Dear fellow Black friends, LGBTQIA+ friends, and allies,
As June unfolds, we are met with two pivotal celebrations: Juneteenth and Pride Month. These occasions are not mere entries on a calendar; they embody our collective struggles and triumphs. We stand today on the shoulders of giants who, through their sacrifices—harms endured, lives lost, fights waged, and protests voiced—have propelled us to this moment. It falls upon us to honor their legacy by perpetuating the work they initiated. Now, more than ever, we must stand resolute, shun complacency, and fervently demand justice in every facet of our lives.
Juneteenth: A Testament of Strength
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." —Maya Angelou, celebrated Black poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar.
Juneteenth, the celebration of freedom, is a stark reminder of our nation's past sins and the relentless determination of the African American community and their co-conspirators to break free from the chains that bound them. We must confront the uncomfortable truths of our history and acknowledge the ongoing fight for equality and justice. We must ban together and refuse to let Juneteenth be relegated to the sidelines or diluted in significance. It demands our attention, action, and unwavering commitment to dismantle systemic oppression.
“Juneteenth is another moment for me and my loved ones to build an archive of truth and experience of (ourselves) Black folks.” —Tatiana Glover, influential Black Gen Z creative entrepreneur, multidisciplinary designer, and digital creator.
Recommended Reading: "The Stories from My Grandmother's Hands" by Resmaa Menakem
I recommend reading "The Stories from My Grandmother's Hands" by Resmaa Menakem to explore the themes of healing further as we move forward. This powerful book offers insights into racialized trauma and provides practical exercises for healing individual and collective wounds. By acknowledging our past and engaging in the work of healing, we can pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
Pride Month: A Call to Action
"Every single courageous act of coming out chips away at the curse of homophobia. Most importantly, it's destroyed within yourself, and that one act creates the potential for its destruction where it exists in friends, family, and society."—Anthony Venn-Brown, gay ambassador, LGBTQIA+ advocate, speaker, and author of “A Life of Unlearning.”
Pride Month is not just a celebration; it's a battle cry against discrimination and prejudice. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community in the face of bigotry and hate. This Pride Month, let’s refuse to be silenced or sidelined. We must advocate for visibility, equality, and acceptance for all. We should reject half-hearted gestures and boldly request meaningful change. Pride is not just a parade; it's a protest. It's a declaration that we will not rest until every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect.
“Queer people don't grow up as ourselves, we grow up playing a version of ourselves that sacrifices authenticity to minimize humiliation and prejudice. The massive task of our adult lives is to unpick which parts of ourselves are truly us and which parts we've created to protect us. " —Alexander Leon, UK-based Australian LGBTQIA+ activist.
Recommended Readings for Pride Month: "I Hope We Choose Love" by Kai Cheng Thom and "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson
As we navigate the complexities of Pride Month, I recommend diving into "I Hope We Choose Love" by Kai Cheng Thom. This poignant collection of personal essays and prose poems delves deep into the questions that haunt social movements today. With eloquence and honesty, Thom addresses topics such as violence, complicity, family, vengeance, and forgiveness, offering heartfelt solutions that resonate with the spirit of Pride. Let us explore these pages together, seeking inspiration and guidance as we continue our journey towards a more just and inclusive world.
I also recommend "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson. Through a series of personal essays, Johnson, a prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist, shares his journey from childhood to adolescence to college years. Set against the backdrop of New Jersey and Virginia, this memoir beautifully weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys. From poignant memories of resilience in the face of adversity to heartwarming moments of love and acceptance, Johnson's narrative is powerful. Let us embrace this opportunity to learn, empathize, and celebrate the rich diversity of our community.
Taking Action: Our Collective Responsibility
In the spirit of Juneteenth and Pride Month, we must move beyond platitudes and into action. It's not enough to simply acknowledge these milestones; we must actively work towards a more just and inclusive society. We must educate ourselves, amplify historically excluded voices, and confront injustice wherever it may lurk. The time for complacency is over. The time for action is now.
When was the last time you checked in with a Black or LQBTQIA+ friend, coworker, or neighbor and asked if they were well? Have you recently educated yourself on the disproportionate barriers they face?
Let’s commit to being allies and supporters every day and do our best to speak up when our historically excluded community members are overlooked, not just during these commemorative months. I urge you to start today—reach out, listen, learn, and advocate for change in your community.
Together, we can build a future where freedom and equality are not just aspirations but realities. Let us stand firm, united in our commitment to justice and liberation.
