notions about people from other cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and abilities. Coming to terms with our own intolerance is where the process gets started. To foster better understanding, I am developing a Cultural Awareness Activity Book to serve as a visual aid to assist young students in their process of cultural identification and understanding.


GOVERNMENT
It is virtually impossible to legislate tolerance. However, elected officials can set a very powerful example by the way they conduct their affairs and gauge their own attitudes about diversity. Some of the lawmakers I have met have taken very progressive steps to provide a voice for the
unique demographics of their constituencies. I will work with elected officials to encourage similar programs nationwide.


BUSINESS
Business owners and decision makers derive many benefits from embracing diversity. Inclusion simply makes good business sense and impacts the bottom line.

Business leaders that know and understand the demographic makeup of both their employees and consumers have a head start. Those who act on that knowledge are the true leaders of the new millennium. Employees work harder and smarter when they know they have an equal voice inside the company. Products and services that target diverse customer segments bring financial success, empowerment and a positive outlook for the community.

I envision an America where children and adults are free to pursue their aspirations without cultural barriers. I know it is possible. I am living proof. Our national motto reminds us of this mission: to build a unified nation of peoples from many backgrounds and cultures. E Pluribus Unum – one from many.