Association of Americans Resident Overseas: AARO’s Post

Something about THANKSGIVING you might not know about. Thanksgiving originated as a celebration of unity and gratitude but evolved over time, especially during the Civil War era. While rooted in a peaceful harvest celebration between Pilgrims and Wampanoags in 1621, its modern significance was shaped by Sarah Josepha Hale’s campaign in the 1840s to establish a national holiday to ease sectional tensions. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln redefined Thanksgiving as a day to honor sacrifices for freedom and democracy. Amid the war's hardships, he proclaimed national Thanksgiving days in 1863 to boost morale, celebrate Union victories, and reinforce the commitment to ending slavery. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address further emphasized unity, equality, and a "new birth of freedom." By 1865, the Union's efforts prevailed, safeguarding democracy and abolishing slavery, cementing Thanksgiving as a symbol of national resilience and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

🦃 Why Does Thanksgiving Have Political Roots? 🦃 As we gear up for Thanksgiving, there's more to the holiday than just turkey and pumpkin pie. Did you know that Thanksgiving’s history actually has deep political roots, with ties to both Republican and Democratic traditions? In my latest article, I dive into Thanksgiving’s fascinating journey—from Abraham Lincoln’s unifying proclamation during the Civil War to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s controversial “Franksgiving” that divided the nation. Discover how this beloved American holiday became a symbol of resilience, tradition, and sometimes, political rivalry.

***Worldwide Thanksgiving*** Grateful. It’s easy to be grateful when you have a lot… but for too many across The Globe it is not. It’s a… ‘which came first chicken or the egg thing’… Does America have so much and therefore we are grateful? Or is the reason America has so much is because we are so grateful? Thanksgiving Day for America has always been a thing and a day to give thanks. Even if we don’t have much… THIS DAY… has always meant a lot. In recent times… relatively small but increasing numbers of Americans have attempted to turn America’s Day of Thanks into just another day of Hate. And I understand. America’s treatment of Native Americans was brutal. So was Slavery. I mention Slavery of course because many of the same Americans who want you to Hate America on Thanksgiving… Well, these are the same people who want you to Hate America all the rest of the days too. Because of Slavery. Fill your Heart with Hate and you will bring more and more Hate into The World. Fill your Heart with Gratitude and you will bring more things to be grateful for into The World. Whatever it takes to make Thanksgiving a Worldwide Holiday… WE SHOULD ALL DO THAT RIGHT AWAY. Because The World is already filled with too much Hate.

As we approach Thanksgiving, let's embrace our unique perspective as African Americans while protecting our peace. Here's how we can celebrate with joy and mindfulness: 🦃✊🏾 Honoring Our Journey: Thanksgiving for us is more than just a meal – it's a testament to our resilience and cultural identity. From our ancestors finding moments of joy in communal gatherings to today's celebrations that blend our rich heritage with new traditions, we've redefined this holiday on our own terms. Protecting Our Peace Set Boundaries: It's okay to limit political discussions. Focus on gratitude and family connections instead. Create New Traditions: Consider "Friendsgiving" or volunteering to give back to our community. Practice Self-Care: • Take moments for yourself, even if it's just 10 minutes of quiet time. • Listen to music that uplifts your spirit and connects you to your roots. • Allow yourself to feel your emotions – it's okay not to be okay. Embracing Joy • Celebrate our culinary excellence with soul food favorites. • Share family stories and pass down our rich oral history. • Focus on gratitude for our progress and the strength of our community. Remember, it's not about having a perfect holiday, but creating meaningful moments that honors our past while looking forward with hope. Let's make this Thanksgiving a celebration of Black excellence, family, and cultural pride. 💪🏾🍽️🙏🏾 #BlackThanksgiving #ProtectingOurPeace #CelebratingUs #Peaceandtreatswellness

“We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people, and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism.” – Rigoberta Menchú Today, as many celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to reflect on the deeper history of this day—a history that is too often romanticized and stripped of the realities faced by Indigenous peoples. Thanksgiving’s origins are intertwined with colonization, land theft, and the erasure of Native cultures, yet the strength, resilience, and voices of Indigenous communities endure. Rigoberta Menchú’s words remind us that honoring humanity requires acknowledging truth and creating space for respect, justice, and inclusion. In all of the work I do, I focus on creating spaces where these complex narratives can be explored with honesty, compassion and respect. We examine how systemic racism and cultural erasure continue to harm Indigenous and marginalized communities, and we work toward fostering environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected. Thanksgiving can be more than a celebration; it can be a moment of reflection and commitment. A commitment to moving beyond myths, amplifying silenced voices, and working toward a future where every person and every community is respected. If you’re ready to take action and create change, my programs and projects are here to help us take that step forward together. https://lnkd.in/gG_MhcTz