With unwavering determination and hope,
Founder and CEO
Catalyze and Cultivate Consulting
Events & News Roundup
Celebrating Pride: Q&A with Josh Selo of Bill Wilson Center
On June 11, I read an enlightening interview with Josh Selo, MBA, CFRE, CEO of Bill Wilson Center and my Co-VP at Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global) Silicon Valley Chapter, with Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). In honor of Pride Month, Josh sat down with SVCF to discuss Bill Wilson Center’s efforts to support LGBTQIA+ youth. Bill Wilson Center is a nonprofit community-based organization providing housing, education, counseling, and advocacy services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in Santa Clara County.
I was especially moved to learn more about the challenges our LGBTQIA+ community members face, such as bullying and mental health issues, and inspired by Bill Wilson Center’s initiatives to provide support for these individuals. Through tailored services and advocacy, the organization aims to empower LGBTQIA+ youth beyond Pride Month and foster year-round pride and acceptance.
“The White Card” Staged Reading by Claudia Rankine, Hosted by Asbury United Methodist Church
On June 18, I attended a run of “The White Card” at the Livermore-Ashbury Church, one of the community’s events celebrating Juneteenth this year. Claudia Rankine's "The White Card" is a one-act play that delves into the complexities of racial discourse in America, questioning whether society can truly progress if the concept of whiteness remains unexamined and invisible.
I found this discussion validating the experiences I’ve personally faced as a Black woman in America, and Claudia’s presentation was emotionally moving. I felt called to foster more open conversations about this pressing topic and thought of more ways I could have these dialogues with all members of my community and help educate individuals who are not aware of the challenges and barriers we face.
Brentwood Juneteenth Celebration Event
I had the incredible opportunity to attend Brentwood's inaugural Juneteenth celebration at City Park on June 19th. I had so much fun watching the talented performers, tasting delicious foods from the vendors, and seeing the engaging activities for all ages come alive.
This is one of the many events on Juneteenth that honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates Black culture and history. Highlights included powerful performances by Steven Green and the Lifeline, inspiring spoken word by Monique McCoy, and the incredible Liberty High School Drumline. The Downtown Brentwood Freedom Walk and various community booths provided educational insights, while the American Red Cross hosted a successful blood drive. We were also blessed with a fantastic show by the incredibly talented musician, Lenny Williams, hosted by Kevin "Cuz Kev" Brown. It was a day of unity, joy, and reflection, and I’m truly grateful to have participated in an event with my community that brought us closer together.
“Making a Difference: Connecting Sustainability to Our Daily Lives” and “The Anticipated Career Journeys in Global Health” Chief New York Event
I was pleased to be together with the amazing Chief community at the New York office yesterday. It's always a pleasure connecting with Renée Jones, MBA, PMP®. Shana Peete (She/Her/Ella) joined as well. We attended another engaging discussion, “Making a Difference: Connecting Sustainability to Our Daily Lives” and “The Anticipated Career Journeys in Global Health”—they were both inspiring and impactful conversations.
I am grateful to Maria Rosati and Delali A. for hosting such insightful sessions. Their dedication and expertise truly made a difference.
In celebration of Pride Month, I also had the pleasure of participating in a Pride Month Cocktail Hour and LGBTQIA+ Community Conversations with my fellow LGBTQIA+ Chief members and allies.
Sneak Peek Ahead
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Presents 2024 Women & Pride Social Hour: Celebrating PRIDE
Date and Time: Thursday, June 27th, 2024 | 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET
Virtual Event
LGBTQ+ Pride Month, held during the month of June, celebrates and commemorates the struggle towards progress and equality sparked by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a significant tipping point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The upcoming, virtual WBENC Women & Pride Community Social Hour will provide a safe space to connect with like-minded peers, foster relationships, and combat feelings of isolation while celebrating all LGBTQ+ identities. Bring your favorite women-owned beverage and come prepared to engage in authentic conversations meant to advance and amplify the LBGTQ+ business community.
We invite all women business owners and corporate professionals who identify as LGBTQ+ to attend the Women & Pride Social Hour! This session is open to all; LGBTQ+ allies are welcome to attend.
Women & Pride is an outreach and development program designed to support and strengthen the community of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and corporate professionals within the WBENC network and beyond. Learn more about Women & Pride here.
You can register to attend via this link: https://wbenc.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d0d868a41ef2985ae067b7cbd&id=511e85ed05&e=73bfb71b37.
We hope to see you there!
Comments