Rams Accepting Nominations for Community Quarterback Award
Celebrate 2004's River Splash
Strassenfest 2004
St. Clair County Fair
Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival
Walk As One October 16
DAP E-Update Keeps You Informed - Sign Up Today!
Free Posters Available for Area Schools and Organizations
KMOV Wins Top Promax Award for Diversity Awareness Partnership
Standing With Those Who Are Unjustly Targeted By Hate During a Time of War and Increasing Terrorism
Words with Dignity
Get Involved Join the Board of a St. Louis Non-Profit Organization
Religious Observances in August
Did You Know About August?
How To Stand With Those That Are Targeted By Hate
When: August 6-7; 12-14; 20-21, 204
Where: St. Louis Riverfront
An event unlike any other in the world, featuring custom-produced multi-media shows celebrating the best of St. Louis on an enormous water screen over the river, a concert series with headlining entertainment, lasers and pyrotechnics.
August 6 - Branfod Marsalis
August 7 - Los Lobos
August 12 - Medeski, Martin and Wood
August 14 - Leann Rimes
August 20 - The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
August 21 - B.B. King and Dr. John
For more information, call: 314/436-2004
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When: August 6-8, 2004
Where: Memorial Plaza
Strassenfest's 43rd annual event will be held August 6-8 on Memorial Plaza in downtown St. Louis at Tucker and Market. Opening ceremonies will feature Mayor Francis Slay and other dignitaries. The theme of this year's event is 'COME HEAR THE MUSIC' and features fifteen different bands playing rock, swing, ragtime, big band, oom-pah-pah, jazz, and polka, too. There is no charge.
A petting zoo, jugglers, storytellers and musicians will entertain young and old alike in Pepsi's Children's Park. Dozens of carefully selected Arts & Craft booths will be open all three days as will rides and games for all ages. A USAF Blue Angels flight simulator (free) will permit seven persons at a time to experience some very fancy flying. Twenty different food booths staffed by not-for-profit organizations will provide varied selections, and beverages will range from lemonade to foreign/domestic beer and wine.
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When: August 10-14, 2004
Where: Belle Clair Fairgrounds
The St. Clair County Fair celebrates its 150th year beginning Tuesday, August 10th, running through Saturday, August 14th. Special events and displays to mark the occasion are planned. The fair is located at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville, Illinois, and entrance to the fair is free.
Come view the livestock, agricultural, fine arts, and education entrees. Visit the exhibitors, carnival, and see free stage entertainment every night. Enjoy free camel and pony rides as well as a petting zoo for the family's entertainment.
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When: August 13-15, 2004
Where: Soldiers Memorial Park
Three day celebration of the Hispanic Culture featuring: Live Latino Bands, Folkloric Dancers, Hispanic Arts & Crafts, Authentic Foods, Children's Pavilion, Exotic Petting Zoo, and much more.
For more information call: 314/837-6100.
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When: Saturday, October 16, 2004
Where: Kiener Plaza, Downtown St. Louis
The St. Louis region of the National Conference for Community and Justice's (NCCJ) 5th Annual Walk As One Walk-A-Thon will support development and expansion of the NCCJ's Youth and Community Leadership education programs by raising dollars and awareness. Over 1,000 people, including families, clubs, schools, youth, religious, civic and corporate teams are expected to participate.
To register for Walk As One or for more information, please visit http://www.nccjstl.org or call 314/241-5103.
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-- Rams Foundation to distribute $20,000 to local non-profit organizations --
The St. Louis Rams and Rams Foundation have announced they will award $20,000 in grants this year to recognize outstanding volunteer service through their Community Quarterback program.
Now in their 10th season in the Gateway city, the St. Louis Rams are pleased to participate in the Community Quarterback Award program, which recognizes outstanding volunteers in the St. Louis bi-state area. The program is part of the national NFL Community Quarterback Award program that honors volunteers in all 32 NFL markets and awards more than $1 million annually to the charitable organizations that they serve. Since inception, the Rams have donated more than $70,000 through this initiative.
