Metro

AROUND TOWN

Celebrating Diversity

Southfield's mayor heralds the city's unique ethnic mix.

Mayor Brenda Lawrence chats with Southfield residents Chaim Paley, 4 1/2, and his sister Tova, 3.

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bout 120 people of various races, religions and ethnic backgrounds sat side-
by-side at the Southfield Pavilion, talking, enjoying brunch and watching their
children play together. The Orthodox Jews, African Americans, Chaldeans,
Russians and other invited guests who attended the 8th annual
Day of Peace celebration Jan. 11 all had one thing in common;
they chose to live, work and raise families in the diverse city of
Southfield. The city's community-relations director describes
Southfield's roughly 78,000 residents as "a microcosm of the
United Nations!'
"I've been with the city for 22 years:' said Nimrod Rosenthal,
who was born and raised in Israel.
He and his wife, Varda, raised two sons in Southfield. One is
now a neurosurgeon in Israel; the other is a financial consultant
in Chicago.
"I like the central location, we're near all the highways:'

Joey Jubas, 13, and his father, Mark, of Southfield

Rosenthal explained. "I also like the diversity. I think that makes the city more cosmo-
politan and more interesting."
Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, the city's first female and first African American
mayor (elected in 2001), hosted the invitation-only Day of Peace event. The idea grew
out of a similar observance declared by the United Nations in 2000.
"It's an effort to make children understand the importance of peace and that we all
share things in common, even if we have different backgrounds:' said Mayor Lawrence.
"I ask them to tell me what peace means to them and to draw a picture of it. I'm always
impressed with the children and how open and passionate they are."
This past year was a big year for Southfield. The city marked its 50th anniversary.
Despite the tough economic times, Mayor Lawrence says she envisions a bright future.
"We're going to weather the storm:' she said. "We're the center of it all, especially when
it comes to development and economic growth. We need to stay strong and vibrant. We
need to make some financial adjustments and sacrifices, but we're going to continue to
grow this city."

Nimrod Rosenthal of the Southfield Community

Relations Counsel with Nedaa Hamaima of Southfield

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January 22 • 2009

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Gil and Chani Stebbins of Southfield and their children,
Jordan, 7, Elana, 4, Shayna, 7 weeks, and Mikey, 10

Southfield residents Sabina Heller and Tayadra
Cabbell and her son, Glenn Ill, 5 months