Black Herstory & Black Futures Month
On Community Violence:
Violence against our black and brown community members continues to show up around us. There is an othering, sometimes a hate, and truly, a diminishing of dignity of our neighbors, friends, and selves which has been embedded into our culture, minds, hearts, and bodies. This we must continue to resist and fight against, and heal from.
Inquiry: What small and bigger gestures and actions do you build into your regular practices and work culture that affirm black liberation alongside your own liberation?
On Liberation for Black Lives:
Liberation for Black Lives matters every day. The rest of this winter as we engage with ourselves and in community, may we open ourselves to soften where we can, to learn something new, and to bring awe and curiosity to this moment in our collective history/herstory.
Inquiry: During Black History/Herstory Month and Black Futures Month and beyond, what is calling of you and others? How can this be held in community?
This is a good time to recommit to DEJI/DEI/EDI work in your organization and teams.
To explore new funding sources to support needs.
To talk about what’s happening in Florida and the College Boards decision to cut down African American Studies A.P. curriculum
To check in with teams and staff who are engaging in culture building work and to offer ways to support them.
To explore purchasing processes and ways you can purchase locally, and by Black, Indigenous and People of Color vendors (i.e. with ShopBIPOC).
To learn about movements for #BlackFutures and healing opportunities in our communities.
Learn: Clip from Black Embodiment Institute – Alta Starr #LineagesofEmbodiment #BlackFutures
Colorado-Specific: Please check out what has been happening to Mallery Family, a black veteran and farmer in Colorado Springs being targeted by racism and cruelty at the hands of neighbors and the surrounding systems. Fuller article on what's been happening is here and a petition to raise awareness. Consider donating. All donations will go to enhanced security that cannot be jammed, privacy fence, electric fence and legal fees. Any donation will help with this fight they face.