Jan 27, 2023 | DIB Ministry
February was established as Black history month in 1976.
Each year a theme is chosen for Black History Month. This year, 2023, the Theme is Black Resistance. This is a time for us to remember those who have fought for equal rights for African Americans. As result of resistance slavery was abolished, separate but equal was dismantled, and voting rights were granted. Equality in sports, the military, education, and the work force have improved. However, as we are aware there is still much work to be done.
Dec 1, 2022 | DIB Ministry
The Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Ministry (DIBM) plans to write posts routinely this year to provide background and updates on work going on in our community to advance multiculturalism and anti-racism. We hope that these communications will not only provide information but also engage your thinking and our collective discussion about living into our beloved community. This is the first of these posts that will appear approximately bi-monthly and is intended to provide an overview of the DIBM. We invite you to join us in this important work.
Sep 25, 2022 | DIB Ministry
The Diversity Inclusion and Belonging Ministry (DIBM) wishes to bring to our UUCOD community’s attention a series of excellent programs now available on PBS. They address in deep and powerful ways the experiences, both horrific and hopeful, of Jewish, Hispanic and Black people at different points in our history. DIBM strongly encourages you to explore these enlightening, challenging, at times disturbing but ultimately essential viewing opportunities.
Jun 17, 2022 | DIB Ministry
While Juneteenth has now been made a federal holiday, and should be celebrated by all, it is important to understand what the enslaved African-Americans of Galveston, Texas were told on that day.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops under the command of General Gordon Granger entered Galveston. The general proclaimed to the people assembled his General Order #3. Its first provision told those who had been enslaved that the Civil War was now over and that pursuant to the Emancipation Proclamation, they and others enslaved in the states in rebellion (the Confederacy) were no longer enslaved but were free.
Apr 10, 2022 | DIB Ministry
UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray responds with moral outrage to recent anti-trans legislation in Alabama and offers unequivocal support to all trans and non-binary people:
I am morally outraged by the passage of SB 184 in Alabama, a bill that will criminalize—and make it a felony—to provide gender affirming medical care for trans youth in that state. As Unitarian Universalists, we deeply believe that diversity of sexuality and gender is a gift. We unequivocally uplift and support all the trans and non-binary people in our lives, our congregations, and communities, and we closely hold trans children and their families in care.
Apr 8, 2022 | DIB Ministry
Many of our UUCOD LGBTQ members and allies were appalled at the passage of Florida HB 1557 known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. They are deeply concerned for the threat the bill poses to the health and welfare of LGBTQ youth throughout the country. At a time when youth may be struggling with new undefined emotions; when they may begin to sense that there could be something different within their soul; they have no safe place share their feelings with an adult. The following words by an anonymous author describe the unsafe world of LGBTQ youth.
