Check back soon
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.
Everyday Racism and a Song of Hope
Sisterly Greetings,
In the first blog post I've written for The MANY in six years(!), I decided to share what was in my email inbox today. Upon opening, I immediately saw three notices pertaining to the constant and oppressive issues of racism. Three in a row...one right after the other. I'm blogging again to get the thinking-out-loud, writing process in motion; actually motivated by the content in the three emails. I'm sharing them here because each carries its own importance to us as thinking, caring women & moms, ed-activists and "community-other" mothers.
I hope you will give each of the three your attention and for your review below, I've numbered them. There's no real commentary attached (except for #1-- from my special Imani and maybe a line in #3— I couldn't hold back.) As individuals in The MANY's community, we can decide what to do with the knowledge they impart, and also determine how we might be able to use our collective thoughts on them to spark some good in this hate-fueled world.
On another note...
because it's almost Valentine's Day, I'm posting a video link to a time in the not too distant past when hope and common, human kindness seemed possible in America. (You can hear and see it in the children's chorus and in the faces in the crowd.) It's a video of Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, his 90 y.o. Granddad, the legendary Pete Seeger and Bruce Springstein performing at Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land could certainly be today's human rights, pro-immigration anthem.
Keeping hope and love alive as best I can... and hope you are, too. Together in unity, we are our best Valentine.
Just,
- Be
One-of-the-many
#1: Imani's Survey:
This is a a research study that explores the effects of racial microaggressions on the well-being of people of color.
Imani Whitfield is my God-daughter. She's grown up around The MANY and is a brilliant young woman working to earn her doctorate in Psychology. Imani has designed a survey for her dissertation that requires our community's help. Please consider participating once you've read the following:
Hi Aunt Benita, I hope everything is going great. I have finally finished the survey for my dissertation and I was hoping that you'd send it out to your groups. Let me know if you are able to do so, and if you have any questions. I have a message below that you can share with your colleagues and friends. Love, Imani *********************************************************************** Greetings, My name is Imani Whitfield and I am currently a doctoral candidate at Pace University’s School/Clinical/Child Psychology Psy.D Program. I am conducting a research study that explores the effects of racial microaggressions on the well-being of people of color.
Participation in this survey includes answering questions about your experiences with subtle forms of racism, such as insults, snubs, rude and insensitive communications related to your racial/ethnic background. It also includes answering questions about your well-being.
The survey should take only 5-10 minutes. You must be at least 18 years or older, be currently living in the U.S., and identify as a person of color (e.g., Asian, Black/African American, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Native American) to participate. Participation is completely anonymous. If you are interested, please click on the link below for the survey and additional information. https://pace.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Bu6KYaweYeD3F3 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at: iw98627n@pace.edu. Thank you, Imani Whitfield
#2: Bronx Middle School Principal, Jamaal Bowman's Email:
Immediate Release: NYSAPE Calls on Education and Policy Leaders to Break Their Silence; Stand Up for Educational and Racial Justice in Our Public Schools
#3: Education Week (online Magazine):
Tensions Rise as Puerto Rico's Schools Face New Reality (ie: Disaster capitalism / Shock Doctrine as 300 schools are set to close & charters come rushing in)
