The story of the City of Huntsville’s Office of Multicultural Affairs in 2025 is one of momentum that began with new leadership and continued with new and existing initiatives, cultural celebrations and remembrances.
The year opened with a significant transition as Mayor Tommy Battle appointed Dr. Randy Barbour to lead the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, a position previously held by Kenny Anderson.
Not long after, the Huntsville City Council formally renamed the department the Office of Multicultural Affairs, a change that reflected both the City’s evolving approach and the office’s expanding mission.
More than a rebrand, the shift signaled a renewed focus on bringing people together, strengthening civic understanding and creating spaces for Huntsville’s many cultures and perspectives.
New initiatives
One of the most impactful additions was the City’s first Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council , designed to give young residents a seat at the table in local government. High school students from across Huntsville were invited to apply to learn about civic processes and share their recommendations directly with City leadership.
The Council emerged as a promising investment in the City’s future leaders and an example of how inclusive engagement can begin early.
The Office also introduced a new Community Conversations series, creating intentional space for residents to come together to discuss complex topics. One of the first conversations focused on poverty and strengthening Huntsville’s safety net that helped grow understanding.
Continued commitment
Long-standing initiatives continued to thrive. The Civic Engagement Academy remained a flagship offering, giving residents behind-the-scenes insight into City departments, budgeting, public safety and local decision-making.
The Office also continued its partnership with Community Awareness for Youth (CAFY) for the CAFY Back-to-School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway , a major initiative which celebrated 14 years as both a community organization and an annual event in 2025. The event gathered approximately 1,500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies and provided food boxes to deserving families from across north Alabama.
From the annual Community Kite Festival and the Special Olympics at Milton Frank Stadium to sponsoring a record-breaking year of Jazz in the Park in downtown Huntsville, the Office helped ensure that annual community events remained accessible and reflective of Huntsville’s inclusive spirit.
Cultural celebrations and remembrance
Thousands gathered in Big Spring Park for Juneteenth , honoring freedom, resilience and Black history, while iFest once again transformed the Jaycees Community Building into a celebration of music, food and culture. These events created opportunities for cross-cultural connections and shared pride in over 70 different nationalities represented in Huntsville.
The Office also supported the City’s commemoration of National Buffalo Soldiers Day at Cavalry Hill, which honored the service and sacrifice of African Americans who have served in all of the nation’s wars. In December, free Huntsville Transit rides for Rosa Parks Day offered a meaningful tribute to civil rights history while reinforcing the importance of accessible public transportation.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs was defined by both action and intention in 2025. New leadership set a clear direction. New programs opened doors. Existing initiatives deepened trust. And through it all, the Office remained rooted in its mission: to encourage understanding and goodwill and to promote community engagement, multicultural education, leadership development and social justice education between and among Huntsville’s international citizens and those native-born to our community.
