Shelly Weil, organizer of "A World of Diversity - A City of Harmony" Delray Beach Map Project draws a fine line to a country of origin for a Delray Beach resident.
On Aug. 24, 2006 the “World of Diversity – A City of Harmony” map project began with 16 dedicated individuals and the cty of Delray Beach, Delray Beach Public Library, the Zion Study Circle, Anti-Defamation League, The Delray Beach Historical Society, Expanding and Preserving our Cultural Heritage, the S.D. Spady Museum and the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History.
Now, on the first floor of the Delray Beach Public Library, that work is reality in the creation of a huge map of the world, representing the states and country of origins that, according to Mayor Rita Ellis, makes Delray Beach “a cultural melting pot.”
City of Delray Beach Attorney Susan Ruby, representing the Zion Study Circle, said moderators Shelly Weil, Charlotte Durante and Lori Durante were “sparkplugs” in getting the project off the ground and onto the permanent wall of the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave.
“This is a city-initiated Race Relations Study Group composed of marvelous diverse citizens, with the involvement of important organizations has produced a program for all to participate and benefit from,” Weil said.
"We're not only conscious of race relations in Delray Beach... We're a melting pot."
Daisy Fulton, executive director of the S.D. Spady Museum and EPOCH, is a native of Delray Beach. She said she grew up here, but that it's important for everyone to realize "we're all together and one community."
"One sense of community. Pride and unity," Fulton said.

The creators of the map project come from all races and walks of life, but share one common thread: They all live and work in the city of Delray Beach.