Welcome to the National Multicultural Diversity Institute (NMDI)
DR.Cleorah Scruggs-DeBose
When Dr. Cleorah Scruggs-DeBose began teaching elementary school in Flint, Michigan, in 1970, she quickly noticed the curriculum lacked diversity. She often spent her evenings researching diverse perspectives to incorporate into her lessons. "I didn't want [my students] to go through school without understanding their own culture and other cultures, and how we can live together in peace, not in pieces," says Scruggs-DeBose.
​
By the early 1990s, she collaborated with the National Education Association (NEA) to create a multicultural curriculum guide and successfully advocated for the third Monday in October to be recognized as National Multicultural Diversity Day. Although she retired in 2000, her dedication to diversity education continued. In 1993, she founded the National Multicultural Diversity Day and Institute (NMDI), a volunteer-led nonprofit that promotes cultural awareness, understanding, and respect.
​
NMDI organizes local concerts, festivals, workshops, and Multicultural Diversity Day forums. The organization also develops curricula for area schools, the local Boys & Girls Club, and places of worship, while providing educational scholarships to students in need. Reflecting on her work, Scruggs-DeBose notes, "A lot still needs to be done in the area of multicultural diversity, but we've made some gains." NMDI offers both in-person and virtual programs to continue its mission.
About Us
At the National Multicultural Diversity Institute (NMDI), we believe that inclusivity, equality, and the recognition of every individual’s worth are the foundation of thriving communities. Our mission? To make sure everyone has a seat at the table—because every voice matters.
​
We bring this mission to life through immersive workshops, powerful exhibits, and thought-provoking events featuring renowned speakers who champion unity through diversity. NMDI is a growing movement dedicated to transforming hearts and minds by celebrating culture, identity, and connection.
Fueled by passion, our team—including the unwavering support of Phyllis Clark, the wisdom of our spiritual advisor, and the partnership of co-founder Paul Lawrence DeBose—works tirelessly to spark meaningful change. Every event, every book, every conversation is a step toward a more inclusive future.
Explore our collection of books—each one an extension of our mission. They’re not just resources; they’re invitations to learn, reflect, and lead with empathy.
​
👉 Ready to be part of something bigger? Support the movement. Embrace the message. Join NMDI.
Education & Teaching Highlights
-
Doctorate of Divinity, Midwest Theological University
-
Master of Arts in Education Administration, University of Akron
↳ Master’s Thesis: “Identification of Beginning Teachers’ Problems” -
Biblical Master's Diploma
-
Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan–Flint
-
Instructor, Flint Community Schools, Mott Adult High School (GED), Charles Harrison Mason Bible College
-
Instructor & Mentor, Evangelist Missionary Training – Merle Ruth Cranford Women’s Training (Great Lakes First Jurisdiction)
Leadership & Community Impact
-
Founder of NMDI’s Caring & Sharing Community Outreach
(Originally “Christmas in October”) -
Vision Presenter for COGIC’s National “Christmas in November” Outreach
(Presented to Bishop C. Owens & Bishop R.L. Jones) -
Speaker & Workshop Leader, International COGIC Holy Convocation – Boaz Found Me Singles Seminars
-
Education Coordinator, Harris Memorial COGIC
Memberships & Affiliations
-
Life Member: National Education Association (NEA)
-
Life Member: Michigan Education Association (MEA)
-
Golden Life Member: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Awards
​
-
Business & Professions Women Educational Sojourner Truth Award
-
National Education Association - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award
-
Michigan Education Association Flint, MI - Multicultural Education and Excellence Education Award
-
University of Akron-Alumni Award
-
C.O.G.I.C. National Fine Arts Scholarship Department Award
-
Flint Human Relations, Drum Major, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award
Our Programs
The National Multicultural Diversity Institute (NMDI) creates transformative programs that celebrate culture, build empathy, and promote inclusion through education.
We believe in the power of awareness, representation, and connection to shape a more inclusive society—starting with youth, schools, and communities.