Nathan Phillips offers to meet with students, community, and Catholic leaders https://t.co/olZO3zQbSF
— Indian Country Today (@IndianCountry) January 22, 2019
A Segregated Understanding of MLK’s Legacy
Kaitlin Byrd’s piece describes how prioritizing absolution and niceness can hinder the real, uncomfortable, confrontational work of civil rights progress:
Let’s Celebrate MLK Day 2019
The famous speech “I have a dream” is what many remember the Baptist preacher Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for, but there is more to his legacy. The activist led the civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until he was assassinated in 1968. MLK was greatly responsible for the passing of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act for African Americans, both in the mid-1960s. We now celebrate his life and achievements every third week in January, just days after his actual birthday, January 15.
Today we would like you to remember and celebrate what he has done to pave the way for our future and rights. It’s not just a day off from school or work.
You can celebrate with different events today in Lancaster. United Way is encouraging you to engage with the community in acts of service (link below). The YWCA Lancaster is hosting many for children 3-12 (link below). BOTH FREE to the public. Just remember you don’t need a holiday to get out and help your community.
YWCA Lancaster- https://ywcalancaster.org/mlkday/
-Jessica Yingling, Administrative Manager
New York Passes Landmark LGBTQ Equality Legislation
New York State Bans Dangerous Conversion “Therapy,” Protects Gender Expression in legislation passed today:
Pennsylvania is NOT among the states to have passed a statewide ban on conversion “therapy.” Only 18% of our population is estimated to be protected by local bans in our state. Check out the maps on this site for more information:
Honoring MLK Jr.’s 90th Birthday
Dr. Peniel Joseph from the Lyndon B. Johnson’s School of Public Affairs on remembering the real message of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s lifelong work, for which he gave his life:
“America loves to praise Martin Luther King Jr. But we ignore his message.”
Trans Day of Remembrance
Remember, in an oppressive system, just surviving and daring to take care of yourself is an act of rebellion.
We need you alive and doing okay. Be your best rebel self!
“How can we live our trans lives in a world full of violence without turning that violence on ourselves?”
From Them.us:
Amateur: Finding Joy and Power in Being a Trans Person
Trans Rights at Risk
To our transgender friends, family, and neighbors: you are valid and worthy of love and support. We are with you and will work to help protect your civil rights and your basic right to exist!
To cis allies: today would be a good day to make that donation. Consider one or more of these organizations:
@TransLifeline | https://www.translifeline.org
@TransLawCenter | https://transgenderlawcenter.org
Happy 30th Annual Coming Out Day!
A client today anonymously offers a quote that I’ve been hearing from others as well:
“I offer gratitude to those who’ve come out in the past, encouragement for those who will be coming out in the future, and support to those who don’t feel safe to come out yet. We see you.”
For a comprehensive array of links and resources, visit Human Rights Campaign’s site!
Header graphic by @rewstermania:
October to be LGBTQ History Month in Lancaster
Barry Russell: “I believe Lancaster is the FIRST city to officially honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ people and our history…that is powerful!”
(Lancaster rainbow stickers can be purchased from Madcap & Co.)
Intersectional Life Counseling and Psychology, LLC 