We are finding it difficult to write the Diversity Memo these days with all the adversity in the world. The ongoing pandemic and the continued unjust treatment of Black Americans in our country continues to take its toll. The recent shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin again demonstrates that we have lots of work to do. In the midst of the current climate it is the time to push on and fight for diversity issues, equity, and inclusivity for all.
 
To mention a few important dates in September, September 15 – October 15th is Hispanic Heritage MonthWe celebrate the important contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities.
 
September 25th is Native American Day as celebrated in California and South Dakota (on different dates).
 
September 19th and 20th, from sundown to sundown, is the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh HashanahSept 27-28th is Yom Kippur, considered the holiest of Jewish holidays, the day of atonement and fasting. Please remember to refrain from scheduling meetings during important holidays of faith, such as Yom Kippur this year, September 28th.
 
Please also remember the best way to express yourself is to vote. A good site is youcanvote.org, check under voter guide. Here you will find information on early voting, voting by mail, where to vote on election day and voter registration. Please think ahead as voting is on a work day. Think about early voting. Think about voting by mail. If you cannot do either of these, talk to your supervisor and make sure you have the coverage and time to vote. If there are problems getting away to vote, please contact a member of YOUR diversity committee, we are here to help.
An interesting video you may want to watch from PBS:

The Origin of Everything is a show about under-told history and culture hosted by Danielle Bainbridge that challenges our everyday assumptions.

-- The Pediatric Diversity Committee
Pediatric Grand Rounds Presents:
"Bias 101 Training"
September 24, 2020 from 8-9am

Meeting number (access code): 160 361 2354
Meeting password: 2BnkFPDAw35

Ashalla Freeman, PhD
Director of Diversity Affairs
Office of Inclusive Excellence
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Pronoun Cards Are Now Available!

Wearing these cards in a visible place can help clinicians navigate conversations, show support to patients and families, and identify one’s own preferred pronouns.

These two-sided, laminated cards hang beneath your badge, as shown, so your preferred pronouns are displayed. The card also includes The Genderbread Person, which helps graphically explain the difference between gender identity, gender expression, sex gender, as well as sexual orientation.

These cards have already been distributed to all the new residents. Contact your division administrator if you're interested in getting your own pronoun card.
September Dates to Note
Other important dates can be found on the
September 1: Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is a period of 16 lunar days in Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestor, especially through food offerings.
September 7: Labor Day
This day is celebrated as a public holiday in the United States and Canada to honor all working people. In most other countries, this celebration occurs on May 1.
September 11: Patriot Day
Following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush proclaimed three days of prayer and remembrance to be held each year on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding September 11 to commemorate the anniversary of this terrorist attack. 
September 19: Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah signifies the beginning of the Days of Awe, a period of serious reflection about the past year and the year to come. This period, which continues until Yom Kippur, is a time for asking forgiveness from both God and people and for committing oneself to live a better life in the year to come. Traditionally, this is the time that God decides the fate of each Jew in the new year.
September 28: Yom Kippur
The ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are known as the Days of Awe or the Days of Repentance. During this time Jews are to remind themselves of their sins and seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings. Wrongdoing against God can be forgiven by God, but wrongdoing against others can be forgiven only by the person wronged. Because sin corrupts not only the person who commits it, but the entire community as well, all sins are confessed by the whole congregation.

The last service of Yom Kippur, the Closing, occurs as the sun begins to set. Initially, the "closing" pertained to the gates of the Temple. The deeper meaning, however, is that the Book of Life is sealed for the ensuing year. Thus, freed from sin by repentance and sealed in the Book of Life, the worshipers turn from the past to the future.
Stuart Gold, Committee Chair
Christian Lawrence
Robin Howard
Jennifer McElroy
Martha Perry
Nina Jain
Jessie Feudale
Hadley Kifner
Kenya McNeal-Trice
Benny Joyner
Jennifer Gutierrez-Wu
Zachary Pettigrew