Black Imagination

The contribution of black artists to the well-being of people and places

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Source: History.com

"Great things in the world can make us reflect on our lives and our perspective of the world. Art, in particular, can contribute to creating a better sense of well-being, leading to a greater understanding of ourselves and others. We all seek knowledge from each other, and art can be a starting point for that conversation. By doing so, we can foster a better sense of well-being."

-eTcTacoma

During the month of February and beyond, we honor Black history, resilience, and contributions that have shaped our world. From trailblazing leaders to cultural icons, the legacy of Black excellence inspires us all the way from Georgia to the Gambia. This issue of the WIN Digest highlights the role of art in advancing the well-being of people and places, featuring Black artists. As we gear up for WE WIN Together Week (WWTW), 2024, let’s join together to celebrate Black imagination and creativity in shaping our history our collective commitment to becoming a #betterancestor.

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About Black History Month


The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976.


We are committed to celebrating the countless contributions of Black people across the diaspora everyday.

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Harlem as a hub for black culture


During the great migration, Harlem was one of the most popular destinations for Blacks and attracted a large number of African American artists and intellectuals. Poetry flourished, informed by the neighborhood and its culture. Jazz was the buzz, not only for Harlem residents but outside white audiences also. This music brought with it a vibrant nightlife. Harlem became a hub for Black culture and a space for Black imagination to thrive. Harlem provided an opportunity for Black visual art and stagework that had been previously withheld from Black actors. Harlem was not just a hub for Black culture, it also played a pivotal role in the integration of Blacks in otherwise white-dominated spheres of influence.

Articles for reflection

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The Farm Bill Hall of Shame

The maddening history of today’s agriculture policy fights.





This special series explores some of the urgent issues a new farm bill must address. 

Read Full Article

Origin movie: From theaters to streaming



Here's how to watch Ava DuVernay's exploration epic.


This compelling film is a revelation behind Isabel Wilkerson's influential book, "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents." Here's where and when to catch "Origin."

Read Full Article

Changemaker Spotlight🔆

Yamileth Jaramillo 


Yamileth Jaramillo is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of COLOR Cowork (@colorco.work), a private membership collective that “connects creators across industries to people, places, and resources.”


As a marketer, producer, media personality, and host, and cultural innovation architect, Yamileth has spent over 15 years of her life dedicated to event production and media and culture creation and preservation.


Yamileth is an advocate for Atlanta, Georgia creators across industries whose mission is to connect siloes to construct collaborative sustainable ecosystems for the advancement of people of color across the diaspora.

ETC Tacoma


A lifestyle brand with a hyper focus on community engagement and providing quality, limited quantity, hard and soft goods.



Our goal was and still is to fill a void in the greater Tacoma area. Individuality should never be compromised.

The story of eTcTacoma began in high school when co-owners Perris Wright and Umi Wagoner sold their first clothing pieces in the hallways. They vowed to become business partners from that point on. Determined to pursue entrepreneurship together, they embarked on a journey that led them to establish one of the Pacific Northwest's premier "rarewear" brands. Despite facing challenges in a region with limited streetwear options, eTcTacoma transformed its storefront into a vibrant community hub, hosting pop-up shops by other brands and curating art shows with local artists to support local talent.



In an industry where few brands achieve widespread recognition, eTcTacoma stands out for its commitment to community engagement and exclusivity. Founded by fashion enthusiasts Wagoner and Wright, the brand maintains its allure by producing limited quantities and focuses on its location of origin to weave storytelling and brand narrative into its clothing line. Visit Their Website and follow them on Instagram for valuable insights.

eTcTacoma as a #betterancestor



Great things in the world can make us reflect on our lives and our perspective of the world. Art, in particular, can contribute to creating a better sense of well-being, leading to a greater understanding of ourselves and others. We all seek knowledge from each other, and art can be a starting point for that conversation. By doing so, we can foster a better sense of well-being.

"Becoming a better ancestor involves documenting your lifestyle to leave better documentation for future generations. This can inspire one to find their purpose and work with intention towards a greater goal. In the next five years, ETcTacoma intends to expand its workforce and establish a durable brand. We hope to boost local employment and prosperity by engaging people in our mission. Ultimately, we aim to improve our achievements and leave a positive legacy for future generations."

Caged Bird

BY MAYA ANGELOU


Maya Angelou in her poem- Caged Bird- uses the metaphor of two birds, one who is free to live as a bird should live in the wild, and the other who is caged. This caged bird uses song to cope with its confinement and to express longing for the day it will be free.


"...But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams  

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream  

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied  

so he opens his throat to sing..."


Read more

Join The Conversation

Envision a community gathering infused with warmth, celebration, storytelling, and heartfelt connections, resonating with deep empathy for the journey of changemakers. Picture a space that embraces your spirit like a familiar home, bridging the gap between past ancestors and the tangible promise of the future.

WE WIN Together Week WWTW 2024

Being Better Ancestors in Turbulent Times

WE RISE Together to WIN


St. Louis, MO and Virtual

April 22- April 25

If this resonates with you, then mark your calendar for WWTW 2024–all roads lead to St. Louis this April on a journey to becoming a #betterancestor!

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Resources for Equity

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Talking About Race and Mental Health Within Black Families


This Resource tackles the importance of talking about race and racial issues within Black families and how managing mental health during these stressful times is crucial.


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Trend bending policies for advancing racial justice

A curated compilation and organizing of trend bending racial justice policies recommended by leading BIPOC organizations working to advance racial justice.

View More Resources

Upcoming Events

24 Feb - An Enemy of the People: A Public Health Project

Feb 24, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM EST


19 Mar - Hardwired for Fear and Connection: The Intersection of Brain Science and Equity

Mar 19, 2024, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT


22 April - WE WIN TOGETHER WEEK: Being Better Ancestors in Turbulent Times

April 22, 2024, 12:00 PM - April 25, 2024, 5:00 PM EDT

Check Out The WIN Calendar

Opportunity Hub

Secure Funding

Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation: LGBTQ+ Community Grants (New Hampshire)

Type: Foundation

Due Date: Rolling

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview: The purpose of this program is to help LGBTQ+ people fulfill their potential by funding nonprofit organizations that advance the interests and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and with programs and services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. Funding will be provided for life-affirming services that address one or more of the following focus areas:


  • Health and wellness
  • Crisis intervention
  • Racial justice
  • Advocacy and community engagement
  • Social assistance and programming


Huntington National Bank: Charitable Grant Program (Wisconsin)

Type: Foundation

Due Date: Rolling

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview: The purpose of this program is to contribute to the development of healthy, vibrant communities. Funding will support projects that improve self-sufficiency and quality of life, as well as advance social and economic equality, in communities served by the funding agency.


Support will be provided for projects in the following focus areas:


  • Community revitalization and stabilization 
  • Community services 
  • Affordable housing 
  • Economic and community development 
  • Racial/social equity


The ABIM Foundation Building Trust through Diversity, Health Care Equity, Inclusion and Diagnostic Excellence in Internal Medicine Training grant program

Type: Foundation

Due Date: March 18, 2024

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview: The program is designed to support projects in internal medicine education that can build trust by promoting a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive health system.

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