This program honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving the community in which they live through volunteerism. Non-profit organizations may nominate persons, age 13 or over, who serve only in a volunteer capacity and receive no compensation for their efforts. This year, individuals may nominate themselves also.
A committee comprised of community leaders will review the nominations and select the 10 finalists. From the finalist field, two runners-up will be selected and the 2004 Rams Community Quarterback winner will be named. The Rams Foundation will then award each of the seven finalists with a $1,000 grant for their charitable organizations, with the two runners-up receiving $1,500 and the winner $10,000. Winners and their agency contacts will also be recognized at a special luncheon at Rams Park and be guests of the Rams on the field at a 2004 Rams regular season home game.
The St. Louis Rams Community Quarterback Award winner will go on to compete against the 31 other NFL team representatives for the NFL Community Quarterback Award and the chance to win an additional $15,000 for the organization to which they provide service.
For an application, please go to www.stlouisrams.com or call 314/516-8788. The application is due September 17, 2004.
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Did you know that the Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) collaborates with more than 100 organizations throughout the St. Louis region to promote the value of difference in our community? And did you know you can keep up-to-date on the happenings of the DAP simply by receiving an e-mail?
The Diversity Awareness Partnership invites you to sign up today for our E-Update, an informational e-mail that is sent out periodically to let you know about the accomplishments and activities of the DAP and our partner organizations. All you have to do to sign up is send us your email address. Also, if you know of or are involved with an organization that could benefit from receiving the DAP E-Update, please let us know. By continuing to build upon the momentum already being created, we are confident that we can work together to help make St. Louis a better place for everyone.
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Free posters available for local schools and organizations
The Diversity Awareness Partnership has teamed up with the St. Louis Rams Foundation, GM Goodwrench and Clear Channel Communications to make available a great poster to area schools and organizations. Featuring Rams players Torry Holt and Kyle Turley, the poster reads "Team Colors: The Only Colors That Matter" and encourages acceptance of individual differences.
The players have stepped up to show their support for a more inclusive community, and getting a copy of this poster is a way for you to get onboard as well. To receive a package of posters for your school or organization, simply send us an e-mail or call us at 314/436-7628.
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The Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) is proud to congratulate KMOV Channel 4 Writer/Producer Tom Rogers on being honored with one of the industry's highest awards for a public service announcement for the DAP.
The spot was produced with students from Vashon and Kirkwood high schools, in conjunction with the St. Louis Public Schools' Office of Community-Based Resources. The purpose of the announcement is to communicate the Diversity Awareness Partnership message - "Make a Difference by Accepting Everyone Else's." The Gold Medallion award was presented to KMOV at the international Promax Awards in New York City last week.
Tom is an extremely creative producer and, with this project, has proven to be a gifted teacher as well," stated Jim Rothschild, Director of Operations at KMOV-TV. "He has done an outstanding job helping these students create and execute an award-winning message that is right for our community>"
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St. Louis Region
314.241.5103
mrafanan@nccj.org
1. Start with yourself. Look within. Become aware of your own anger, frustration, and bias. Channel your emotions into constructive action to fight bigotry and promote peace, inclusion, and justice.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have reported that while the country ius at war with Iraq and there is increased vigilance for acts of terrorism at home and abroad, hate crimes committed againsta those who are perceived to be Middle Eastern or Muslim will increase. The vast majority of people who are perceived to be from the Middle East or from religious traditions that are prominent in that part of the world who are our neighbors in our own communities are frightened that they will be targeted by hate simply because of who they are and how they look.
As we deal with our own uncertainties and fears and offer solace and aid to those who may suffer loss as a result of the war and the potential or actual occurrence of acts of terrorism, we must embrace the anger in us with understanding and restraint. Striking out against those who are perceived as the enemy because of our own bias and stereotypes is wrong. Fighting bias, bigotry and racism is a process of acting out of justice rather than revenge.
When an act of violence occurs, we must take the time to learn who the perpetrators are, what the facts about a particular incident are, what our role may be in making sure that perpetrators of illegal violence are apprehended and punished by our criminal justice system, and how we can respond in a way that does not promote an ongoing spiral of hatred and violence. Let us find ways of acting out of our commitment to peace rather than acting out of the temptation for revenge and violence. It is more important now than ever that we look carefully at our own bias, bigotry and racism.
