The Balm In Gilead, Inc.’s Post

Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning serve as powerful reminders of the importance of gratitude, reflection, and understanding. While many celebrate Thanksgiving as a time to gather with loved ones and express gratitude, the National Day of Mourning highlights the experiences and resilience of Indigenous communities impacted by colonization. This dual perspective invites us to hold space for celebration while also honoring the truths of history. It’s a moment to reflect on how we can support reconciliation, uplift Indigenous voices, and commit to more inclusive and equitable communities. Let’s embrace both gratitude and responsibility as we move forward together. #Thanksgiving2024 #NationalDayOfMourning #IndigenousHistory #GratitudeAndReflection #ReconciliationAndInclusion #NationalDayOfMourning #ThanksgivingReflection #IndigenousVoices #EquityAndJustice #DEI

Wishing everyone a joyous and safe Independence Day filled with celebration and gratitude. Today is a reminder of the freedoms we cherish and the community that binds us together. How are you celebrating today?🎉 #DeniseMorrisonCoaching #personaldevelopmentcoach #personaldevelopmentcoaching #personaldevelopmentjourney #personaldevelopment #womenempowerment #selfimprovement #personalgrowth #empoweryourself

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a celebration but a day of mourning and protest. It marks the arrival of European settlers in North America and the centuries of oppression, displacement, and violence that followed. The dominant narratives often romanticise this history, portraying harmonious gatherings that gloss over the devastating impacts of colonization. This whitewashed version of Thanksgiving erases the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples and perpetuates a one-sided perspective centered on European colonialists. November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth and tomorrow #NativeAmericanHeritageDay; yet these moments of recognition are often overshadowed or forgotten. By engaging with and amplifying Indigenous voices, we can challenge the dominant narrative and work toward greater understanding, respect, and accountability. Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to acknowledge the past and commit to building a more inclusive future together. #Allyship #Diversity #Inclusion #Belonging #DiversityAndInclusion #SocialJustice

AFS-USA recognizes the significance of Juneteenth, the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. Here are three facts everyone should know about Juneteenth: 1. The celebration is also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day. 2. Red is an important color when celebrating Juneteenth. Celebrations often include red desserts and beverages which symbolize centuries of bloodshed but also the strength and resiliency of enslaved people. Red is also a legacy of West African cultural and culinary traditions. 3. Juneteenth celebrates the official end of slavery, but it persisted in the U.S. for almost a half year longer. The Thirteenth Amendment finally abolished slavery in Delaware and Kentucky in December 1865. For many, Juneteenth is not just one day of celebration but a week or a month marked with community events, parades, and family gatherings full of opportunities to acknowledge the history of our country, support Black communities, and work toward a future of peace and equity. To honor the history and importance of Juneteenth, you can visit our webpage at afsusa.org/juneteenth for a variety of resources. As we are always learning more from our AFS community, we’re continually adding to this webpage, so please send any recommended resources to marketing@afsusa.org. #AFS #AFSUSA #AFSEffect #Juneteenth #Resources #PassPeaceForward

This Thanksgiving let's recognise that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a celebration but a day of mourning and we have to challenge the dominant, romanticised narratives of history. Education is a cornerstone of allyship. Understanding the historical and cultural context behind the events we celebrate, like Thanksgiving, is essential to fostering awareness and accountability. By learning the real stories—stories of colonisation, resilience, and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples—we can move toward meaningful allyship and solidarity. As allies, here are some actions we can take: 1. Learn and Educate: Take time to learn about the history of Thanksgiving and the impact of colonisation on Indigenous communities. Share this knowledge with others, especially in conversations that perpetuate whitewashed narratives. 2. Support Indigenous Voices: Amplify the voices of Indigenous leaders, writers, and activists. Follow their work, attend their events, and share their perspectives to ensure their stories are heard and respected. 3. Acknowledge the Land: Begin gatherings or celebrations by acknowledging the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land you are on. Research and understand the specific history of the land you occupy. 4. Challenge Stereotypes: Speak up against harmful stereotypes or misinformation about Native Americans. Promote accurate and respectful representations in conversations, media, and education. 5. Invest in Indigenous Communities: Support Indigenous-led organisations, businesses, and initiatives. Consider donating to causes that directly benefit Native American communities. 6. Rethink Traditions: Use Thanksgiving as a time to reflect on the real history and engage in conversations about inclusion, equity, and reconciliation. 7. Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that uphold Indigenous rights, preserve their cultural heritage, and address systemic inequities. Commit to year-round action—not just during Native American Heritage Month or on Native American Heritage Day. Allyship is a continuous journey, and by working to educate ourselves and those around us, we can contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality. This day marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and is a testament to the strength and determination of a community that refused to be silenced. As we honor this pivotal moment in history, I reflect on the parallels with the journey of living with chronic illness. Much like the fight for freedom, our path is fraught with challenges, setbacks, and the need for unwavering resilience. For those of us living with chronic illnesses, every day is a battle for our own version of freedom – freedom from pain, from limitations, and from the stigma that often surrounds our conditions. We may face days where our bodies feel like prisons, but we also have moments of triumph where our spirit breaks through and we reclaim our power. Juneteenth teaches us that liberation is not just a moment, but a continuous journey. It’s about rising every day with the determination to live fully, despite the odds. It’s about finding strength in our community and lifting each other up. To my fellow warriors: Let’s draw inspiration from this day. Let’s celebrate our victories, no matter how small, and continue to push for our own emancipation from the confines of chronic illness. Together, we can build a world where our voices are heard, our struggles are recognized, and our resilience is celebrated. #Juneteenth #Resilience #ChronicIllness #Empowerment #Freedom #Community

