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Twenty years ago, OU alumna Cinthya Allen drove past the âWelcome to Normanâ sign on Flood Avenue for the first time as a resident. For Allen, the sign symbolizes inclusivity â a trait she believes defines her community.
Normanâs nuanced history with diversity is apparent in its history as a âsundown townâ â which city councilors officially apologized for in 2020. A town that once excluded Black people from its residence now recognizes a Hispanic woman â and native of Chihuahua, Mexico â in a leadership position.Â
In its most recent meeting, the Norman City Council introduced Allen as Normanâs first chief diversity and equity officer â a position established in parallel to the City of Oklahoma City â charging her with molding Norman into the âinclusive city that we say we are,â she said.