2. Commit to learning more about targeted groups.
In St. Louis, the leading organizations to consult to learn about people who may be targeted by hate during a time of war and increased incidents of terrorism are The International Institute (314.773.9090) and The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (636.394.7878). These organizations can provide information about the history, culture, religious commitments, and challenges of targeted groups in the St. Louis Region. These organizations also have community education processes for individuals and institutions.
3. Identify and report hate crimes that are directed toward targeted individuals/groups or those who are perceived to come from targeted groups.
A hate crime is any crime that is committed against an individual or group because of the individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Hate crimes are like terrorism. Not only are individual victims attacked, but the victim’s entire group is meant to feel intimidated and unsafe (learn about hate crimes: www.stopthehate.org or www.adl.org). Citizens should identify and report such acts of hate to the Police. If there is actual physical violence or a crime taking place, call 911. If one wishes to make a report of an incident that is not an emergency but requires investigation, call the non-emergency number for the police in your area (e.g., St. Louis City number is 231-1212). Other agencies to contact include the FBI and the Justice Department. Also, check in with ADL (314.432.6868). In St. Louis, the Hindu Temple has been fire-bombed twice in the past month and the International Institute reports that Afghani refugees who are new to this community, have experienced some harassment and are feeling very vulnerable.
4. Reach out to groups that are targeted. Personal expressions of support and concern give comfort and confidence to groups threatened with violence.
Contacting these groups/communities and indicating your willingness to be supportive (leaving your contact information) builds solidarity and relationship that is the basis for collaborative efforts to support these communities. Call The International Institute (314.773.9090) or The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (636.394.7878) to voice your concern and support.
5. Make a long-term commitment to stand with targeted groups.
Just as there must be a long-term commitment to those who have suffered personal and other kinds of loss in this conflict or as a result of terrorism, our commitment to support and protect targeted communities should be intentional and long-term.
6. Worship with targeted groups/communities in St. Louis.
One way of expressing ally-ship is to participate in the worship services of those who feel threatened. People from the targeted communities represent many different faiths; however, the Muslim community represents a large number of these people. Worship within the Muslim community is open to all people. Check with the congregations in advance to be sensitive to specific observances: The Islamic Foundation (636.394.7878) or the Masjid Al-Mu-Minun (314.531.5414).
7. Contact public institutions and officials to encourage their continuing support for targeted groups.
The support of political and religious leaders is critical to confront inappropriate expressions of hatred and anger. We must not allow hysteria and stereotyping to pull us down into the cycle of hate perpetuated by those responsible.
8. Speak out against bigotry and publicly stand with targeted groups.
Express your position through letters to the editor and to other media. Email friends, family and neighbors to encourage their participation in solidarity actions and events. Organize meetings that inform people about the current need and provide an opportunity for identifying specific strategies in your community to protect those who are threatened. We must summon the courage to find ways to express both our patriotism and our support and concern for people who are innocent and now face the brunt of our nation’s anger and rage. We acknowledge that the rage may be directed at us if we stand with targeted communities, especially in the face of the heightened emotionalism and the understandable desire for "fighting the enemy." As allies, we need to discover ways of supporting one another as we stand with the groups who are being targeted.
9. Make a personal connection with a person/family from a targeted group.
Seek to provide personal support and help. Escorting targeted people in public places or checking in with the person/family over time can help in addressing everyday physical needs as well as providing emotional support.
10. Join organizations that are working to build inclusive community in St. Louis.
The National Conference for Community and Justice (314.241.5103), The Anti-Defamation League (314.432.6868), The International Institute (314.773.9090), The Urban League (314.615-3663), FOCUS (314.622.1250) and other organizations have been leaders in this work for many decades in this community. In addition, new collaborations include The U.S. Attorney’s Hate Crimes Task Force and The Diversity Awareness Partnership. These organizations will play a strong role in building peace through constructive community action rather than succumbing to hatred and violence.
Reprinted with permission from the National Conference for Community and Justice, St. Louis Region. For more information, please call NCCJ at 314/241-5103.
