Mayor Tom Henry on Monday invited Burmese community leaders and those who work with the growing immigrant population to meet with him to discuss how to better integrate them into the community.

Henry's call comes about a week after it was made public that a sign had been put up at Ricker's City Laundry at Calhoun Street and Rudisill Boulevard reading, "For Sanitary Purposes, There Are No Burmese People Allowed."

A few dozen Burmese gathered Sunday in front of the Allen County Courthouse to ask government officials to denounce discrimination against them.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Henry said he was saddened about the sign at Ricker's, but he thanked owner Jay Ricker for addressing the issue quickly and making an apology. Ricker posted a video apology on YouTube.

Henry also said he is glad the city's Metropolitan Human Relations Commission is investigating the incident.

"I am reminded again that our community conversation about tolerance and understanding must be an ongoing one," Henry said in the statement. "Our efforts to make Fort Wayne a great place to live and a real hometown for all residents must never waver. I look forward to a constructive conversation and dialogue during the meeting about how we can create opportunities for immigrants to better integrate into our community and ways to celebrate the culture of some of our newest residents."

Henry also touted his efforts to support equality, including the opening of the city's refugee center in 2008 that serves people who move to Fort Wayne from across the globe.

"We know the challenges to newcomers are many," he said. "But for more than two centuries, our community has been enriched by the talents, skills and cultures of those that call Fort Wayne home. Our city is stronger and more vibrant because of its diversity."

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See for yourself

To read Henry's statement verbatim, click here.