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History

The City of Hickory Community Relations Council (CRC) was established in 1963. Although many changes have taken place in our community since then, promoting diversity and tolerance of others is still our primary focus.
 

Mission

• To promote positive relationships within our community through dialogue, education, programs, and resources.

Objectives

• To facilitate dialogue and encourage fellowship among diverse groups within our community.
• To provide educational opportunities for the community through partnerships, media, and outreach programs.
• To evaluate programming on a continual basis to include grants, events, and outreach.
• To identify all available resources, to successfully implement ways to utilize those resources, and to assess the outcomes of programs and events.

Human Relations Awards

The annual Human Relations Awards are designed to recognize any individual, youth, organization, or business that has gone above and beyond in promoting good human relations in the City of Hickory. 

CRC Project Grants

The Community Relations Council provides grants for projects or programs that directly support the CRC's mission. Priority will, generally, be given to projects that are designed to deliver the greatest impact on positive human relations, that are most effective in bringing different sub-communities of Hickory together, and that provide services and resources to the people who can most benefit. Applications are reviewed twice a year (spring and fall).

The CRC is currently accepting grant applications for the Fall 2026 grant cycle. Complete and submit the application below by noon on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, for consideration. Read the press release for additional information.

Fall 2026 CRC Grant Application 

Hickory Multicultural Festival

The Community Relations Council annually hosts the Hickory Multicultural Festival in downtown Hickory. This vibrant community event celebrates the many cultures that make Hickory unique, highlighting art, music, dance, food, and traditions from around the world. Attendees enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to learn from local organizations.

Membership

The CRC consists of 16 members, two of which are high school students and two of which shall be differently-abled or physically challenged. No more that 5 of the 14 members shall be of any one racial/ethnic background.

If you are interested in serving on the CRC, please complete a Board and Commission Membership Application. All appointments are made by the Hickory City Council.

CRC meets on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held at Hickory Police Headquarters unless otherwise noted.

Staff Liaison

Captain Justin Levey
jlevey@hickorync.gov 
828-261-2617
 

Past Projects

• Annual Grant Cycles
• Building on Faith
• Building Community from Diversity
• Hmong New Year's Celebration
• Immigration Forum
• Diversity presentations to schools and neighborhood groups
• Diversity directory
• Partnerships with local non-profit agencies assisting new arrivals in the Greater Hickory Metro
• Diversity training sessions
• Community movie nights
• International Spring Fest in partnership with the Hickory International Council