A New Year!

Greetings and Habari Gani ("What is the news?" in Swahili)! Today is the last day of Kwanzaa, yet the first day of 2021. Kwanzaa, an African American cultural holiday established in 1966 and celebrated from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1, ends today with a day of faith ("imani" in Swahili). Imani is based on a "belief in and commitment to all that is of value to us as a family, community, people and culture." We, at TiBA, invite you to reflect on this important day of faith and family in recognizing that we are all part of the human family with our beginnings in Africa. Happy New Year and welcome to 2021!

Why Didn't I Know That?

Most of you have not only watched Frances Causey's The Long Shadow but have encouraged others to watch it. However, did you know that she has a list of other documentaries? Causey's 2018 documentary, Is Your Story Making You Sick?, highlights trauma in varied forms and the courageous steps some are taking to address it in their personal lives. Although not focused on racial trauma, it is mentioned. In considering today's national conversations around generational trauma, racism (internalized racial oppression/superiority), and re-allocating some funding toward mental health emergency response in policing strategies; this documentary is definitely worth watching. Click here for the trailer and upcoming PBS listings.

Friendship United Methodist Church (Bolingbrook, IL) will host a virtual discussion for current and past educators on the "Weaponization of Whiteness in Schools" on Wed., Jan. 6, 7:30p CT. Email your name, role as an educator, and the city/town of the school you are affiliated with to info@togetherisbetteralliance.org if interested in participating.

ComUnity continues its virtual engagement with local police chiefs on Wed., Jan. 13, 7p CT. Click here for details.

TiBA has partnered with about 30 local libraries who are providing a free online screening of TLS including a live Q&A with filmmaker Frances Causey on Wed., Feb. 24, 7-8p CT. Click here for details. Space is limited.

TiBA will be partnering with the Athens, GA Chautauqua Society on March 4, 6p CT to participate in a virtual panel discussion about Understanding White Supremacy and White Privilege. Email info@togetherisbetteralliance.org to be put on a waitlist for registration details once released. Space is limited.