September 2023

Monthly News & Updates

Greetings NFJC Members,

September is finally here and I cannot wait to see you in just a few days in Buffalo (in-person or virtually)!

On September 21, we observe World Gratitude Day. This day aims to remind us of the importance of expressing gestures of thanks and appreciation. I would like to take the opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate all of you and your efforts to make our communities a better place for all.

Rene Petties-Jones

Support for Jacksonville

In response to the latest racially motivated tragedy in Jacksonville Florida, let’s continue to find ways to support, uplift, educate, and mitigate as much as we can. We know that none of us can do this work alone, it takes a team, a village, a world, to stand up and say no more. I hope that we can empower each other to stand tall in this battle for love over tolerance, peace over war, and respect over hate. The Federation will continue to find ways that we can collectively share our resources so that we can all do the work we need to support our respective communities. 

For our friends in Jacksonville, we are here for you in these painful moments and the days and years of healing to come. Lean in when you need that extra support. 

Though this message brings back painful memories for our team, I am strengthened in my conviction that today is a day that I am proud to say that we are standing shoulder to shoulder with one another as members of the National Federation for JUST Communities!

-Rene Petties-Jones-

Aston Carter Funding Received

We are very happy to announce that we have received the additional year two funding from our partners and supporters, Aston Carter for the remaining $50,000! This will allow us to re-examine the work that we hope to see throughout the year and post Annual Conference which happens in a few weeks here in Buffalo, NY.

At our next full meeting opportunity, we will continue the discussion about how we will utilize this amazing opportunity to strengthen all our regions as we watch the surge against our work continue to ramp up. Please note that your Executive Board will be looking for your input and suggestions as we craft the most equitable and sustainable way to work across our regions together.

Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Awards

On August 4th, Inclusive Communities held their Humanitarian Awards at the Venue at the Highlander. The Humanitarian Awards honored the work of four leaders in the Omaha community: Kyle Dey, Amelis Long, The Urban Abbey & Rev. Debra McKnight, and Echohawk Lefthand.

CCEJ Humanitarian Awards

On September 27th, California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) will be hosting their 59th Humanitarian Awards Celebration at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). The CCEJ Humanitarian Awards celebrate community members who have dedicated their lives and careers to promoting equity and justice in Long Beach and Southern California.

All funds raised at the event will support CCEJ’s programs to educate and empower youth and adults to lead change for equity and justice in our communities.

CCEJ Building Bridges Leadership Academy

CCEJ's Building Bridges Leadership Academy (BBLA) is a training program for volunteer facilitators for Building Bridges Youth programs. During three sessions, new and returning volunteers are trained to facilitate youth programs. In August, several facilitators completed the training and are excited to begin volunteering with CCEJ. CCEJ's next BBLA will be in January 2024.

"I Am Arkansas"

The "I am Arkansas" campaign of Just Communities Arkansas highlights the similarities of Arkansans, celebrating their unique differences and envisioning a culture for the state moving forward.

Visit the Just Communities of Arkansas website or click on the video to listen to 15 individuals from Arkansas explain why they call Arkansas home and their visions for the state.

I Am A Dreamer

On August 23, 2023, FC Tulsa partnered with Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ) to stand against racism. Thousands gathered at the ONEOK Field and recited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at half time in honor of Greenwood Night. Phil Armstrong, Executive Director of OCCJ, was excited to be a part of this moment.

Can We Talk? Really, Can We Really Talk?

Matthew Anderson, Executive Director of Mosaic Miami and Franklin Sirmans, Director of Perez Art Museum had a fireside conversation on the eve of Juneteenth. The conversation reflected on bulldozing barriers, Juneteenth, diversity in Miami and the art world. Mosaic Miami's series, Can We Talk? Really, Can We Really Talk, challenges the community to engage in dialogue and difficult conversations in a safe space. Click below to watch the conversation.

Agents of Change Camp

On August 21 through August 25, NFJC of Western New York held their Agents of Change Camp. This was the 41st year of the camp. The camp teamed up young people with law enforcement for the week. The Agents of Change Camp aims to build relationships up in the community. The participants spent time learning more about each others cultures, backgrounds and working together. The campers also learned more about law enforcement and social justice.

Check out this video to learn more:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/103136386219411

Day-of-Giving &

Trivia Night

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio held their first-ever Day of Giving and Trivia Night. Over $4,500 was raised for students in Northeast Ohio.

Changemakers Youth Leadership Initiative

This August, Garden State Equality held their inaugural youth leadership program. The campers participated in DEI centered workshops, discussion groups that challenged their biases, and engaged in camp activities.

The campers had the opportunity to meet members of Marsha P. Johnson's family. Marsha P. Johnson was an African American transgender woman who was an LGBTQ rights activist and an outspoken advocate for trans people of color. She was born in Elizabeth, NJ. Johnson spearheaded the stonewall uprising in 1969 and along with Sylvia Rivera, she later established the street transvestite (now transgender) action revolutionaries (star), a group committed to helping homeless transgender youth in New York City. 

The campers asked thoughtful questions about Marsha's life and legacy, and they learned about the ways the Marsha P. Johnson Family Foundation is honoring her impact.

Diversity Dive Project

Diversity Korea helped facilitate a training in Ulsan, South Korea. The training focused on resolving prejudice and discrimination against immigrants and refugees through various games, activities, conversations and learning about cultural diversity. Watch the video below to see how participants spent their time at the training.

Jihak Kim, Executive Director of Diversity Korea, will be presenting at the NFJC Conference in Buffalo, NY. Jihak will be presenting "International Relations Across the World" on September 7 at 1:00pm EST. You will not want to miss this. Here is the zoom link for his presentation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83158676884.

Jihak is looking for NFJC members that are interested in being interviewed. The interviews can take place at the conference or virtually. Jihak will use these videos to encourage human rights activists in South Korea. Please reach out to Jihak to be interviewed.