RISING ABOVE THE CLOUDS Sister-to-Sister, Inc. Monthly Newsletter February 3, 2022 |
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Black History Month was created to remember important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. The concept of recognizing our rich history was first introduced as “Negro History Week” in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Woodson designed the special week as a time for reflection, to celebrate racial pride and African American’s collective contribution to history and fight for freedom. In 1969, during a Negro History Week celebration, a group of Black educators and students at Kent State proposed that Black History be celebrated for an entire month. A year later, the first celebration took place at Kent State. Six years later, Black History Month would become an official observance. Today, Black History Month is celebrated around the world, at different points in the year, by several countries. The first official observance of Black History Month was held in the United States in 1976, followed by United Kingdom (1987), Canada (1995), Republic of Ireland (2010). Each country began their observance of Black History Month at different historical points, but the common theme remains the same – to celebrate the collective contribution of Black history and Black freedom. Black History Month is observed in February in North America and October in Europe. Ever wonder why February and October? Well, February was originally selected by Dr. Carter C. Woodson (during Negro History Week) because it coincided with the birthdays of president Abraham Lincoln (born February 1809) and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (born February 1818). Whereas in the United Kingdom, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987, as part of the African Jubilee Year. Once the occasion was formally instituted, October was designated as the celebratory month. At Sister-to-Sister, Inc., we proudly celebrate Black history 365 days a year by telling the stories of Black women and by creating space for social connectivity, encouragement, emotional support, shared knowledge, and networking – through our monthly gatherings, programming, and newsletters. We invite our Ebony Sisters to take part in Black History Month by first recognizing yourself and the space that you share and create, to enrich the lives of Black communities. Sources: Association for the Study of African American Life and History World Economic Forum History.com |
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Sister-to-Sister, Inc. would like to honor Sharon Bailey, Ph.D., a beloved, well-respected friend, and longtime leader in Colorado education. Sadly, Dr. Bailey passed away in her home on December 3, 2021. She is best remembered for her wide reach as a trailblazer in the field of education who significantly impacted communities across the state. A Denver native and East High School graduate, she graduated from Princeton University before earning a master’s degree and Ph.D. in public administration from the University of Colorado (Denver) Graduate School of Public Affairs. Dr. Bailey served on the Denver Public School board from 1988 until 1995 and held multiple leadership roles in higher education and government. To ensure education reflected that the voices and stories of the African American community were heard, Dr. Bailey dedicated her life working towards equipping Black students with the tools they deserved for quality learning. And she also served as a proponent for the advancement of Black educators and families. Her work, unquestionably, inspired many, and her contributions will be felt for generations to come. Dr. Bailey is survived by her husband John, a well-known Denver leader, three sons, and five grandchildren. Anyone who wishes to honor her legacy may consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Dr. Sharon Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund sponsored by the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Bailey family. Checks should be made payable to The Denver Foundation, 1009 Grant Street., Denver, Colorado 80203, in Dr. Bailey’s name. |
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Far too often, Onyx Sisters walk among us, sharing little known treasures. These Sisters do not seek any expressions of appreciation. They simply live their purpose, while quietly bettering the world through their wisdom, love and leadership. Sister-to-Sister, Inc. is honored to recognize these SHEROEs (also known as Unsung Sisters) and their beautiful spirits, with remembrance. |
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I'm a High Achieving Black Woman in Mostly White Spaces and I'm Exhausted by Judy D’Agostino How many of us can relate? It is indeed a strange existence, navigating these spaces as a Black woman. Especially when you are constantly greeted with backhanded compliment – you know the ones where white people act like they are impressed by your ‘gifted Blackness’ but actually are surprised that you occupy your space. Judy Payen D'Agostino, a Harvard Business School graduate and management consultant, does an excellent job of articulating a level of exhaustion that only a Black woman could understand. | | |
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No one walks away from watching a TED Talk without being changed on some level. And one by a Black woman undoubtedly doubles that impact. If you are motivated and ready for some leveling up, Sister-to-Sister, Inc. has recommended TED Talks that will not disappoint. SISTER-TO-SISTER, INC.’S FEBRUARY TEDTALK RECOMMENDATION |