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By Using Words with Dignity We Encourage Equality For Everyone
Prepared for Paraquad, Inc. by Colleen Starkloff and Karen Foss in conjunction with the St. Louis Chapter of the Public Relations Association of America.
Words with Dignity:
- person with a disability/disabled
- person who has / person who experiences / person with (e.g. person with cerebral palsy)
- uses a wheelchair
- nondisabled
- deaf / does not speak for themselves / hard-of-hearing*
- emotional disorder / psychiatric survivor* / mental illness
- seizures
- developmental delay
Avoid these words:
- cripple / handicapped / handicap / invalid (literally means "not valid")
- victim / afflicted with (e.g. victim of cerebral palsy)
- restricted, confined to a wheel-chair / wheelchair bound (The chair enables mobility. Without the chair, the person is confined to bed.)
- normal (referring to non-disabled persons as "normal" insinuates those with disabilities are abnormal.)
- deaf mute / deaf and dumb / hearing impaired*
- birth defect/s
- crazy / insane
- fits
- slow
Other terms which should be avoided because they have negative connotations and tend to evoke pity include:
- Abnormal
- Burden
- Condition
- Deformed
- Differently abled
- Disfigured
- Hearing Impaired*
- Incapacitated
- Imbecile
- Maimed
- Moron
- Palsied
- Pathetic
- Physically challenged
- Pitiful
- Poor
- Spastic
- Stricken with
- Suffer
- Tragedy
- Unfortunate
- Visually Impaired*
Preferred Terminology
blind (no visual capability)
deaf / profoundly deaf (no hearing capability)
hard-of-hearing* (some hearing capability)
low vision* (some visual capability)
hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body)
paraplegia (loss of function in lower body only)
quadriplegia (paralysis of both arms and legs)
Disability Etiquette
Basic Guidelines
Make reference to the person first, then the disability. Say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person”. However, the latter is acceptable in the interest of conserving print or saving announcing time.
The term “handicapped” is derived from the image of a person standing on a corner with a cap in hand, begging for money. People with disabilities do not want to be recipients of charity. They want to participate equally with the rest of the community. A disability is a functional limitation that interferes with a person’s ability to walk, hear, talk, learn, etc. Use “handicap” to describe a situation or barrier imposed by society, the environment or oneself.
If the disability isn’t germane to the story or conversation, don’t mention it.
Remember, a person who has a disability isn’t necessarily chronically sick or unhealthy. He or she is often just disabled.
A person is not a condition, so avoid describing a person in such a manner. Don’t present someone as an “epileptic” or “a post polio”. Say instead, “a person with epilepsy” or “person who has had polio”.
Common Courtesies
Don’t feel obligated to act as a caregiver to people with disabilities. It is alright to offer assistance to a person with a disability, but wait until your offer is accepted BEFORE you help. Listen to any instruction the person may give.
Leaning on a person’s wheelchair is similar to leaning or hanging on a person and usually considered annoying and rude. The chair is a part of one’s body space. Don’t hang on it!
Share the same social courtesies with people with disabilities that you would share with anyone else. If you shake hands with people you meet, offer your hand to everyone you meet, whether or not they are disabled. If the person with a disability is unable to shake your hand, he or she will tell you.
When offering assistance to a person with low vision*, ask that person if they would like to take your arm*. This will enable you to guide, rather than propel or lead the person. Use specific directions, such a “left one hundred feet” or “right two yards,” when directing a person with low vision*.
When planning events that involve people with disabilities, consider their needs before choosing a location. Even if people with disabilities will not attend, select an accessible spot. You wouldn’t think of holding an event where other minorities could not attend, so don’t exclude people with disabilities.
Conversation
When speaking about people with disabilities, emphasize achievements, abilities and individual qualities. Portray them as they are in life: as parents, employees, business owners, etc.
When talking to a person who has a disability, speak directly to the person, not a through companion.
Relax. Don’t be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as, “See ya’ later” or “Gotta run,” that seem to relate to a person’s disability.
