WithinReach's DEI Newsletter: September 2022 | |
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This month, WithinReach is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic or Latinx Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15, and celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of folks whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18.
The term "Hispanic” is a blanket pan-ethnic term that fails to recognize the complex identities of the roughly 62 million Latinx people living in the U.S. We acknowledge that this term was forced upon these communities by the U.S. government, while also erasing indigenous, Afro-Latino and pre-colonial histories, cultures and civilizations. For this reason, some Hispanic folks might choose to identify with their specific ethnic group (e.g. Mexican, Mexican-American), Chicano/a/x, Latino/a/x/e, Afro-Latino or another variation of these identities. In this newsletter, we will replace the term “Hispanic” for “Latinx” to be more representative and gender inclusive of these communities.
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How can you celebrate National Latinx Heritage Month Locally? | |
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“Today, Latinos are a presence in Seattle, King County and across the state in every facet of society... Because of this, Washington is a better place to live for everyone, and better reflects the Evergreen State's true ethnic and cultural diversity.” Learn more about Latinx history in Washington and how you can engage with and learn more about Latinx communities, organizations and business, especially this month:
Support Local Latinx Organizations
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Alimentando al Pueblo – Promoting healing through comunidad, comida, and celebracíon
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Amigos De Seattle Radio – Online radio born as a solution to social isolation due to COVID-19. Provides a platform for community-based organizations to carry out cultural, artistic, folkloric, health and environmental activities and education.
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Casa Latina – Advances the power and well-being of Latino immigrants through employment, education, and community organizing
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El Centro del Raza – Building the Beloved Community through unifying all racial and economic sectors; to organize, empower, and defend the basic human rights of our most vulnerable and marginalized populations
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Entre Hermanos – Tu Organizacion Latina LGBTQ
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Latino Community Fund of Washington – Identifies, shares and advocates for what is working in the Latino community
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Latinos En Spokane – Supports citizen participation, culturally led community development, and empowerment of the Latino and immigrant population in Spokane County.
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Movimiento Afrolatino Seattle (MÁS) - created by Afrolatino communities and artists that appreciate Afrolatino arts and culture coming together to ensure the sustainability of ongoing cultural and education arts activities
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Panama Folklore – Promotes, celebrates and cultivates Panamanian traditions and customs in the Pacific Northwest
Support Local Latinx Businesses and Restaurants
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Equal Latin Restaurant and Bar – Latin American Restaurant in Olympia
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Estelita’s Library – Community library and online bookstore focused on social justice, ethnic studies, and liberation movements
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Fantastica Beauty Salon – Award-winning hair and makeup beauty salon, specializing in Quinceañera's and weddings.
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Kitanda – Brazilian coffee shops throughout Seattle’s metropolitan area with great specialty foods.
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Koplin Del Rio – Art gallery that features art by established, internationally known and emerging American artists
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Life Ink by Bee – Caribbean Candy Sugaring Educator with a holistic approach to beauty
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Millsweet – Botanical designs for elopements, weddings, installations, editorial shoots and small events
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Salvadorean Bakery & Restaurant – Family business founded in 1996 by sisters, Aminta and Ana who came from El Salvador
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The Station – Coffee shop that is representative of the commitment of their owners, staff and customers in Beacon Hill, a community that has served them for decades
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Vida Health Bar – Delicious, vibrant and healthy plant-based food options in Yakima
Attend Events and Engage in Spaces that Center Latinx communities
Learn about the Multitudes of Latinx Experiences and Histories
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Mental Health Resources and Events | | |
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM): Sept. 1-30 | |
This month is used to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide; it is a time to increase awareness of suicide as a stigmatized, and often taboo, topic.
Learn More
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National Recovery Month: Sept. 1-30 | |
Started in 1989, this national observance supports and promotes new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the strong and proud recovery community and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible.
Learn More
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What's happening in September? | | |
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Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.
Learn More
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Mexican Independence Day -
Sept. 16
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Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla became the father of Mexican independence. Hidalgo’s declaration launched a decade-long struggle that ended 300 years of colonial rule, established an independent Mexico and helped cultivate a unique Mexican identity.
Learn More
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International Day of Peace -
Sept. 21
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Established in 1981 by the United Nations, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
Learn More
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Rosh Hashanah - Sept. 25 - 27 | |
Also known as the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah is both a time of rejoicing and of serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year while also taking stock of one’s life.
Learn More
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Team Updates | | |
September Affinity Groups | |
Thank you to our staff for showing up to August's affinity groups and to our facilitators for holding these spaces! Mark your calendars for the upcoming September affinity groups.
Note: This will be our last affinity group before the DEI Team takes a break to assess the best path forward for these groups. Thank you for your participation and we appreciate you all! Please be on the look out for future DEI communications for more information.
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BIPOC: 9/14 from 9:30 – 11 am
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White-bodied: 9/21 from 9:30 – 11 am
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LGBTQIA+: 9/28 from 9:30 – 11 am
As a reminder: Please only attend the groups in which you hold that specific identity. You may hold more than one of these identities, we will be doing the same activity in each session so feel free to join just one session or multiple if you would like to do the activities with different aspects of your identity in mind more than once.
Do you have any DEI-related/DEI Newsletter feedback, resources or ideas? Email us at [email protected] or utilize our DEI Feedback Form. This is a space for you to use your voice and be heard. This form gives you the opportunity to submit feedback anonymously as well.
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WithinReach would like to acknowledge that we occupy the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, Suquamish and Sauk-Suiattle Tribes and the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, past, present and future, and honor with gratitude the land itself. We see you, respect your right to sovereignty and self-determination, and are committed to being better listeners, learners and in lifting Indigenous voices. | | | | | |
