Arkansas. A word that stirs up a whirlwind of emotions and opinions.
Diversity. A word that stirs up a whirlwind of emotions and opinions.
In Eureka Springs, we bring them both together.
Well, for some, diversity is a beacon of hope and progress; for others, a complex and challenging topic. But here, in the heartland of America, in Arkansas, in the enchanting town of Eureka Springs, where I reside (and blog about where I reside) we’ve turned diversity into a celebration—a testament to the power of inclusion.
In Arkansas?
Yep! In early 2023, Arkansas found itself at the center of a heated debate. The state Senate passed legislation to restrict the locations of drag shows, equating them with strip clubs and adult theaters. The bill, approved along strict party lines, sent ripples of anxiety through the community, particularly among the LGBTQIA+ population. Thankfully, reason prevailed when the House struck drag shows from the bill ...
... but the incident left a lingering unease.
As you can imagine, this legislative skirmish sparked a deeper reflection on diversity and its crucial role in our lives. As I sat down to write this blog post, I couldn't help but think about how diversity, often seen as a source of conflict, is actually a cornerstone of growth and innovation.
From the Civil Rights movements led by icons like Rosa Parks to the Stonewall riots in NYC, the journey toward inclusion has been long and fraught with challenges. Yet, even in the face of adversity, there’s a growing recognition that diversity enriches us all.
Eureka Springs: A Model of Inclusion
Here in Eureka Springs, our commitment to diversity is more than just talk; it’s a way of life and I am so very proud to be part of a community that fosters this culture. Our town may be small, but it’s a microcosm of what true unity looks like. Every year, we celebrate three diversity-focused weekends—spring, summer, and fall—where we honor the rich tapestry of all cultures, genders, and orientations that make up our community. In June we celebrate Pride.
Our ethos is simple: everyone is welcome. This commitment to inclusion fosters an environment where creativity flourishes and innovation thrives. In Eureka Springs, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of our communal strength.
In my professional life as a Corporate Human Resources Executive and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of diversity. When people from varied backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives that drive better decision-making and problem-solving. This concept, known as informational diversity, is a catalyst for innovation.
Research consistently supports this. Studies show that diverse teams are more innovative, can attract top talent more easily, and are better at engaging customers. For example, companies with gender-diverse leadership teams see greater financial gains. Similarly, organizations that embrace racial diversity often outperform those that don’t.
We Walk the Talk
Eureka Springs, founded on July 4, 1879, has always been a haven for creativity and inclusion. Our community is a vibrant mix of musicians, artists, writers, and entrepreneurs—all of whom contribute to the town’s unique spirit. This blend of talent and backgrounds not only makes us stronger but also more resilient.
We know that diversity isn’t without its challenges. There are moments of discomfort, disagreements, and conflict. But these moments are the foundation for which innovation is forged. They push us to think differently, to embrace new ideas, and to grow. In Eureka, we don't fear the challenges that come with diversity, we tackle them head on.
Sure, we have our share of problems, challenges and conflict, we're human beings and we're a small town. But, because we are human beings and because we're a small town, we're resilient and we know that problems, challenges and conflict do not sustain us, so when we have those times, we quickly move past them to better times.
Eureka Springs is one of the most resilient places I have ever known and it is this way because of the illustrious history about this place and what it's been though since the city of Eureka Springs was first founded and named.
All these years later, she is still here, thriving and still as diverse as ever.
The Eureka Experience
Visitors to Eureka Springs often speak of a transformative experience—something that “clicks” and makes them want to stay. It's a feeling that makes people say to themselves, "I belong here." I mean, we even have a hometown brewery called Gotahold Brewing, which pays homage to this "click" that tugs at people when they visit us here.
This magic isn’t just in our beer, our beautiful architecture or historic sites; it’s in the beautiful people who call this place home. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity creates a community where everyone feels valued and respected.
Dr. Katherine W. Phillips, a professor at the Columbia Business School, once said, “We need diversity if we are to change, grow, and innovate.” This rings true in Eureka Springs every day. We don’t just talk about change; we live it. We volunteer, participate, and actively work to make our community a better place for everyone. We walk the talk.
The Power of Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are not just ideals to strive for; they are essential for progress. The benefits are clear: greater innovation, improved decision-making, and stronger community bonds. Here in Eureka Springs, we embody these principles, creating a thriving, inclusive environment that welcomes all. In such a polarized society, it's so refreshing to be in a place that is so unified on many levels.
So, as you reflect on the importance of diversity in your own life, remember this: variety truly is the spice of life. And in Eureka Springs, we’ve perfected the recipe. Come visit us IN ARKANSAS and experience the magic for yourself—you might just find that something, (or someone) that "clicks" for you, too.
Here, we remain perfectly perched in these beautiful Ozarks surrounded by the grand, green curves of Mother Nature and we truly believe that this place is sacred. One visit is all it will take for you to feel that hard-to-explain, magical tug on your soul - connecting you to this corner of the world. Nowadays, it remains to be said that the rejuvenating spring waters that continue to flow below the downtown Historic District and the surrounding Historic Loop continue to emit these mystical, magical energies that tug at your soul, ground you and connect you.
Arkansas may be a red state, but here in Eureka Springs, we're a rainbow town. Welcome to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.❤️
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