To get attention of a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing*, tap them on the shoulder or sleeve. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if they read lips. Not all deaf or hard-of-hearing people* can read lips. Those who do, rely on facial expressions and body language for understanding. Stay in the light and keep food, hands, and other objects away from your mouth. Shouting won’t help. Written notes will.
When greeting a person with low vision*, always identify yourself and others. For example say, “On my right is John Smith.” Remember to identify people with whom you are speaking. Speak in a normal tone of voice and indicate when the conversation is over. Let them know when you move from one place to another.
* Updated February, 2004 by Colleen Starkloff, Director of Education and Training, The Starkloff Disability Institute
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Community Investment Division (CID)
THE BOARD BANK PROGRAM IS FILLING POSITIONS
ON NON-PROFIT BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
--------------------------------------------------
DO YOU WANT TO BE A BOARD MEMBER?
CID operates a Board Bank that helps individuals and non-profit Boards of Directors find each other with the goal of creating boards that represent the diversity of St. Louis. The steps in the process of joining the program are:
Contact Judy Milton by phone (314) 539-4061 or fill out the form below and fax it to (314) 539-4270 or Email it to Judy at miltonj@mail.stl.unitedway.org.
Information about non-profit board member roles and responsibilities will be mailed to you. After reading the information, return the completed enrollment form along with your check for $25.
A list of Board Bank agencies will be sent to you. From this list, you may select three agencies to have your name sent to for consideration as a potential board member. Notify CID which agencies you have selected and the Staff will forward your name to the agencies.
Your name will be used to make other computerized matches that will be sent to agencies until an individual and an agency determine that they are right for each other.
No one is obliged to accept an offer from an agency. Agencies are not required to contact or invite all referrals from the Board Bank to join their board of directors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judy Milton
United Way of Greater St. Louis
1111 Olive Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
Work: (314) 539-4061 or Fax: (314) 539-4270
Email: miltonj@mail.stl.unitedway.org
Date: _________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________
Title: _________________________________________________
Company: _____________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________
Work Phone: ___________________________________________
Home Phone: ___________________________________________
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August 1: Lammas: Christianity
Christian first fruits celebration observed by placing bread baked from first harvest on the altar.
August 1: Lammas: Wiccan/Neo Pagan
Festival of the first harvest.
August 1 - 14: Fast in honor of Holy Mother of Lord Jesus: Orthodox Christianity
Orthodox Christian 14 day fasting period in preparation for the celebration of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
August 6: Transfiguration of Our Lord: Orthodox Christianity
Christian commemoration of the experience on Mt. Tabor when Jesus' physical appearance became brillant as his connection with traditional Jewish holy figures became evident to the disciples.
August 15: Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary: Catholic Christianity
Roman Catholic Christian observance commemorating the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
August 15: Dormition of the Theotokos - Orthodox Christianity
Orthodox Christian observance of the death, burial, resurrenction and transfer to heaven of the Virgin Mary.
August 29: Beheading of St. John the Baptist: Christianity
Observance to remember the beheading of John, who challenged the moral life of King Herod.
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·
Black Business Month: August 1
- 31. Dedicated to starting, maintaining, growing, buying from
and committing to black-owned businesses and
entrepreneurs.
·
National Win with Civility
Month: August 1 - 31.
·
Brown, Ronald H.: Birthday:
August 1, 1941. The first African-American leader of the
Democratic National Committee.
·
Diary of Anne Frank: The Last
Entry: Anniversary: August 1, 1944. On August 1, 1944,
Frank's last entry was "I keep on trying to find a way of
becoming what I would like to be, and what I could be,
if...there weren't any other people in the world. Three days
later Anne and her sister were taken to Bergen-Belsen
concentration camp where Anne died at age 15, two months
before the liberation of Holland.
·
Burk, Martha (Calamity Jane): Death
Anniversary: August 1, 1903.
·
Clark, William: Birthday:
August 1, 1770. Soldier, explorer and public servant who
joined Meriwether Lewis on an expedition exploring the
Louisiana Territory.
·
Emancipation of 500: Anniversary:
August 1, 1791. Virginia Planter Robert Carter III
confounded his family and friends by filing a deed of
emancipation for his 500 slaves.
·
Girlfriend's Day: August 1.
