And for those who love arts and culture, stay tuned for a rare opportunity to attend an amazing immersive performance by Control Group Productions right here in Fort Collins, Dec. 14-17! Read more about “Bitter Moon.”
Remember, we’re always interested in hearing your story. Write a Community Voices guest commentary and share your story with the world.
By the way, we’re fortunate to have a brilliant new volunteer, MK, a software engineer (whom we met through Dr. Cori Wong’s Feminist Friendship workshop this summer) to help us organize and develop the website. Stay tuned for improvements in 2024.
Finally, we know the world is hurting right now with what’s happening in the Middle East.
Flowers in downtown Fort Collins on June 14. All photos by @katvaldezwriter
If you’ve lived in FoCo for any amount of time, you know summer is the season of festivals, outdoor concerts, and good times with friends and family.
Here are a few events and places to get you in the mood for summer. And a bit of history, to put things in perspective. Summer Solstice Festival at The Lyric, June 23-24 20+ local bands! 2 stages! Vendors! The summer solstice: when is it and what causes it? “The summer solstice [June 21, 2023] and subsequent longest day of the year are celebrated by many cultures around the world with numerous traditions, holidays and festivals. From sunrise gatherings to midsummer festivals, summer solstice celebrations certainly blow the winter cobwebs away.”
Interested in deepening your knowledge about the planets? Chani is “a queer, feminist-led tech and media company on a mission to make astrology and its wisdom accessible to everyone as a tool for self-discovery, mindfulness, and healing.”
FoCo Juneteenth Celebration, June 16-18
“Join FoCo Juneteenth for a fun-filled weekend jam packed with events geared towards all community members. Celebrate liberation & freedom with live music and performance, youth activities, local vendors and artists, & more.”
Juneteenth: “On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.”
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth: “Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.”
A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance: “Juneteenth is a day to reflect on both bondage and freedom — a day of both pain and purpose. It is, in equal measure, a remembrance of both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, as well as a celebration of the promise of a brighter morning to come. On Juneteenth, we remember our extraordinary capacity to heal, to hope, and to emerge from our worst moments as a stronger, freer, and more just Nation. It is also a day to celebrate the power and resilience of Black Americans, who have endured generations of oppression in the ongoing journey toward equal justice, equal dignity, equal rights, and equal opportunity in America.”
Feminist Friendship Workshop on July 22
I asked Dr Cori Wong to teach a workshop on Feminist Friendship because I’m personally interested in this topic and thought friends like you would be interested, too.
This workshop is geared toward women and non-binary individuals who are committed to critical self-reflection, connection, authenticity, and solidarity across our differences within our own community.
The City of Fort Collins, in partnership with Elevations Credit Union, will host the 2023 Independence Day Community Celebration on Tuesday, July 4 with a full day of family-friendly events and activities.
FoCo Food Truck Rally at City Park with music presented by The Mishawaka Amphitheatre.
If you haven’t seen a movie, attended a Story Swap, or enjoyed the tasty meals at The Lyric recently, it’s time for a visit.
Consider becoming a member to enjoy unlimited movies each month and discounts on concessions and events while supporting this unique, independent theater that is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space.
Read more about it on CherryPicks, “the best place to find out what women think about film and television.”
Tour de Fat is Back!
Dig out your favorite outfit and wig from your costume trunk (doesn’t everyone in FoCo have one?) and save the date: Aug. 26, 2023. Watch New Belgium’s website and social media for updates.
*** What are you looking forward to this summer? Drop a comment in the box below or on our Facebook events group and page.
Thank you for following Diverse FoCo. See you around town!
Katherine Founder, Diverse Fort Collins
*** Be among the first to read news and event announcements. Type your email in the Follow box at www.DiverseFortCollins.com
Flowers in Maxwell Natural Area, June 11, 2023. Photo by @katvaldezwriter Looking east toward Fort Collins from Maxwell Natural Area, June 11, 2023. Photo by @katvaldezwriter
Rebirth, renewal, awakening…whatever you think of spring and however you choose to celebrate it (or not), March 20, 2023 marks the start of something new.
What did you lose during the winter months? What did you gain? How have you changed?
Many people are grieving the loss of loved ones. Others are celebrating the birth of new family members. Whatever you and your loved ones are going through, be gentle with yourselves and each other.
A friend and I spoke recently about her nine-month-old nephew (the first grandchild) and my niece’s baby (nearly six months old and the first great-grandchild). Their smiles, their curiosity, their strong emotions…we’re obsessed, in a good way. This new generation symbolizes hope.
On the flip side, coworkers and friends are struggling with colds, Influenza A, and COVID. A cousin is adjusting to caring for his father, who was diagnosed with dementia. Two friends unexpectedly lost their sons, one to a medical event and the other to suicide.
