Greetings,
Welcome to the TAJA Co. February edition of our monthly newsletter TAJA Co: S.P.E.A.K. (Share, Promote, Educate, Advocate, Knowledge), where our mission is to *inform, inspire, and create a safe space* for discussion on topics that are important to our communities and collective society.
As we enter February, it’s important to recognize that it’s Black History Month. This is a time to reflect on the significant impact that African American individuals have made throughout history and to celebrate the ongoing contributions of the Black community. Let’s honor this rich tapestry of achievements, resilience, and cultural richness as we embrace the spirit of unity and progress.
*This year’s theme of Black History Month is “African Americans and the Arts,” highlighting the profound contributions of African Americans in visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, and other forms of cultural expression. We emphasize this impact in this month’s newsletter and throughout the year.
Thank you for your continued support of TAJA Co., we look forward to honoring Black history this month and beyond.
Thank you,
Akira Jackson
CEO, TAJA Co.
*Learn more about the history and themes of Black History Month on the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) website here.
Features
The depth and coverage of America’s Black History have become a topic of division in our country. Some argue that certain periods or in-depth subject matter should not be covered due to America’s role in forming it. However, understanding Black History is crucial to comprehending our nation’s history.
Public figures in today’s media have aided in further discourse by creating policies and furthering legislation limiting and restricting subject matter from public school curricula across the country, such as Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. In May 2023, DeSantis signed a bill, SB 266 (full bill here), that blocks public colleges from using federal or state funding on diversity programs. The bill continues the governor’s larger effort to impact Florida’s education system by regulating how schools deal with subjects such as race and gender. Read more about this here from the Associated Press.
The other side of this discussion can be shown in progressive states like California and Delaware, where public schools are actively seeking to add subject matter that expands Black History by adding in subjects on The Black Feminist Movement, The Tulsa Race Massacre, and current events such as Colin Kaepernick and his stand against police violence in America. Read more about this here from Politico.
Upcoming Events
Every month we hope to showcase local and national community and cultural events to help raise awareness and encourage opportunities to mobilize and get engaged.
February Events:
2/1 – Freedom Day and Black History Month begins
2/2 – Groundhog’s Day
2/10 – Urban Empower Ed Black History Month Celebration – learn more
2/14 – Valentine’s Day
2/18 – Black History Month Street Fair – learn more
Have suggesting of community events that you want us to feature? Email us the details and we will do what we can highlight the event in a upcoming newsletter.
Entertainment
2023 film Rustin – Netflix)
This year there is a spotlight being shown on the story of Civil Rights Leader Bayard Rustin, who was an open member of the LGBTQIA Community in the 1960’s and helped to coordinate the march on Washington in 1963. His story is currently being portrayed by the newly decorated actor Colman Domingo, who also advocates for the LGBTQIA Community in films and their accurate portrayals.
The film is currently available on Netflix (with a subscription) and beautifully tells the story of Rustin and his struggles with being an openly gay Black man in the 1960s and working with conservative Black Faith Leaders to bring about the social change that would come from the Civil Rights movement.