News Summary
Myrtle Beach has officially repurposed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office to form the Community Engagement office. This change aims to expand outreach and promote inclusivity. Kelvin Waites, the former DEI director, has been appointed as the new Community Engagement Director. Despite some skepticism from former officials, the city emphasizes its commitment to fostering community connections and a welcoming environment. With recent achievements in diversity ratings, Myrtle Beach is poised to enhance its efforts in serving a diverse population.
Myrtle Beach Revamps DEI Office into Community Engagement Hub
Myrtle Beach is making waves with exciting changes in its management team! The city has officially reshaped its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office into what is now called the Community Engagement office. This shift marks a significant transformation for the city, as it continues to prioritize inclusivity and community outreach.
Old to New: A Name Change with Purpose
Although the name is changing, the city leadership insists that the focus on diversity and inclusiveness is more important than ever. The change reflects a broader approach to community connection and engagement. With this new role, Kelvin Waites, who originally served as the DEI director starting in January 2022, is stepping into his new title as the first Community Engagement Director of Myrtle Beach.
It’s worth noting that Waites took a brief excursion to Georgetown, only to return this past November 2023, ready to tackle new challenges. With the restructuring, he will now oversee several key functions including Neighborhood Services, Human Resources, Workforce Housing, and Nuisance and Abatement. This expanded role indicates a commitment to promoting a more inclusive environment throughout various city departments.
Quality Index Achievements
In August 2024, Myrtle Beach received an impressive score of 100 from the Human Rights Commission’s Municipality Quality Index. This achievement put the city on the map as a model for others in how to effectively implement DEI initiatives. City officials are eager to build upon this momentum and keep improving how they serve all city residents and visitors.
Reactions to the Changes
On the other hand, city representatives have reassured the public that the restructuring isn’t a reaction to national discussions surrounding DEI policies. Instead, they assert that their previous strategies will continue, emphasizing their commitment to inclusive hiring practices that serve a diverse population.
More Than Just a New Name
A Commitment to Community
As Myrtle Beach continues to navigate these changes, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape community interactions, but one thing is clear – the city is ready for a new chapter!
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach DEI Director News
- Horry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Engagement
- WBTW News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Community Engagement
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
