Dear friends and neighbors,

We're a little more than a week into the month set aside to celebrate Black history. For some, this month is just another in our annual calendar. For others, it's a nod to Black history and culture and the contributions Black American's have made to our country. Still for others, it feels like an injustice to those who identify as Black because we're not lifted up year-round, just the shortest month of the year.

For me, this month is about remembering that I am standing on the shoulders of those who came before me – I am where I am because of the strides they made. And it's up to me – and you – to continue their work every day of the year.

Internally, many of our teams are taking extra time this month to hold space and have discussions about what Black history means to them and to Goodman.

In particular, our Lussier LOFT team is doing a great job of not only talking internally but also sharing concepts with Goodman youth, with their focus being on intersectionality. I've learned a lot from these discussions personally and encourage you to do your own work on learning more about intersectionality and how it impacts our community. This video is a great place to start.

The main takeaway that I'd love for you to consider is to simply act. Take the initiative to learn more about the cultures, ethnicities and identities that surround you here in our community. Start now and then carry it throughout the year.

If we all plug in, what a change we could make – together!

Warmly,

Letesha Nelson, CEO & Executive Director

P.S. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages all month. We'll be sharing stories about the Black history being made right here at Goodman by our staff and participants.

Remembering Tyre Nichols

Photo circulated by Tyre Nichols's family.

Last week, there was yet another story about a Black man abused and murdered at the hands of police, this time brutally beaten and treated as a punching bag rather than a human being. These stories are too common in America.

We're celebrating Black History Month, but it feels like our celebrations are always tinged with the reality of what faces us as Black people in America.

The news has already moved on to new stories, but please remember Tyre. He was a dad, a son, a brother, a neighbor. He worked for FedEx, and he was also a creative artist, a lover of sunsets and an avid skateboarder. He was a vital and loved part of his community, and we join them and his family has they mourn his loss and celebrate his life.