Social Justice Working Group Newsletter | |
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
-Harriet Tubman
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The ORA Social Justice working group is charged with keeping ORA staff informed of opportunities to engage in activities on Emory’s campus and the greater Atlanta area around social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Our newsletter aims to provide relevant information and events to stay connected to the Emory and Atlanta community. | |
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Learning and Celebrating
We have much to learn about Native Americans, and during this month, we can appreciate the impact of native culture in our lives. According to Anthropology Associate Professor Brian McKenna we can find Native Culture in important areas of our society.
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From the foods we consume (60% of the foods we consumed have indigenous origins), to medicines we currently use (like aspirin), to our Constitution (search for the Iroquois Great Law of Peace), and the efforts to protect the environment, many have a Native American root. Here are some resources from FirstNations.org, a development institute working to improve economic conditions for Native Americans. | |
This month celebrates the contributions — cultures, traditions, histories — of Native people to the United States. Learn more here. | |
International Day of Disabled Persons
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. For this newsletter, given that it's also National Braille Day on February 21, we want to focus on low vision and blindness.
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For readers who are not visually impaired, have you wondered how much Braille is still used, now that digital screens have become so widespread? Digital accessibility has become a moral and legal requirement, allowing the use of screen readers to produce audio from on-screen text. But where does Braille fit in? One answer is "Braille Displays."
Braille displays use a grid of tiny mechanical pins. They interface with screen readers to make the pins form the right characters. The user then reads as if the Braille were on paper. The display changes in real time as the text is processed from the screen. This is useful also for deafblind people; the person they are speaking with can type into a regular keyboard and the words will pop up in braille.
While looking for information on Braille displays, we came across a woman who has put assistive technology to extensive use, becoming the first deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law - Haben Girma (https://habengirma.com/faq/). Check out her webpage and/or book to see more about how she did it!
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day - A Day for Reflection, Action, and Progress
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we remember a leader who dedicated his life to justice, equality, and human rights. Dr. King's vision of a society free from racial and economic injustice is as relevant today as during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King taught us about the power of nonviolent resistance, inspiring generations to advocate for equity. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech urges us to judge people by their character, a principle that fuels today’s social justice efforts. This day is not just about honoring his achievements; it’s a call to action. Disparities in income, education, and healthcare persist, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
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In Dr. King's spirit, here are ways we can honor his legacy:
- Reflect and Educate: Engage with Dr. King’s writings and speeches, and reflect on how his words resonate with today’s social justice issues. Sharing his message can inspire and empower others.
- Serve and Support: Dr. King emphasized the importance of service to others. Participate in a day of service in your community, support local social justice organizations, or volunteer with groups working to address inequality and uplift marginalized voices.
- Advocate for Change: Stand up for policies that promote justice and equity. Whether through peaceful protest, voting, or community organizing, every voice contributes to the collective power that drives lasting change.
Find more information at the King Center's Website.
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The Holidays are Upon us: Learn about your colleagues Holiday Traditions below!
The Holidays are that great time of year when we get together with friends and family to celebrate our unity and traditions. Here are some of the traditions celebrated amount your ORA family:
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Diwali
Diwali starts on October 31st and will end on Friday, November 1. Hindus around the world celebrate the festival of lights, India's biggest and most important holiday. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.
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Hannukah
Hannukah will start on the evening of December 25 to January 2nd, 2025. Hannukah last eight days, and Jewish people celebrate by lighting a menorah every night. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which (shams) is used to kindle the other lights.
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Posadas
Posadas is a novenario (extended prayer of 9 days) celebrated mainly in Latin America, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Latin Americans in the US between December 16 and 24. The Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a posada (lodging) for Mary to have Jesus.
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Christmas
Christmas is an annual holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and observed on December 25. Christmas is considered a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people worldwide. Different countries have different Christmas traditions according to their country and cultural background.
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Kwanzaa
Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is observed on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This day honors the lives of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who have been killed for living authentically. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community and the need for continued efforts to achieve equality and justice.
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Here are some ways to participate in TDOR:
- Attend or organize a vigil: Many universities and high schools, as well as local LGBTQ organizations and transgender advocates, host vigils at community centers, parks, and places of worship.
- Educate others: Learn about how violence affects different groups, and how anti-transgender violence disproportionately affects low-income youth of color.
- Create a Trans Remembrance Display: Download and print posters from the LGBT Resource Center.
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Chinese Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and typically falls between January 21 and February 20. The celebration lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, influencing the year’s characteristics and fortunes.
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Festivities include family reunions, feasting on traditional foods, giving red envelopes with money for good luck, and various cultural activities such as dragon dances and fireworks.The holiday symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and the hope for a good year ahead.
Learn About the Culture: Research the history and significance of Chinese New Year, including its traditions, myths, and customs. Understanding the cultural context enhances appreciation. Discover traditional Chinese art forms, music, and dance associated with the New Year, such as lion dances and calligraphy.
Attend Celebrations: Participate in local Chinese New Year festivals, parades, or community events. This can provide firsthand experience of the festivities, including traditional performances, food, and rituals.
Try Traditional Foods: Explore Chinese cuisine by cooking or tasting traditional dishes associated with the holiday, such as dumplings, rice cakes, and sweet rice balls.
Support Local Businesses: Shop at Asian-owned businesses during the holiday season. This helps support the community and promotes economic equity.
Engage with the Community: Volunteer with organizations that celebrate or promote Chinese culture. This can include helping at events or participating in cultural workshops.
Use Inclusive Language: Be mindful of language when discussing the holiday, ensuring that it is respectful and acknowledges the diversity within Chinese culture.
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