February 2022 in the CMGMH |
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Greetings CMGMH Friends & Colleagues!
February is Black History Month - a time to celebrate achievements by African Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history. Most history curriculum focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures, clearly overlooking, ignoring, and distorting Black History. Black History Month makes rightful space to share, celebrate, and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture.
The Black History Month 2022 theme, “Black Health and Wellness”, explores the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc. throughout the African Diaspora. In a time such as this, the 2022 theme is incredibly relevant in considering activities, rituals, and traditions that Black communities have turned to in order to be well and support others' wellness. This month provides space to honor the sacrifices and innovations that Black communities have made and will continue to make.
"Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise."
- Dr. Maya Angelou
Author, Poet, Civil Rights Activist
"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
Abolitionist, Political Activist
This newsletter is created to engage with Black histories and highlight Black leaders and accomplishments. Please check out upcoming events that you are encouraged to attend.
All the Best,
Anna Ustun
Program Coordinator, Center for Workforce Development
AmeriCorps VISTA Member
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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"Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."
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This year's theme, "Black Health and Wellness", focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness by acknowledging the legacy of Black scholars as well as other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora.
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Celebrating Black Excellence in Psychology & Mental Health Counseling
We celebrate the contributions of notable, pioneering Black psychologists, counselors and mental health professionals, now and through history, who have conducted critical research and contributed to the fields of psychology and mental health counseling.
Graphic created by the Black Mental Health Graduate Academy
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Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage
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Kaia Kater unpacks the impact of those who use their music, art, and fashion to find freedom in consciously celebrating all aspects of the self as whole and valid, even if others attempt to minimize and erase it. They speak of gleaming meaning from their roots while remaining themselves, the weight of ancestry, fostering space for Black art to be whatever it wants to be, and take up space without limit.
A couple of powerful quotes from Kaia's interviews:
"This is just my statement, my announcement. I’m here. I’m black. This is the music, take it or leave it. And that’s it."
"What we were tapping into were these sorts of ideas and the beauty and grandeur of your actual connectedness to your past."
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“I wanted to do the kind of dance that could be done for the man on the streets, the people. I wanted to show Black people that they could come down to these concert halls. That it was part of their culture being done there. And that it was universal.”
Dancer, Choreographer, Activist, Founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
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A Cultural Ambassador to the World
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Exploring the Black American experience through choreography, Alvin Ailey searched for “truth in movement”. In his legacy, artists continue to be inspired by the profound impact of his work and words. Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, highlighting both beauty and hardships.
In honor of Black History Month, Elle spoke with Alvin Ailey stars Constance Stamatiou and Jamar Roberts on what it means to be performers of color in the dance world. Hear about their upbringing, obstacles they've faced in the industry, and what being part of a renowned African American dance company means to them. All performed over a riveting rendition of "Fix Me Jesus" from Alvin Ailey's Revelations.
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Are Asian Americans People of Color?
Feed Your Mind Discussion Series
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Tuesday, February 1st or Wednesday, February 2nd @12pm
With Dr. Catherine Vuky
Meeting ID: 868 46829714
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Anti-Asian Racism and Racial Trauma: Understanding History, Building Collective Resilience
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Tuesday, February 8th & 15th @ 4pm-7pm EST
With Alvin Alvarez, PhD; Grace Kim, PhD; Jo Kim, PhD; Soyeong Kim, PhD; Catherine Vuky, PhD; & Nora Yasumura, MSW
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Addressing Racial Stress and Trauma Through Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy |
Thursday, February 10th @ 1pm CT (2pm EST)
- Guidance on addressing racial stress and trauma in the context of trauma-focused evidence-based PTSD treatments such as CPT and PE therapy.
- A historical context of relevant cultural factors related to black, indigenous, and service members and veterans of color.
- Research related to health disparities and racial/ethnic differences in PTSD symptom presentation.
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Thursday, February 10th @ 12pm-1pm EST
With Dr. Nancy Weaver, PhD, MPH
Professor of Behavioral Science at Saint Louis University
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Black History Futures Month Celebration |
Friday, February 18th @ 8:30am-1:30pm PST (11:30am-4:30pm EST)
With Crystal Bennett
LMSW
THRYVE, LLC.
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'Not Today, Negativity!: 5 Habits of Positivity to Cope, Hope, and Be Well in Tough Times'
A Black History Month Book Reading
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Monday, February 28th @ 6pm
With Dr. Oneeka Williams
Award-winning author, surgeon, master storyteller, and positivity catalyst
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Center for Multicultural and Global Mental Health
1 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
617-327-6777
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