DEI Reflections for December 2021

Reflection from the DEI Chairs

Each year, I have words/quotes that motivate or challenge me. One that stood out was:

A DEI practioner said, “You will make mistakes along the way, but it is better than doing nothing.”

I have made many mistakes, said the wrong things, accidentally scheduled over non-inclusive times etc. I will continue to make mistakes but know it is better to show up than do nothing at all.

Thank you to everyone that joined us for the November community chat. We invite you to keep the conversation going and join MPI Potomac DE&I community screening discussion: Crip Camp on Human Rights Day, Friday, December 10th. The documentary chronicles the powerful history of the disability rights movement. You can find more information here and watch the trailer here.

Happy Holidays! Below are more about December holidays.

Human Rights Day: This day is celebrated to raise awareness about people's social, cultural, and physical rights and to ensure the welfare of everyone. The United Nations on this day encourages nations to create equal opportunities for everyone and address the issues of inequality, exclusion, and discrimination.

Hannukah: Also known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication, the holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greek army. The holiday takes place for eight nights and days, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

United Nations: International Day of Persons with Disabilities: promotes the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities

Kwanzaa: Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach in 1966, Kwanzaa is an annual week-long celebration that is observed from December 26 to January 1.

This celebration is based around seven major principles which are, according to Karenga, a communitarian African philosophy: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. On each of the seven nights of the week-long celebration, families gather together and light one of the seven candles of the Kinara.
Usually, a discussion about the one specific principles takes place.

Kwanzaa also has its own symbols which include: a decorative mat, an ear of corn, crops, the Unity Cup, gifts, the seven candles and candleholder. All the symbols are designed to convey the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Christmas: Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration by billions of people around the world.