Teaching Awareness (revisited)
America 2020
My whole life I’ve operated with the beliefs that everyone deserves the same respect, opportunities, and protections. It is through these beliefs that I, personally work tirelessly to provide authentic interactions, fabulous customer service and resources to everyone; irrespective of skin color, gender preferences, geographic location, level of education or life situation - everyone is treated THE SAME. This is how I was raised. It is infuriating to see and hear the current events that are happening and continuing to occur right here in the United States of America, as the Black community and members within are not being given basic HUMAN RIGHTS and protections right here at home in The United States of America. All of this is scary to see and forces me to identify WHAT CAN I DO!?
Teach our children about diversity, respect, and acceptance of all people
Vote
Sign petitions
Contact legislators and government officials to encourage change
Donate to organizations that support equality, equity, and justice
Volunteer with organizations that support diverse communities
Resources:
Teach about diversity and promote acceptance of all people through reading and educating*:
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Dream Big Little One by Vashti Harrison
Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty
I am Enough by Grace (Gealey) Byers
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Skin Like Mine by Lastashia M. Perry
Black is Brown is Tan by Arnold Adoff
Look What Brown Can Do by T. Marie Harris
*Many thanks to Dr. April for her support in working to create a well-rounded list of child-appropriate books.
Register to vote: www.vote.gov
Sign petitions on relevant and related topics:
www.actionnetwork.org (Common Cause sponsored by MoveOn Civic Action and Move On Political Action)
Reach out to legislators and government officials to encourage change:
Donate to organizations that support equality, equity, and justice:
American Civil Liberties Union www.ACLU.org
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund www.naacpldf.org
Volunteer with organizations that support diverse communities*:
Collect and donate books
Collect and school supplies
Donate to local organizations that provide support for those suffering from food insecurity
Reach out to PTA’s of local schools regarding opportunities for monetary donations (specifically those that may be underserved)
*Many thanks to Dr. April for her support in helping to brainstorm some feasible and helpful ideas to provide support within the community.