Newsletter: April 2025 Issue 2
- Cultures Connecting
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Share Your Wins with the Community
As we’re navigating the current backlash against DEI and the barrage of harmful
policies against marginalized communities, it’s easy to get caught up in feeling fear and
hopelessness. To counterbalance this and to help us recognize the joy and purpose of
our work, we’ve decided to start a “Share Your Wins” segment in our newsletter and
blog.
We would love to hear from you about your small (or big) wins! Whether it’s a fruitful
conversation or an impactful change at work or at home, please submit your wins to us so that we can celebrate and uplift one another and remain hopeful knowing the work is moving forward. Share your win by completing this form.
Our first Share Your Win comes from Dr. J.P. Anderson who recently gave a keynote
presentation. He shares,
During the question-and-answer period, an older white gentleman, wearing a veteran’s hat, stood and asked me, “What is the difference between DEI and Equal Opportunity?” I noticed that the tone and delivery of the question implied he was upset. Perhaps he was trying to lob a gotcha question my way? But I quickly dismissed this assumption because there are just so many other explanations for tension in a person’s voice.
I explained that “DEI” is not a set prescription, ideology, or practice and that instead it’s most accurate to think of “DEI” as shorthand for an intention to break down barriers to opportunity and belonging. Thus, if an organization is taking diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously, then they are scanning their hiring, promotion, and retention practices for factors which exclude or impede people of color and other marginalized groups from engaging with the opportunities that organization makes available.
The man responded with an approving nod, and I took the opportunity to say a few more things: “Ideas and concepts—like equity, or ‘DEI,’” I explained, “are not more important than the people in front of us. In fact, these ideas and concepts exist to help us meet our needs, as individuals and as communities. If they are not doing that, then something has gone wrong. It doesn’t necessarily mean the idea is bad, but it might mean it’s not being used in the best way.” I went on to describe what has become, for me at least, a fundamental value guiding the work I do.
I believe this work is grounded in our shared humanity and everyday experience, that it should be bringing people together in authentic connection, belonging, and mutual respect. Racism and other biases are barriers to this connection—like painful wounds that distract us from the joy we may find in one another. Thus, anti-racist and equitable practices should enhance connection, that is, heal those wounds.
I stopped myself at this point and then noticed the man had “softened.” He was still, his body was calm. I think he felt safe. I think he may have felt that way because I had just said that I was willing to care about him, and that caring about people, rather than abstract concepts, is central to what I want to do. I think he may have expected exactly the opposite and instead, I hope he saw that I had no intention to rely on blame & shame or hostility, and that his humanity was as important to me as everyone else’s.
New! Cultures Connecting Journals
We're excited to bring you our new DEIBelonging journals to guide you on your racial justice journey.
This 102 page journal includes eight reflective prompts to guide you on your diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging journey. We also included mindfulness check-ins and other exercises to help you stay grounded in yourself and your values. Some of our favorite quotes are sprinkled throughout the journal to inspire and encourage you along the way.
We have a limited number of copies available to ship now but will be ordering more in the future. To learn more about the journal, see sample pages, and to order, click the button below.
Culturally Responsive Practices for Black Students Pt. 1
Our co-founder Ilsa Govan interviewed Dr. Caprice Hollins on culturally responsive practices in the classroom to support Black students and their families. We will be sharing short clips of wisdom from their conversation, starting with this one on what questions educators (or any leader or facilitator) should be asking themselves when engaging with students. We will share more clips from this interview in future newsletter issues so stay tuned.
South Lake Union Storefronts Artwalk with Judy Lee
Our Program Manager Judy Lee will be participating in an Artwalk hosted by the Shunpike Storefronts program. The Artwalk will be an opportunity to see the original work of eight artists, including Judy, and to hear from some of them about their work and to ask questions.
The event will be on Thursday, April 24th at 6:00pm at 1001 John St. (on the corner of John & Boren). For a list of artists and to register for this free event, visit the event page here.
Resources for Navigating the Current Political Environment
Doing DEI Without Calling it DEI Webinar
A few of our team members will be attending the "Doing DEI Without Calling it DEI" free webinar offered by Think Again Training & Consulting. This is a "solutions-focused" panel conversation where they'll share ideas and strategies for moving forward with DEI. It's being held April 30th from 10:00-11:00 PT and you can register here.
In the meantime, for a list of alternative words to DEI, check out this Instagram post by Healing Equity United. They propose a long list of words like plurality of voices, human-centered, advancing fairness, and more as alternative phrases to the politicized term DEI. Not included in our one of our favorites, belonging.
Anti-DEI Legislation Tracker
Below are several resources to track anti-DEI legislation in order to understand how the law is being used to uphold or block anti-DEI initiatives.
Extraordinary Mindfulness for Social Justice
Social justice work during these times can be stressful and leave us feeling groundless. Consider taking a mindfulness class to help you navigate these times with more intention and to stay grounded. We recommend this series from the Beyond Diversity Resource Center called "Radical Attention: Extraordinary Mindfulness for Social Justice." This 5-workshop series covers varying topics and runs weekly from April 17th through June 8th. The series includes:
Grieving the Attacks on Social Justice
Compassions for Undocumented People and Immigrants
Standing with the LGBTQ+ Community
Seeing Racism Radically
Seeing Sexism Radically
Visit their Eventbrite page for more information and to register.
Upcoming DEIB/Social Justice Events
For details on these and other events, workshops and conferences happening in the social justice space, visit our Events Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to share, please reach out to us!
4/15: Social Justice Film Festival Online
4/15: NAMI BIPOC Support Group
4/15: Celebrating BIPOC Women Behind the Camera
4/16: SURJ: Protect and Resist in the First 100 Days
4/17: Freedom Lifted: Shared Power in Supervision
4/17: SURJ Abolition Action Hour
4/17: NAMI LGBTQ+ Support Group
4/18: In the Classroom with Dr. Saheed Adejumobi, Ph.D
4/19: Black Farmers Collective Yes Farm Volunteer Day
4/19: Self Awareness: The Foundation of Productive Conflict
4/19: FIUTS CulturalFest
4/22: The Equity Consortium: Virtual Listening Circle
4/23: Race Forward: Building Racial Equity: Foundations Virtual
4/24: Seattle Black Film Festival
4/24: Community of Practice, Grief Circle
4/25: STEP UP 2025: Moving Equity Forward
4/26: 22nd Annual White Center Khmer New Year Street Festival
4/26: Duwamish Longhouse Spring Art Market
4/26: FOCS Melanin Spectrum Event
4/27: Radical Attention: Extraordinary Mindfulness for Social Justice
4/30: Doing DEI Without Calling It DEI
...and so much more! Visit our Events Calendar to see the most up-to-date full schedule.
