In Recognition Of Black History Month
This Wisdom Story is based on something I wrote to be shared by Palm Beach Indivisibles, a political activism group of which I am a leader. I reproduce it here, with a few changes for SWC.
Black History Month honors the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our country’s history (paraphrasing the words of President Gerald Ford).
I wonder:
•Why does this acknowledgement occur only once a year?
•Shouldn’t Black innovators, leaders and trailblazers be honored all year?
•Is this annual event an excuse to allow people to ignore the disparities that adversely impact Black people compared to other Americans all year, year after year?
•Isn’t it preferable to recognize Black history — and the contributions of Black people — all year round?
SWC is dedicated to making sure that what we do at SWC supports anti-racism.
In this regard, I have learned about what it means to be an ally.
Anyone has the potential to be an ally.
Because an ally might have more privilege, they can be powerful voices alongside oppressed ones.
One can be an ally even without fully understanding what it’s like to be oppressed based on race or ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, class, religion, or other marker of identity.
Being an ally means you’re taking on the struggle as your own.
In honor of Black History Month, SWC encourages you to take action by donating some amount, large or small, every month for a year to a non-profit organization that is an agent of change working for inclusion, civil rights, equity, justice, education, and a better tomorrow.
Here are some organizations to consider supporting:
Fair Fight: https://fairfight.com/
Thurgood Marshall College Fund: https://www.tmcf.org/
Black AIDS Institute: https://blackaids.org/
Black Girls Code: https://www.blackgirlscode.com/
100 Black Men of America: https://100blackmen.org/donate/
Boys and Girls Club of America: Boys and Girls Club of America
We will continue to explore what it means for you to be an agent of positive change, whatever that means to you, through different SWC classes, events and workshops throughout the year.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
With love and light,
Denise