The City of Paramount has always placed a high value on diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. These values have guided the City’s efforts to bring the community together and have shaped Paramount into the connected city it is today.
One of the most notable examples of this dedication is Unity in the Community, a resident-led initiative designed to drive meaningful conversations about issues affecting the community. While the program regained attention in 2020, its roots extend back several years and showcase Paramount’s belief that progress always starts with dialogue.
The first discussions were organized in 2016 in response to a tide of police shootings on the national level. At a time when communities across the country were struggling with division and uncertainty, Paramount created a space where residents of all ages and backgrounds could share their concerns and experiences and come up with solutions to attain “Unity in the Community.”
In 2020, Unity in the Community discussions started again following the death of George Floyd. Rather than allowing difficult conversations to divide Paramount, a planning committee of community leaders, educators, faith-based representatives, and city staff worked together to develop a series of discussions to bring people together through constructive dialogue on the issues of racism, police relations, community involvement, and youth engagement.
Unity became more than a response to national movements; it evolved into an important part of Paramount’s growth. The conversations helped strengthen relationships between residents and institutions, encouraged civic participation and reinforced the City’s vision, mission, values and strategic outcomes.
As the City continues to evolve, the lessons learned a decade ago through Unity in the Community remain essential to Paramount’s story. It shows how community dialogue can not only inspire positive change, but shape a stronger, safer, healthier, and more attractive Paramount. As communities across the nation observe Juneteenth and reflect on the importance of inclusion, the principles that guided Unity in the Community remain as relevant as ever. For more information about Unity in the Community’s history, visit ParamountCity.gov/Unity-In-The-Community.