Celebrate this special day by taking your girlfriend shopping,
to a play, to the movies, out to eat, to the spa and/or to the
park.
·
National Kidsday: August 1. A
day to celebrate and honor children by spending meaningful
time with them.
·
Key, Francis Scott: Birthday:
August 1, 1779. American attorney, social worker, poet and
author of the U.S. national anthem.
·
Melville, Herman: Birthday:
August 1, 1819. American author, best known for his novel Moby
Dick.
·
Mitchell, Maria: Birthday:
August 1, 1818. The first female professional astronomer.
The first female member of the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences. The first U.S. female professor of astronomy.
Cofounder of the Association for the Advance of Women.
·
Respect for Parents Day: August
1. A day set aside to think of positive things parents
contribute to society.
·
Sisters' Day: August 1. Sisters
nationwide show appreciation and give recognition to one
another for the special relationship they share.
·
World Wide Web:
Anniversary:August 1, 1990.
·
Baldwin, James: Birthday:
August 2, 1924. Black American author noted for descriptions
of black life in the U.S.
·
Declaration of Independence:
Official Signing: Anniversary: August 2, 1776.
·
L'Enfant, Pierre Charles: 250th
Birth Anniversary:August 2, 1754. The architect, engineer
and Revolutionary War officer who designed the plan for the
city of Washington, D.C.
·
Columbus Sails for the New World:
Anniversary: August 3, 1492.
·
Kuhn, Margaret (Maggie): Birth
Anniversary: August 3, 1905. Founded the Gray Panthers
organization to fight age discrimination.
·
Armstrong, Louis: Birthday:
August 4, 1900. Jazz musician also known as Satchmo.
·
Schuman, William Howard: Birth
Anniversary August 4, 1910. American composer who won the
first Pulitzer Prize for composition and founded the Julliard
School of music.
·
Eliot, John: 300th Birth
Anniversary: August 5, 1604. American "Apostle to the
Indians," translator of the Bible into an Indian tongue.
·
First English Colony in North
America: Founding Anniversary: August 5, 1583.
·
Wallenberg, Raoul: 90th
Birthday: August 5, 1912. He was the second person in
history to be voted honorary American Citizenship. He is
credited with saving 100,000 Jews from almost certain death at
the hands of the Nazis during WWII.
·
First Woman Swims the English
Channel: Anniversary: August 6, 1926. The first woman to
swim the English Channel was 19 year-old Gertrude Ederle of
New York, NY.
·
Ball, Lucille: Birth
Anniversary: August 6, 1911.
·
Fleming, Alexander: Birth
Anniversary: August 6, 1881. Bacteriologist, discoverer of
penicillin and 1945 Nobel Prize recipient
·
Voting Rights Act of 1965 Signed:
Anniversary: August 6, 1965. Signed into law by President
Lyndon Johnson, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was designed to
thwart attempts to discriminate against minorities at the
polls.
·
Bunche, Ralph Johnson:
Birthday: August 7, 1904. American statesman, UN official,
the first black to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
·
Greene, Nathaniel: Birthday:
August 7, 1742. American Revolutionary War General, described
as the 'ablest military officer of the Revolution under
Washington.'
·
Henson, Matthew A.: Birthday:
August 8, 1866. American black explorer, made seven Arctic
expeditions.
·
Morris, Esther Hobart McQuigg:
Birth Anniversary: August 8, 1814. Worked in the Wyoming
Territory in the women's rights movement and had a key role in
getting a women's suffrage bill passed.
·
Ramo, Roberta Cooper: Birthday:
August 8, 1942. First woman president of the American Bar
Association.
·
United Nations: International Day
of the World's Indigenous People: August 9.
·
Cochran, Jacqueline: Death
Anniversary: August 9, 1980. Founder and head of WASPs
(Women's Air Force Service Pilots).
·
Missouri: Admission Day:
Anniversary: August 10. Became 24th state in 1821.
·
Atchison, David R.: Birthday:
August 11, 1807. Missouri legislator who was president of the
U.S. for one day.