🎉 Giving Thanks: A Tradition Rooted in Leadership and Unity 🦃 On this day in 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day, setting a timeless precedent for reflection and gratitude. This act, following a request by Congress, was not just about celebrating abundance—it was about uniting a nation and recognizing the importance of collective purpose. Washington’s proclamation emphasized the need for Americans to pause and give thanks for the blessings of liberty, peace, and prosperity. At a time when the country was still defining itself, this gesture underscored the power of shared values and gratitude in building a resilient community. As we gather with family, friends, and colleagues this Thanksgiving season, let’s remember the significance of leadership grounded in thankfulness. Whether in our personal lives or professional pursuits, gratitude inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and drives us toward greater success. 🌟 Today’s challenge: Take a moment to reflect—what are you most grateful for in your life or career this year? Share your thoughts below and let’s celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving together. #Thanksgiving #Leadership #Gratitude #History #GeorgeWashington #Thankful

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, Resilience, and Joy Three Interesting Facts About Juneteenth 1. The Name Juneteenth: The name "Juneteenth" is a blend of the words "June" and "nineteenth," reflecting the day the announcement was made in Texas. It's also known as "Freedom Day" or "Jubilee Day," underscoring the joy and celebration associated with the event. 2. A Culinary Tradition: Food plays a central role in Juneteenth celebrations. Traditional foods include red-colored items like red velvet cake, strawberry soda, and watermelon. The color red symbolizes resilience and the bloodshed of enslaved ancestors. Barbecues and communal meals are also a big part of the festivities, bringing people together to share in the joy and fellowship. 3. Official Recognition: While Juneteenth has been celebrated informally for decades, it wasn't until 1980 that Texas became the first state to make it an official holiday. Over the years, more states followed suit, and in June 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday, cementing its significance in American history. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #7x24NewEngland

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness. It's a day to reflect on the blessings in our lives, big and small. While the holiday has roots in a harvest celebration shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans in the 17th century, its meaning has evolved over time. Today, it's a chance to connect with loved ones, share a meal, and express appreciation for all that we have. It's also a day of mourning and reflection for Native American communities. The traditional narrative of the first Thanksgiving often glosses over the complex history of colonization and the displacement of Native peoples. For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the genocide, land dispossession, and cultural erasure that their ancestors endured. It's a day to honor their resilience and to advocate for justice and recognition. It's important to acknowledge this history and to understand the diverse perspectives surrounding Thanksgiving. By doing so, we can move towards a more inclusive and respectful understanding of this holiday. Wishing you and yours a happy and meaningful Thanksgiving. ✌🏽 Image: "Thanksgiving with the Indians" by N.C. Wyeth. #thanksgiving #family #nativeamericanheritagemonth #history #colonization

Today, as many gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to pause and reflect on the full history behind this day. For many Indigenous people, today is not a celebration—it is a National Day of Mourning. It’s a day to honor the resilience and survival of Native communities in the face of colonization, genocide, and ongoing erasure. Thanksgiving is often presented as a narrative of harmony and gratitude. But for Indigenous peoples, it marks centuries of stolen land, broken treaties, and cultural destruction. Acknowledging this reality doesn’t mean you can’t hold space for gratitude or family—it means widening our understanding to include the voices of those whose truths have been silenced. Today also calls us to reflect on global struggles for freedom and justice. The atrocities unfolding in Palestine are a painful reminder that systems of oppression know no borders. Colonization and its legacy continue to devastate lives, both here and abroad. When we ignore these histories and current realities, we perpetuate the cycle of harm. As the saying goes: no one is free until we are all free. This is not about guilt or blame—it’s about empathy and action. Take a moment today to learn about Indigenous history in your area. Listen to Indigenous voices. Consider what justice and reparations could look like. Use your voice to stand against colonization in all its forms, whether in the Americas or abroad. Thanksgiving can be a moment of gratitude, but it can also be a moment of reckoning. Together, we can honor the truth, uplift marginalized voices, and work toward a world where freedom, dignity, and equity are universal. Let’s open our hearts and minds to these conversations—because healing starts with listening. https://lnkd.in/eTwwV6kK #NationalDayofMourning #Thanksgiving

Gratitude can be a powerful tool for improving your well-being, and your mental health matters and helps train your brain to notice and appreciate the little things in life and, in doing so, shifts your life experience tremendously!!!!