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Awareness
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There is something about the new year that gives people a ray of hope and boosted vigor to accomplish goals. January is when goals are set, some kept, others broken; where severed relationships are mended, and where our dearest dreams take life once more. January is a time of new beginnings and soul searching, a time to “Turn! Turn! Turn!” as the song by the Byrds goes. The opportunity to turn to a new season is exactly what January brings to us in 2023; an opportunity to turn from old thoughts and notions, from the stronghold of fear and doubt, and towards a season of healing from past trauma and its lingering hurt.
On the Tuesday following Dr. Martin Luther King day, and for the past seven years, National Day of Racial Healing has been observed in our nation. A reminder that “racial healing is at the core of racial equity” this day is a means to “bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.” There is beauty in those words alone, but even more in the actions we take when we acknowledge our trauma-filled history, forgive each other for past and current racial divides and oppression, and agree to not let such an ugly part of our history repeat itself.
Can we truly heal from the trauma of racism and the American racial divide? We can, and will do so by coming to that common ground that makes us ALL uniquely human, ALL uniquely American; a zeal for our nation and freedom, family and community, and a healthy and equitable quality of life. Taking a stance of curiosity over criticism of our fellow Americans without regard to their color, race, ethnicity, orientation, gender, or creed is what we need more of. This season, turn turn turn and obtain a truly deeper understanding of your neighbor, coworker, or client; this alone will help get us on the path of racial healing. The willingness has to be there first along with a curious mind.
Today, I invite you to take action to help Americans begin to heal from our past but also from our recent history, more specifically the events that continue to take place since 2020. Whether you view your action as small or grand, micro or macro, such as every piece of a puzzle, the actions you commit to bringing racial healing are just as important as the rest. When we feel hopeless, let’s remember those words sung by The Byrds once again… “a time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.”
Written by: Edgard Martinez,
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
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