This project aims to encourage and celebrate diversity in our community from an immigrant’s point of view. I grew up in a country where there isn’t much diversity. In some ways, that makes it easier for people to get along; however, new ideas or ways of thinking are hard to nurture in a society with one value system. Here in Oregon, there are growing efforts to include people from diverse backgrounds in the community, and we are all thankful. In my view, the true benefit of inclusion is having different perspectives represented. People who grow up with different backgrounds and values will likely see the world differently. A richly diverse community brings many ways of thinking to the table, and I firmly believe that it is of tremendous value. Through this project, I want to highlight the richness of diversity in this community and celebrate how diversity is already helping us. I also want to inspire the community to see the values our differences can bring to make us stronger, wiser, more empathetic, kinder and closer together. View Kenji’s full Diversity Project gallery online (password: DP123)