·
First Foreign-Born Officer
Appointed Chair of Joint Chiefs: Anniversary: August 11,
1993. Army General John Shalikashvili was appointed to succeed
Colin Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
·
Frederick Douglass Speaks:
Anniversary: August 11, 1841. At an antislavery convention
on Nantucket Island, Douglass spoke about his life as a slave.
He was asked to become a full-time lecturer for the
Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Douglass became an orator,
writer and abolitionist who championed the rights of blacks as
well as the rights of all humankind.
·
Saint Clare of Assisi: Feast
Day: August 11, 1253. The first woman to write her own
religious order rule.
·
United Nations: International Youth
Day: August 12.
·
Caxton, William: Birthday:
August 13, 1422. First English printer.
·
Oakley, Annie: Birthday: August
13, 1860. Famed markswoman.
·
Stone, Lucy: Birthday: August
13, 1818. American women's rights pioneer, Stone, dedicated
her life to the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of
women.
·
V-J Day: Anniversary: August
14, 1945. Anniversary of President Truman's announcement that
Japan had surrendered to the Allies, setting off celebrations
across the nation.
·
Transcontinental U.S. Railway
Completion: Anniversary: August 15, 1870.
·
Fulton Sails Steamboat:
Anniversary: August 17, 1807. Robert Fulton began the
first American steamboat trip between Albany and New York,
NY.
·
National Dare, Virginia:
Birthday: August 18, 1587. The first child of English
parents to be born in the New World.
·
August 18 - 24. A
celebration which asks people to focus on their friendship
with their self on Sunday, spouses on Monday, children on
Tuesday, family on Wednesday, friends on Thursday, workers on
Friday and neighbors on Saturday.
·
Nineteenth Amendment to U.S.
Constitution Ratified: Anniversary: August 18, 1920. The
19th Amendment extended the right to vote to women.
·
Dare, Virginia: Birth
Anniversary: August 18, 1587. The first child of English
Parents to be born in the New World.
·
Festival of the Little Hills:
August 20 - 22. Frontier Park and Historic Main, St. Charles,
MO.
·
Poet's Day: August 21. A day
for all poet's to celebrate their special talents and the
vision that makes them so wonderful and dear.
·
Be An Angel Day: August 22. A
day to do one small act of service for someone.
·
Mormon Choir First Performance:
Anniversary: August 22, 1847. What would later become the
world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir gave its first public
performance at Salt Lake City, UT.
·
Novello, Antonia: Birthday:
August 23, 1944. The first woman and first Hispanic U.S.
Surgeon General
·
First Man-Powered Flight:
Anniversary: August 23, 1977.
·
United Nations: International Day
for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition:
August 23.
·
Be Kind to Humankind Week:
August 25 - 31.
·
Bernstein, Leonard: Birthday:
August 25, 1918. One of the greatest conductors in American
music history.
·
Sabin, Albert Bruce: Birthday:
August 26, 1906. American medical researcher most noted for
his oral vaccine for polio.
·
Women's Equality Day: August
26.
·
Ferraro, Geraldine: Birthday:
August 26, 1935. First woman vice-presidential candidate.
·
First Play Presented in North
American Colonies: Anniversary: August 27, 1655. Acomac,
VA, was the site of the first play presented in the North
American colonies.
·
Mother Teresa: Birth
Anniversary: August 27, 1910.
·
Emancipation Dream Day: August
28. One of the three Emancipation Days of Respect that
highlights the three key principles of the American Civil
Rights Renaissance of the 1960s. Wearing black and white shows
respect for Peoplehood in the Spirit of WAO (We Are One).
·
Bergman, Ingrid: Birth
Anniversary: August 29, 1915.
·
First White House Presidential
Baby: Birth Anniversary August 30, 1893.
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St. Louis Region
314.241.5103
mrafanan@nccj.org
1. Start with yourself. Look within. Become aware of your own anger, frustration, and bias. Channel your emotions into constructive action to fight bigotry and promote peace, inclusion, and justice.