Did you see these interesting clouds over Fort Collins on February 17? Photo by Katherine Valdez
Growing is a process. Healing is a process. What do you need to support you through this time? How do you take care of yourself?
For me, a balance of solitude and my favorite activities provide a sense of peace and well-being.
Some of the things I’m doing (or plan to do): keeping in touch with my family in California, hiking, singing, writing, reading, dancing, connecting with friends over coffee, a walk, or Zoom; watching the Oscar-nominated live action shorts and other movies (Cocaine Bear sold out shows at The Lyric; should I add this to my must-see list?), and laughing…
…Not to mention watching favorite TV shows (Shadow & Bone, The Last of Us, Sort Of, Feel Good, The Mandalorian, Andor, Young Royals, Heartstopper, and others), reviewing friends’ screenplays, soaking in the tub with lavender Epsom salts, visiting art exhibits here and in Denver, and creating playlists of music to match my moods (Feeling footloose? Check out the costumed Valentine’s Day ball scene in Young Royals season 2, episode 4).
Something new for me is investing in my well-being, such as seeking a counselor better suited to my identity and lived experience, and attending online classes, events and in-person retreats with people of color who possess many identities.
Something wonderful happens when you share space with people of similar lived experiences.
Diverse Fort Collins continues to be a source of information and resources to connect with each other. We post news and events on Facebook and have fielded requests from individuals searching for consultants and classes, or who want to volunteer their time to good causes (see updated Local Resources on the website).
We’ve also heard from families who have moved or plan to move soon to our community, who want to know what kind of support exists here for people of color.
Keep up with local and national racial equity news:
There is too much grief across the nation to stay silent on these matters. Communities and families are deeply suffering and collectively we are all scarred from the recent horrific acts of violence, particularly those directed toward communities of color.
These incidents are a stark reminder of the issues we need to address as a nation – racism, mental health, and gun violence. None have a one-size-fits-all answer. They are complex, emotional political matters. However, what we all know is that the safety and well-being of our community is of the utmost importance.
The City of Fort Collins works diligently with community members and organizations to find solutions that best meet the needs of the community. We have work to do, and we each have a role to play.
The Office of Equity & Inclusion connects and partners with Black, Indigenous, Latino/ Hispanic, Asian-American, LGBTQIA+, faith-based groups, people living with disabilities and other identities to bring visibility and recognition.
We stand firmly in support of equity, belonging, dignity, and justice for all and celebrate the diversity in our community.
Celebrate, learn and support our diverse communities at the following events:
• Equity Indicators Community Conversation Series (coming in July): www.fcgov.com/equity
• Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff at Northside Aztlan Center (September 18): www.fcgov.com/equity
In solidarity,
Claudia Menéndez Equity & Inclusion Officer City of Fort Collins
**
From City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, an event sponsor:
Join Diversify Whitewater for the third annual Community River Float on the Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colorado. Participants will ride in rafts with experienced river guides down an exciting stretch of whitewater. All equipment and instruction will be provided for you at no cost!
The link to register is below. Spots are limited, so sign up today! The recommended minimum age for rafting is 7 years old. We are also looking for event volunteers to guide rafts, set safety, and help with on-shore tasks. Volunteers can sign up at the same link.
Who: The BIPOC & ally communities of Northern Colorado (ages 7+)
What: The 3rd Annual Diversify Whitewater Community River Float
Únase a Diversify Whitewater para el tercer Descenso de Río Anual Comunitario en el Río Cache la Poudre cerca de Fort Collins, Colorado. Los participantes navegarán un emocionante tramo de aguas bravas en balsas con guías de río expertos. ¡Todo el equipo y la instrucción se proveerán sin costo alguno!
El enlace para registrarse está abajo. ¡Espacio limitado, inscríbase hoy! La edad mínima recomendada es de 7 años. Este evento es 100% GRATIS para todos los participantes. Esperamos verle en el río.
Quién: BIPOC y aliadas del norte de Colorado (7 años y mayores)
Qué: 3er Descenso de Río Anual Comunitario de Diversify Whitewater – Norte de Colorado
Cuándo: Sábado, 25 de junio, de 8:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m.
Every community needs a Diverse Fort Collins so we can learn, educate, and empower one another with open hearts, and be compassionate to everything around us.
Diverse Fort Collins encourages you to listen to podcasts related to racial justice and social justice.
I was inspired to write this guide by a Diverse Fort Collins friend who is interested in listening to podcasts but doesn’t know where to start.
We hear a lot in the news about how we need a “national conversation” about race and racism. What does that mean? And how can we as individuals participate in a meaningful way?
A “national conversation” involves a few things:
Knowledge: About what it’s like to be on the receiving end of racism and discrimination. How does it manifest in our society? What does “systemic racism and/or discrimination” look like?
