SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Huntsville has a new director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
That department may also be getting a new name.
The City Council approved Mayor Tommy Battle’s appointment of Alabama A&M Professor Randy Barbour to the position.
District 1 City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins and District 3 City Councilwoman Jennie Robinson are expected to sponsor a resolution at the Council’s Jan. 23 meeting renaming the department Multicultural Affairs.
The Alabama Legislature last year enacted a law that limits DEI programs within state agencies, public universities, and public boards of education. But it does not limit cities or private companies that are not state funded.
In appointing Barbour, the mayor said it was important to “hire people who are team players who want to work with our community.”
“I need people who will work with others for the good of the community,” Battle said. “He has shown his ability to do this. He has shown he will do this. I really look forward to him joining the team.”
Barbour, who previously served as assistant professor of psychology at Alabama A&M University, brings extensive experience from positions held at the Harris Home for Children, North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence and The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
The city conducted a nationwide search to find its new director.
“Dr. Barbour will bring a fresh perspective on an office with a simple but critical mission, to make life better for everyone,” Battle said. “We are looking forward to his leadership and vision.”
The mayor said he wanted “a community person, somebody who knew this community and wouldn’t take two years to know people and who the leadership was out there and who he needed to work with. He comes to us already knowing this community.”
As ODEI Director, Barbour will continue the office’s mission of developing partnerships and programs and providing services in collaboration with local city agencies to create a vibrant and inclusive community where all people feel appreciated and valued.
“As a lifelong resident, I understand the importance of ensuring that every member of our community has access to the opportunities that come with Huntsville’s growth and prosperity,” Barbour said. “I am grateful to Mayor Battle for entrusting me with this vital role and would like to thank Mr. Kenny Anderson and Ms. Brenda Martin for laying a strong foundation. My goal is to build upon their efforts and continue moving the needle forward for the development and success of our city.”
Anderson and Martin previously held the position.
Robinson said she wants a name change to the department Barbour will lead to reflect “what it really does, which is provide an inclusive community.”
“I think DEI is an HR function,” the councilwoman said. “It’s about checking boxes and checking numbers. Really, what that department does is pull people in and pull people together and make them feel part of the community and then create opportunities for all of us to grow together.”
