Yesterday began Black History Month - and yet, as we want to celebrate Black culture, accomplishments, and contributions, it starts with deep sadness and recognition that justice is still not within our reach. Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Council wrote our staff and wanted to share this letter with you.
Dear May Colleagues,
We are profoundly saddened to begin Black History Month with the tragic death of Tyre Nichols.
Tyre lived in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 29-years-old, a father to a young son, a passionate photographer, a skateboarder, and described by his loved ones as creative and joyful. On January 7, 2023, Tyre was pulled over during a traffic stop and, according to Memphis police reports, attempted to flee. Body camera footage showed Tyre brutally beaten by five officers during his arrest. Left in critical condition and hospitalized, he died three days later.
The ongoing fight against systematic oppression and violence toward Black Americans is amplified with the 2023 Black History Month theme: Black Resistance.
Designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH), this theme highlights the many ways in which “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings,” since our country’s earliest days.
Black resistance is deeply rooted in American history—from slave rebellions to the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter. During Black History Month, ASAALH urges us all to “study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected.”
This month we celebrate the history, culture, achievements, and strength of Black Americans. And we honor the life of Tyre Nichols.
We invite you to explore the resources below:
1. 2023 Black History Theme Executive Summary: Black Resistance
https://bit.ly/40qxdZ2
2. 38 Ways To Intentionally Celebrate Black History Month
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/.../how-to-celebrate-black...
3. Places to Celebrate Black History Month
https://bit.ly/3JvNxkW
Thank you,
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Council
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