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A Celebration of Courage

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"Do Good Anyway!" - Mother Teresa

"You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right." - Rosa Parks

"The arc of history does not bend towards justice on its own. We push it there." - Ben Jealous

"And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular – but one must take it because it is right." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

"Get in trouble. Good trouble. Necessary trouble!" - Senator John Lewis

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, we want you to know, let us be very clear, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'” - Daniel 3

On Celebrating Courage

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We celebrate and honor the courage of NFL Superstar and Social Justice Activist Colin Kaepernick.

During the month of June, we determined to celebrate courage and those who despite all odds and opposition, held their positions firm on the side of justice, good, and light.

As we considered words that might capture the complete essence of our deep appreciation for Colin Kaepernick's courageous position against injustice and institutional racism, our words failed us, and even our most holy and sincere tokens of appreciation were not enough. And so we say "Thank You, Colin Kaepernick" for your courage, conviction, and your many sacrifices for Good!

May all of heaven honor your prayers 🙏🏾🕊️

An Inspiring Story of Resilience

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“Follow one family’s journey to reunite with relatives of their ancestor, Hawkins Wilson, who was born into slavery and torn from his family as a young boy. As a grown, newly-freedman nearly 25 years later, Hawkins Wilson sent letters to the Freedmen’s Bureau desperately seeking assistance locating his siblings, but unfortunately, the letters were never delivered and his story, like many others, was suspended in time–until now.

This inspiring story of resilience and hope showcases the impact one family history discovery can have on an entire community that has faced many roadblocks when it comes to understanding their past.” - Ancestry.com

On Celebrating Courage

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In our ongoing trajectory of honoring courage, we celebrate the life of William Lewis Moore.

“Known for standing up for his beliefs,” Moore, as a Postman, walked to protest segregation, and along with Black student protestors, was jailed for opposing the injustices that were inflicted upon Black Americans because of the color of our skin. On April 23, 1963, Moore was killed for the righteous stand he took against societal and institutional racism.

To learn more about William Lewis Moore, please visit: https://www.splcenter.org/william-lewis-moore

Do Good Anyway!!

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"For God is pleased when, conscious of His will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering..." (1 Peter 2:19-20).

Photo by naturalhealthinspired.com via Google.

On Celebrating Courage

The Look of Love Niya ParksComment

This month we will celebrate courageous souls in our great nation and around the world, who despite unspeakable odds and opposition, kept judgment and did justice so that others might be helped, uplifted and saved.

The first individual that we proudly honor is The Righteous Among the Nations Chiune Sugihara who helped save over 6,000 Jews during the Holocaust.

To learn more about Mr. Sugihara’s courageous and selfless actions, please visit: https://bit.ly/-Sugihara and watch https://youtu.be/GYI9ZiONCY0

Earth Day 2022

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"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature–the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." - Rachel Carson

#EarthDay

#SpringAfterWinter

Photo by Unknown

Happy Sercey Day!

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Happy Sercey Day! 🎁💝

A "Sercey," in all of its various spellings, is a "thoughtful and unexpected gift. It is a surprise. Generally speaking, it is not an expensive gift but rather a true representation of it being the thought that means the most rather than the item itself."

On this day, April 19th, we celebrate the life of Mary Elizabeth Sercey who lived the true meaning of her name through all of the kindness and compassion she shared with the world.

In honor of all that is good, remember to be kind.

National Foster Youth Art Project

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Register now for the National Foster Youth Art Project that will be featured at our nation's capital!

"All current and former foster youth are invited to participate in a nationwide art celebration that will culminate in an exhibition in the nation’s capital. Registration ends April 29 or when 2,500 participants have signed up."

Visit here to register and receive your free art kit 🎨🖌️: https://bit.ly/FosterArt

Image from artistatheart.

All Children Deserve the Same Opportunities In School To Be Safe & To Learn

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"The percentage of kids in juvenile corrections who have disabilities is at least three times greater than the percentage of kids in public schools with them. By the time they get to a juvenile detention center, only 37% will get the support they need via IDEA...

All children deserve the same opportunities in school to be safe and to learn. We must continue to help the children with special education needs before they are sent to correction centers, where their struggle will continue." - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Read more here: https://bit.ly/Help-Not-Jail

This article was originally published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on March 27.

Celebrating The Life & Contributions of César Chávez

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"We celebrate the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez, a champion for social justice and advocate for hardworking people who build and sustain our Nation. Born into poverty and raised by migrant workers, Chávez courageously dedicated his life to improving conditions for workers across the country. Chávez witnessed firsthand the inequities of an economy that only served those at the top and left millions of hardworking Americans behind. Today, as we continue to build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out and that rewards work and not just wealth, we stand on the shoulders of César Chávez and carry forward his fight to advance the rights and dignity of working people and fulfill the promise of America for all Americans." - President Joseph R. Biden

Discover more: https://bit.ly/CChavezDay

Federal Holiday: March 31. 2022

We Celebrate The Women Behind The CROWN Act

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"This Women’s History Month is dedicated to the women behind the CROWN Act movement to end race-based hair discrimination nationwide. They are leading the team whose tireless work is ensuring that the fullness and authenticity of Black beauty is not only celebrated but protected in the workplace, schools, and beyond. It is because of their vision and the village of remarkable legislators, scholars, coalition members, and supporters that we all can celebrate legislative wins in 14 states and 34 municipalities. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the women who are making history and a better tomorrow for future generations." - TheCROWNAct. com

See more: https://bit.ly/1CROWN

Help End Race-based Hair Discrimination Nationwide

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"Our groundbreaking CROWN research study revealed that Black women are 80% more likely to change their hair from its natural state to fit in at the office. Now, this new body of research illuminates the pervasive nature and deep impact hair discrimination has on Black girls highlighting the horrific multi-generational impact of narrow beauty standards in America... These biases continue to perpetuate unfair scrutiny and discrimination against Black women and girls for wearing hairstyles inherent to our culture. This is unacceptable and why it is imperative that everyone join the movement to make hair discrimination illegal nationwide through the passage of The CROWN Act." - Esi Eggleston Bracey

Email Your U.S. Legislator Today To End Race-Based Hair Discrimination

https://bit.ly/PassTheCrown

An Exhortation To Care For Others

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Every child deserves care, compassion, and an equal opportunity to live out their soul's greatest hopes. Watch with us as former foster youth Amnoni Myers testifies to her experience in foster care and exhorts all who are able to be a mentor for youth in need, inspire in the ways that you can, and extend yourself in the service and care of others. Today she uses her experiences and her profound gift of advocacy to drive policy changes for the child welfare system.