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Become Who You Really Are By Dr. Andrea Pennington | TEDxIUM Following a near death-like experience, this popular physician and medical journalist realized that her past conditioning was causing her to live an inauthentic life that created depression and anxiety. She dug deep into her shadow to overcome low self-esteem, learn to love herself and transform her entire life. In this inspiring talk at TEDxIUM, Dr. Andrea Pennington shows how we can learn who we really are - or who we were meant to be - by examining our biology, our personality and temperament and ultimately discovering our unique 'Soulprint' to break free from social conditioning that creates self-loathing and self-rejection. | | |
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Books provide an entry point into the minds of others. Like an invitation to a well-thought-out event, the best ones leave an indelible imprint. While some books teach and others entertain, the written word has a way of moving people while providing a greater understanding of a person, place, or thing. That is certainly true of books by Black authors, which can highlight certain experiences and issues that often aren’t given the attention they deserve. As you explore your next great read, we hope you will consider the below books that Sister Dianne Fisher recommends! SISTER DIANNE FISHER'S FEBRUARY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS |
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| | The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein is the disturbing, documented history of how the US Government segregated our nation. Rothstein provides a in-depth look at the 14th Amendment and how the Chief Justices of the US desecrated that Amendment. It is a systematic investigation into the dealings and illegal workings of HUD, FHA, VA, IRS, UAW, local tactics, the white church, private agreements, and how the government was the enforcers of it all. This work's bibliography is replete with documented horrendous miscarriages of justice against African Americans. Again, this is one of those books that lay out the questions and gives the answers we always knew were there but lacked key pieces of evidence. |
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| | Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy looks at how slavery, black codes, Jim crow, peonage, convict leasing, domestic terrorism, lynching and how the resultant unmeasured injury has impacted African Americans today. "What does repeated traumas endured generation after generation by a people produce?" I've learned that it produces Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome!!! There is also a workbook that goes along with this work that focuses on " the America's Legacy of enduring injury and healing". This book clears up many of the whys we never knew to ask. |
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| | Medical Apartheid by Harriet Washington is a detailed accounting of the dark history of medical exploitation of Black Americans from Colonial Times to the present. It recounts the dangerous, involuntary and non-therapeutic experimentation upon African Americans that has been practiced widely and documented extensively since the eighteenth century in plain sight/view. Put on your seat belt and settle in as this book is shocking, sobering and immensely "consequential in its implications." |
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Did you know Sister-to-Sister, Inc. has an official travel agency? Allow us to introduce Sister Lanna Allison, president of Beyond Horizons Travel Designs, LLC. We are pleased to have Beyond Horizons as our official travel affiliate. Beyond Horizons Travel emerged from more than 20 years’ experience of travel and of planning group travel to destinations worldwide. The company’s experience allows for managing individual and group travel with ease and efficiency. Its knowledgeable and competent agents handle all facets of travel: hotels, cruises, vacation packages, transfers, and tours. They also promote fundraising travel ideas for nonprofit organizations. So, whether you're looking for a cruise, plane tickets, accommodations, or the whole package, Beyond Horizons has you covered! Looking to book a trip in 2023? Consider Beyond Horizon’s Mediterranean & Black Seas Cruise scheduled for April 26 – May 5, 2023. This trip can be enjoyed with your friends and family or solo. Either way, this 2023 experience will create an opportunity for you to connect with other Sisters who book the same getaway. !!! Hurry - Trips Book Fast !!! Sister-to-Sister Members will receive a discount! All available trip information including cost, dates, itinerary, and contact info can be found here. |
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Foods With Hidden Sugar By Teri Sewell Huff Hello ladies, in this month of love, February is an opportunity to break up with sugar as an act of self-love. We all have heard repeatedly that too much sugar is bad for you. But as we have learned more about how our bodies work, we know that this is partly due to blood sugar increases. Too much sugar at one time creates a spike, which then throws off the body's other systems. It also leads to tooth decay, weight gain, and chronic health conditions. I like to approach life, including the food I consume, with a balanced approach -- so this isn't a bid for you to never have a drop of sugar again. You can breathe! | | |
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Please mark your calendar for our next Gathering! |
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We had a great time celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and many wonderful events in January. Here is one of our very special memories. |
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Currently, Sister-to-Sister, Inc.'s vision, mission, and purpose are primarily accomplished through our volunteer board, advisory council, and website team. To grow our public charity's impact, we invite you to become a paid member for $25/year. Although the cost for membership is small, the return is invaluable! |
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