February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month and our co-Founder Ilsa Govan shares her thoughts on its origin and relevance to today in her blog post, Black History Month and Fugitive Pedagogy: Strategic Resistance to Oppression. In the post, Ilsa explains,
"In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) launched the first Negro History Week...Some people think of this month as a marginalization of the history we should be learning all year, but Woodson and his colleagues used the week to spotlight liberatory practices that were taking place year-round and to drive change...
Woodson’s idea of fugitive pedagogy, organized collectives of Black educators teaching curriculum that combatted anti-Blackness and was illegal in many states, feels just as relevant and needed today. There are lessons we can learn from our past where educators risked their lives to make sure people young and old understood and celebrated Black accomplishments while teaching the truth about institutional racism in their history and present lives."
To read the full post by Ilsa, please visit our blog.
Honor Black History Month
Last year, we shared some resources for ways you can honor this month in your communities, at work, and at school. You can read last year's blog post about Black History Month here and be sure to check our community calendar for any special events related to this month.
You can also make an extra effort to support Black businesses with Intentionalist's Buy Black Card which you can use at Black owned businesses throughout the Puget Sound and receive a 20% discount (underwritten by BECU). We interviewed Intentionalist's Founder, Laura Clise, a couple of years ago to talk about why supporting local small businesses is essential to our communities' well-being. Check out the interview here.
Executive Orders and DEIBelonging
Like many of you, we're concerned with the Executive Orders (EO) being issued by the new administration and are having internal conversations about them, particularly the EO specific to DEI. Our Racial Equity Consultant, Dr. J.P. Anderson, who has a background in political science and law, shares his insights about the EO in his blog post, Executive Orders Can Be Scary. Here is What You Need to Know. Dr. Anderson writes,
"I have encountered a lot of confusion regarding the scope and authority of executive orders, and my aim here is to provide some clarity. Given that many of these executive orders target socially marginalized communities, I would hope to also provide some reassurance that the American system of rights and limited government will prevent abuses of presidential authority. However, American history is replete with instances of executive overreach, and the administration’s executive orders will test the resolve of our public institutions and political system."
He goes on to explain how EOs work, what mechanisms our government has in place to prevent overreach of power, and what we, as citizens, can do about it. Head on over to our blog to read the full post so that you can be informed and access resources to help you take action.
Some Other Things You Can Do
With the breadth and speed of EOs issued within the first few days of the new administration, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Feeling this way can sometimes be paralyzing. While taking time to process our emotions is important, here are some actions you can take to navigate these times.
Craft a Statement of Commitment to DEIB
Cultures Connecting recently worked with the law firm of Schroeter Goldmark & Bender to take them through the process of brainstorming ideas for their DEIB statement, which they gave us permission to share below.
They provided feedback to us about the process stating, "Through your workshops, we were able to discover what truly matters to our firm. The collaborative process helped us craft a statement that we're genuinely proud of and that authentically represents our values."
Consider crafting a statement of commitment based on your values as an organization. Whether you work with a consultant like us or do it on your own, going through the process will help renew your commitment to your values, align your company's efforts, and serve as a guide for decision making.
The DEI Resistance Playbook
Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, an organizational psychologist and DEI consultant, recently published The DEI Resistance Playbook: A Toolkit for Strategic Impact, which you can download. According to Dr. Asare, "this comprehensive 30-page resource is designed to empower practitioners, leaders, and changemakers to tackle challenges, foster equity, and create sustainable progress."
Community Care
The current administration has threatened to conduct mass deportations of immigrants, creating a hostile environment for People of Color, particularly Latines. The NW Immigrants Rights Project has compiled information and resources "to help you understand your rights when interacting with various law enforcement officials and officers. It is important to be aware of your rights and the rights of fellow community members."
Seek Community
Being in community to support one another as we continue to practice creative ways to enact justice is more important than ever. Our DEIBelonging Calendar is a resource we regularly update to keep you connected to workshops and events happening in our area and virtually beyond. You can see what's coming up at the end of this newsletter or visit our website to see our full calendar.
Flash Drives Sale Continues
We were so happy with all of your flash drive orders when we announced our sale last month! While we sold quite a few, we still have inventory so will continue the sale throughout this month or until we run out.
Grow your DEIBelonging toolbox with some of our favorite activities for facilitating activities about race. The lanyard with buckle features a USB A flash drive and includes detailed instructions with lesson plans, Powerpoint slides, templates, slideshow quotes, inspirational poems, and other resources.
Our flash drive typically sells for $35 but we are offering it at a discount for $25 which includes free shipping!
It's a new month which means taking a look at our Diversity Calendar to look at significant dates to consider when planning meetings or events to create greater inclusion. Click on the name of the day to learn more.
2/01: National Freedom Day (United States)
2/01-02: Imbolc (Neo-Pagan)
2/01: Setsubun-sai (Shinto)
2/12: Magha Puja Day (Buddhist)
2/14: Valentine's Day (International)*
2/17: President's Day (United States)
2/19:Â Day of Remembrance (Japanese Incarceration)Â (United States)
2/20: World Day of Justice (International)
2/25-26: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
2/28-30: Ramadan (Islamic)
*Be mindful that not all students observe this holiday.
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!
2/04:Â NAMI BIPOC Support Group
2/05:Â SURJ: Gear Up Training for White People to Fight Back Under Trump
2/05:Â Recover! Fundamental Mindfulness Practices
2/06:Â New Ancestors Coaching Group for White People Seeking to Center Anti-Racism in Our Lives
2/06:Â Black History Month Movie Night: Aftershock
2/06: NAMI LGBTQ+ Support Group
2/08:Â The Oprah Effect: A Conversation w/Black Women Media Trailblazers
2/09: Unmasking Whiteness
2/09: Climate Circle at Duwamish Longhouse
2/10: Teach the Black Freedom Struggle Online Class
2/10: People's Institute Northwest Organizing Meeting
2/11: Facilitation Skills Fundamentals Online
2/11: Men of Melanin: BIPOC Healing Circles
2/15:Â Tender Work: An Ongoing Affinity Circle for People Identifying as White
...and so much more! Visit our Events Calendar to see the most up-to-date full schedule.