Michael Schnell, Special to the Daily Herald
Performers wait in the wings and get some last minute practice in before taking the stage on Aug. 31, 2019, in Provo.
Everyone should feel welcome and that they have a place in Provo, according to Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.
In the coming year, the city will finalize the formation of a diversity committee. The committee will work to help residents come together to make Provo better, no matter where they are from.
Provo’s Brigham Young University has always been a nucleus of diversity in some fashion. be it culturally, linguistically and even religiously. From a Baptist Student Union to a Muslim Mosque for prayer on campus, not everyone attending BYU is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Speaking a foreign language has become a part of the Provo culture. At BYU, 128 languages are spoken on campus, 62 languages are taught and 65% of the students speak a second language. BYU is also third in the country for foreign language degrees. The cultures of these many countries are brought home to Provo and a multi-cultural environment is created. This international flavor extends to all aspects of life in Provo, according to the Provo Advantage, an online city publication.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, there has been growth over the past 20 years in Provo’s race and diversity. The census shows the following percentage data for 2000, 2010 and 2020, respectively:
- White non-Hispanic — 77.9%, 69.6%, 68.9%
- Hispanic — 10.5%, 15.2%, 16.9%
- Two or more races — 2.4%, 3.4%, 5.5%
- Black — 0.5%, 0.7%, 0.9%
- Native American — 0.8%, 0.8%, 0.5%
- Asian — 1.8%, 2.5%, 2.8%
- Pacific Islander — 0.8%, 1.1%, 1.3%
According to the Census, the largest diversity swings were between 2000 and 2010. The trend still continues with more multiracial individuals in 2020. Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander population is also growing.
Provo High School already has a majority of non-white students, with some school leaders believing that will become the way of the whole school district in a few years, according to Wayne Parker, Provo Chief Administrative Officer.
Organizations from BYU and the Provo City School District to the United Way of Utah County and Intermountain Healthcare have diversity statements to help employees learn and unite as companies.
“All should feel welcome in our community, whether a resident, student or visitor,” Kaufusi said. “Creating and maintaining inclusive communities takes work, but when we say ‘Welcome Home,’ we want them to know we mean it.”
If the data on racial diversity isn’t growing fast enough for some folks, it’s not that people aren’t coming here and starting businesses, building community.
“With over 4500 small businesses, Provo has many unique offerings. The uniqueness of these offerings often involves an international component,” according to the Advantage. “For example, downtown Provo has a number of restaurants, over 75 at last count. Of those, about 40 offer food from countries throughout the world – Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Peru, Argentina, India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, France, Italy, Czech Republic, and on and on.”
All of those restaurants, too, are owned and operated locally. This international connection does not just influence food, but spreads to many other businesses, as noted in the Advantage. For example, Ethik Collective reaches out to 15 countries and curates handcrafted items from the international community. These products are gathered in Provo and distributed to numerous companies, often for employee awards and corporate giveaways.
“As with Provo’s culture of innovation and creativity, Provo’s International flavor influences what Provo is and enhances the excellent quality of life found in the City. Provo understands first-hand that having a strong international flavor is of vital importance,” said Keith Morey, city Economic Development director.
Provo City identifies “Welcoming” as one of its four key focus areas called Provo Pillars. The others include safety, being economically vibrant and forward looking.
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