Bookstore Wins City Diversity Award

On January 19, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Tempe's Human Relations Commission hosted its Fourth Annual Diversity Awards ceremony to honor and celebrate individuals and organizations from the community who demonstrated a commitment to diversity. The 28-year-old Changing Hands Bookstore was among those honored with the 2002 Diversity Award in the Business category.

The featured speaker for the celebration was Arun Gandhi, grandson to Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian activist. Arun Gandhi is the founder of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in Memphis, Tennessee.

Master of Ceremonies Frank Camacho, weekend news co-anchor of KTVK-3 TV in Phoenix, presented the awards and gave the following introduction as two of the store's co-owners, Gayle Shanks and Bob Sommer, stepped up to the dais:

In 1974, the Changing Hands Bookstore opened its doors as an expression of its owners' vision to create a socially responsible, environmentally sound business, and a community gathering place. The Changing Hands commitment to diversity is woven integrally throughout every aspect of the store. The store maintains the broadest spectrum of diversity through its diverse employee base, the presence of which creates an enhanced sense of comfort for customers who visit the store. The store also maintains a diverse collection for readers of all ages. In its first year, the store purchased non-sexist children's books for those parents eager to promote a more progressive mindset. The children's section continues to receive considerable attention, with much care given to reading material which portrays diverse experiences of children throughout the world, encouraging life-affirming values and providing guidance on difficult issues which face our children today. Even the gift items available reflect a love of cultures and a recognition of the diversity that enriches our lives. To name only a few, the calendars, music, cards, and handcrafts all represent rich and vibrant cultures of the world.

On any given month community members can take part in musical performances, poetry readings, discussion groups, book signings, lectures, language classes, support groups, and community service meetings. These events reflect not only a wide variety of activities, but are also diverse in their expression of culture, lifestyle, and other forms of human expression.

Changing Hands Bookstore gives back a portion of its profits to the Tempe community by making monthly contributions of money and/or books to service organizations and charities. For example, children who attend Scales Elementary School have the opportunity to earn "Book Bucks," which go towards the purchase of their own book. For many, it's the first in their young lives.

By creating a space where persons reflecting the diversity of human experience feel welcome and validated, by meeting their many information needs, and by providing a venue to celebrate the fullest expression of humanity, Changing Hands has, for over 27 years, offered a unique space for diversity to thrive, be affirmed, and grow.

Sommer told BTW that they were inspired after hearing about the accomplishments of other awardees. "The other award in the Business category was for the Holiday Inn in Tempe -- it's independently owned. They donated a van to transport homeless people, and they offer free rooms to victims of domestic violence and their families. Also, a Congregational Church and an Islamic center received a joint award -- after September 11, when the Center was threatened, the church offered its space for the mosque's childcare. We were pleased to be included in that group."

-- Nomi Schwartz