🕊️ Today, we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, as well as the survivors and their families. This day serves as a reminder of the painful history that has shaped our nation and the ongoing journey toward healing and understanding. As we reflect on this significant day, let us commit ourselves to listening, learning, and amplifying Indigenous voices. It is essential to acknowledge the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and to work towards meaningful reconciliation. Together, we can foster a future built on respect, understanding, and solidarity. We encourage everyone to take a moment today to educate themselves about Indigenous histories and cultures, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and engage in conversations that promote awareness and healing. Let us stand together in remembrance and in hope for a more inclusive tomorrow. 🧡 #TruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousVoices #Solidarity

Reflecting on 9/11: The Shared Grief and Impact on Jewish Americans As we mark another anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, we remember the thousands of lives lost and the countless families affected by that dark day in our history. Among those impacted were many members of the Jewish American community, who, like all Americans, felt the profound shock and pain of that day. Jewish Americans were not only victims but also first responders, community leaders, and volunteers who helped rebuild in the aftermath. Many were involved in the recovery efforts, including working with interfaith coalitions to foster unity, hope, and healing in a time of uncertainty. 9/11 also ignited broader conversations about faith, identity, and the importance of standing together against hatred and division. Jewish communities across the country became vocal advocates for tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and peace in a world that had been shaken by terror. As we reflect on this tragic anniversary, let us honor the memory of those lost and continue to work toward a future rooted in understanding and unity, drawing strength from our diversity. #NeverForget #911Anniversary #JewishAmericans #Unity #Resilience

AFS-USA recognizes the significance of Juneteenth, the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. Here are three facts everyone should know about Juneteenth: 1. The celebration is also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day. 2. Red is an important color when celebrating Juneteenth. Celebrations often include red desserts and beverages which symbolize centuries of bloodshed but also the strength and resiliency of enslaved people. Red is also a legacy of West African cultural and culinary traditions. 3. Juneteenth celebrates the official end of slavery, but it persisted in the U.S. for almost a half year longer. The Thirteenth Amendment finally abolished slavery in Delaware and Kentucky in December 1865. For many, Juneteenth is not just one day of celebration but a week or a month marked with community events, parades, and family gatherings full of opportunities to acknowledge the history of our country, support Black communities, and work toward a future of peace and equity. To honor the history and importance of Juneteenth, you can visit our webpage at afsusa.org/juneteenth for a variety of resources. As we are always learning more from our AFS community, we’re continually adding to this webpage, so please send any recommended resources to marketing@afsusa.org. #AFS #AFSUSA #AFSEffect #Juneteenth #Resources #PassPeaceForward

"The moment we choose to love, we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others." - bell hooks⁠ ⁠ As we face upcoming elections, a genocide that has spread from Palestine to Lebanon and beyond, global conflicts, and everyday struggles, how do we ignite the care within us and sustain it? While the world undoubtedly needs our compassionate attention, can we also prioritize self-care? To us, radical self-care is about awakening compassion, joy, love, respect, and mental clarity within ourselves in order to have the capacity to extend these qualities to others while moving towards collective liberation.⁠ ⁠ Join us on Saturday, October 26, as we explore not only how to engage in compassionate activism but also how to deepen our self-care practices. Together, we will discover ways to face the moment-to-moment challenges stemming from witnessing the world's suffering, the uncertainty around the election, and the demands of our community work while ensuring our own well-being. Let's continue our journey of making a difference while nurturing ourselves in the process.⁠ ⁠ 🎗️REMINDER: This event is *COMMUNITY-ONLY*. All members of the APEX Community will receive an email, but if you do not please reach out to us directly and we will provide you with a link to attend this session. ⁠ ⁠ 🇵🇸Details are below:⁠ 🇨🇩Date: Saturday, October 26⁠ 🇱🇧Time: 12:30 PM EST / 9:30 AM PST ⁠ 🇸🇩Link to register: https://lnkd.in/gUxk893D ⁠ We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to DM us and we will respond asap. ⁠ ⁠ Stay radical, y’all ✊🏿⁠ #healing #rage ##activism #animalrights #climatejustice #BIPOC #totalliberation #vegan #eatplants #blackveganeverything #apexadvocacy #socialjustice #onestruggleonefight #nonviolence #blacklivesmatter #blackvegansunite #antiracism #antispeciesism #palestine #ceasefirenow