Community Matters: Feb. 2023
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Roses are red, violets are blue, and my oh my, we are so very grateful for all of you. There are so many ways to celebrate today, whether that’s with friends, a significant other, or enjoying your own company. Whatever you decide, we hope your day is filled with lots of love, fun, and chocolate! |
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Celebrate Black History Month! |
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Each February, Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the achievements of Black Americans. This year’s theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is Black Resistance: a reminder that in the face of injustice, Black communities and leaders have and will continue to resist and thrive.
As many Black leaders have expressed, Black history is American history, and learning about the experiences of Black Americans is fundamental to understanding the past, present and future of our country. Making sure that future is one free of racism and oppression, requires that we all do the work to understand and acknowledge that history.
To learn more about Black history, check out these educational resources:
To support Black Portlanders and get connected with events and organizations in your community:
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Racial Inequities in Heart Health |
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Every year Black Americans die from preventable heart diseases and health issues at a rate two times higher than white adults. This is because America's health care system is not equal. As this year's Black History Month theme reminds us, all U.S. institutions operate from a foundation of white supremacy, and our health care system is no exception. From racism to implicit bias, many Black patients have a wholly different experience both inside and outside the doctor's office that can impact overall health.
So as we learn more this month about how to keep our heart healthy, let’s also reflect on the inequities that exists in our health care system for Black and other marginalized communities.
To learn more about racial inequities in health care, visit:
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All Bodies are Good Bodies
Celebrating Body Positivity Month
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This month is also Body Positivity Awareness Month – an observance started by a movement that celebrates what our bodies can do at any size.
In recent years, The Body Positivity Movement has made significant progress in showing that beauty and health comes in all sizes. One primary reason for this is through more online representation of different body shapes. Many plus-size models and social media influencers are pushing back against the Western ideal beauty standard that for decades has dictated what is considered a “good” body. Through simply posting images of themselves with body-positive captions, people of all ages are able to see a diversity of shapes and sizes that reflect their own bodies.
But better representation alone can’t undo the normalization of the Western ideal beauty standard that has also encouraged body shaming. Furthering the work of the Body Positivity Movement requires all of us to interrupt body criticism, and celebrate body positivity- because all bodies are good bodies!
For more information about identifying body shaming and building body positivity, visit:
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Northeast Community Center
Website | frontdesk@necommunitycenter.org | 503.284.3377
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