By Juliana Morello, Pittsburgh Latino Magazine

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, raised in East Liberty, has the unique ability to compare Pittsburgh now to what it was like when he was growing up. In an interview with Pittsburgh Latino Magazine founder, Maria Manautou-Matos, Gainey talked about the importance of celebrating the different cultures found in Pittsburgh and the various ways our city is improving its diversity.

To showcase the diversity found within our own city, Gainey and the city of Pittsburgh are hosting a variety of events and campaigns which will demonstrate that they’re “still making the city more welcoming for everybody.”

Pittsburgh’s second annual International Day Parade and Festival was held this past Saturday, June 8, at 12 pm. According to Engage Pittsburgh, the parade and festival aims to celebrate “the rich heritage of the different nationalities who call Pittsburgh home, whether new to the area or living here for generations.”

Of the event, Gainey said “having this parade gives us an opportunity to show this city just how diverse we’re becoming.” He also added that in order to do this, “we have to celebrate culture,” and that “we want people to see that we do respect your culture.”

Other diversity-focused programs that the mayor mentioned, which are changing the face of Pittsburgh as we know it, include the Pittsburgh Paints Art Initiative, a program Gainey’s own wife founded, and a campaign for diversity in public safety.

Juliana Morello is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Juliana is interning with Pittsburgh Latino Magazine.