The country is going through a grieving process that is now moving from shock to anger. As we deal with our own grief and offer solace and aid to the many who suffered loss, we must embrace the anger in us with understanding and restraint. If we are to act out of justice rather than revenge, we must take the time to learn who the perpetrators are, why they committed this horrific act, what our nation’s role may be in the expression of this violence, and how we can respond in a way that does not promote an ongoing spiral of hatred and violence. Let us find ways of acting out of our commitment to peace rather than acting out of the temptation for revenge and violence. It is more important now than ever that we look carefully at our own bias, bigotry and racism.
2. Commit to learning more about targeted groups.
In St. Louis, the leading organizations to consult in this process of learning are The International Institute (314.773.9090) and The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (636.394.7878). These organizations can provide information about the history, culture, religious commitments, and challenges of targeted groups in the St. Louis Region.
3. Identify and report hate crimes that are directed toward targeted individuals/groups or those who are perceived to come from targeted groups.
A hate crime is any crime that is committed against an individual or group because of the individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Hate crimes are like terrorism. Not only are individual victims attacked, but the victim’s entire group is meant to feel intimidated and unsafe (learn about hate crimes: www.stopthehate.org or www.adl.org). Citizens should identify and report such acts of hate to the Police. If there is actual physical violence or a crime taking place, call 911. If one wishes to make a report of an incident that is not an emergency but requires investigation, call the non-emergency number for the police in your area (e.g., St. Louis City number is 231-1212). Other agencies to contact include the FBI and the Justice Department. Also, check in with ADL (314.432.6868). In St. Louis, the Muslim community has received some threatening telephone calls. Also, The International Institute reports that Afghani refugees who are new to this community, have experienced some harassment and are feeling very vulnerable.
4. Reach out to groups that are targeted. Personal expressions of support and concern give comfort and confidence to groups threatened with violence.
Contacting these groups/communities and indicating your willingness to be supportive (leaving your contact information) builds solidarity and relationship that is the basis for collaborative efforts to support these communities. Call The International Institute (314.773.9090) or The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (636.394.7878) to voice your concern and support.
5. Make a long-term commitment to stand with targeted groups.
Just as there must be a long-term commitment to those who have suffered personal and other kinds of loss because of this attack, our commitment to support and protect targeted communities should be intentional and long-term.
6. Worship with targeted groups/communities in St. Louis.
One way of expressing ally-ship is to participate in the worship services of those who feel threatened. People from the targeted communities represent many different faiths; however, the Muslim community represents a large number of these people. Worship within the Muslim community is open to all people. Check with the congregations in advance to be sensitive to specific observances: The Islamic Foundation (636.394.7878) or the Masjid Al-Mu-Minun (314.531.5414).
7. Contact public institutions and officials to encourage their continuing support for targeted groups.
The support of political and religious leaders is critical to confront inappropriate expressions of hatred and anger. We must not allow hysteria and stereotyping to pull us down into the cycle of hate perpetuated by those responsible.
8. Speak out against bigotry and publicly stand with targeted groups.
Express your position through letters to the editor and to other media. Email friends, family and neighbors to encourage their participation in solidarity actions and events. Organize meetings that inform people about the current need and provide an opportunity for identifying specific strategies in your community to protect those who are threatened. We must summon the courage to find ways to express both our patriotism and our support and concern for people who are innocent and now face the brunt of our nation’s anger and rage. We acknowledge that the rage may be directed at us if we stand with targeted communities, especially in the face of the heightened emotionalism and the understandable desire for revenge. As allies, we need to discover ways of supporting one another as we stand with the groups who are being targeted.
9. Make a personal connection with a person/family from a targeted group.
Seek to provide personal support and help. Escorting targeted people in public places or checking in with the person/family over time can help in addressing everyday physical needs as well as providing emotional support.
10. Join organizations that are working to build inclusive community in St. Louis.
The National Conference for Community and Justice (314.241.5103), The Anti-Defamation League (314.432.6868), The International Institute (314.773.9090), The Urban League (314.615-3663), FOCUS (314.622.1250) and other organizations have been leaders in this work for many decades in this community. In addition, new collaborations include The U.S. Attorney’s Hate Crimes Task Force and The Diversity Awareness Partnership. These organizations will play a strong role in building peace through constructive community action rather than succumbing to hatred and violence.
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