Public Action: What is society and government doing to address institutional, structural and system racism on a community, state and national level?
Private Action: What can and should we be doing on a local, personal level to contribute to making a positive change, as a white person, as a person of color, as a member of a non-Christian religion, as a person of different gender and LGBTQ+ identities, or as a person with a physical or intellectual disability?
We may learn all of these by reading books and magazines, watching some television programs, films, and documentaries, and listening to podcasts. Podcasts are relatively new in our society, available on computers and smartphones. Like books and audiobooks, podcasts are portable and can be consumed while exercising, driving, on an airplane, waiting in line, or doing gardening and housework. Not everyone, however, knows how to access podcasts that may fit their interests.
Podcasts have rapidly become very popular. They are portable, exist on many commonly-used devices and platforms, and address just about any interest the listener may have, from health to politics, true crime to science, comedy to social research, news and wide-ranging interviews to targeted social issues.
Many radio and TV shows also post their episodes as podcasts, either sound-only or video, and on YouTube.
Among the most popular are the Pulitzer Prize-winning The 1619 Project and National Public Radio’s Code Switch.
Here’s how to access podcasts:
DEVICES: most of these use apps.
Smartphones and tablets frequently come with a podcast app that will meet most needs without requiring additional payment, unless you have data costs. Check with your internet service provider.
Tip: Have your phone or tablet auto-connect to your home wifi. It’s often better quality and more reliable and cheaper than if you have a limited data plan. Your provider should be able to walk you through it.
iPhones (iOS) and Android phones (Google)
iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, Amazon FireStick, Google Android tablets, all brands.
Digital Assistants/Smart Speakers such Siri, Alexa, etc.
Note: Digital assistants and smart speakers may not be as straightforward in accessing podcasts as hand-held devices.
Virtually all podcasts also have websites that archive their previous shows, which are usually updated within 24 hours of broadcast. You can usually easily search for topics of interest, authors, etc.
You may want to consider getting plug-in external speakers or Bluetooth (wireless) speakers if you want to listen while, say, preparing lunch. Many laptops do not have loud speakers.
YouTube
Some podcasts also have video versions on a YouTube channel. They will tell you during an episode if this is so.
Most podcasts (and podcast apps) have two versions: Free and Premium, which is an option that includes longer interviews, some expanded content, and no commercials. Free podcasts have short commercials before and during their shows to pay for production costs; they often promote other podcasts. Apps are usually free. The ones listed here are free or have a free version.
PODCAST APPS: hand-held devices
There are many podcast apps from which to choose. Below are the most common and how to access.
Apple Podcasts, formerly known as iTunes, which still works for both music and podcasts, if you have it installed:
Podcasts only. Has both free and paid. Paying provides ad-free listening: https://www.stitcher.com
Comment: Stitcher seems to have an emphasis on entertainment podcasts.
Searching for Native American podcasts, for instance, brings up a lot of shows, none of which have anything to do with Native Americans. One in particular shows up on every list, though not part of the search criteria. A search for “Latino podcasts,” for example, brings up very few options.
Search results are not as plentiful as Google Podcasts.
Audible
If you have an Audible account (for book club titles, for instance), you can also access a number of podcasts through their search engine.
SEARCHING FOR YOUR PODCASTS
Once your podcast app of choice is loaded, open it and do a simple search (use the magnifying glass icon) on topic areas of interest.
For example, relating to diverse communities:
LGBTQ GAY QUEER BLACK BIPOC
NATIVE INDIGENOUS NATIVE AMERICAN
LATINO HISPANIC DISABILITY
ASIAN ASIAN AMERICAN AAPI SOUTH ASIAN
JEWISH MIDDLE EAST ISLAMIC
Comment: I found these areas of interest didn’t bring up many podcasts in Spotify or Stitcher, which seem more focused on entertainment than on information.
OTHER KINDS OF PODCASTS
A large number of podcasts are associated with news outlets and journalism, research organizations, universities, news and current events, etc. Many are interview shows and are rich in current information and news regarding the topics above.
NPR, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, MSNBC all have podcasts of broadcast news and news-style programs.
My personal recommendations for interview shows:
ASPEN INSIGHT ASPEN IDEAS TO GO MOYERS ON DEMOCRACY
FRESH AIR THE 1A THINK HIDDEN BRAIN
ON POINT THE TAKEAWAY INTELLIGENCE SQUARED US DEBATE
CODE SWITCH ON BEING (spiritual) (Intell-Sqd: on YouTube, also a UK version)
LATINO USA (NPR) EZRA KLEIN VOX CONVERSATIONS
Comment: You can check out topics of interest by visiting their websites. Just search for the program name in your web browser. Then you can load them on your mobile devices if you choose.
This will allow you to find and listen to recently-broadcast and past episodes.
Now that you have a basic knowledge of podcasts and how to access them, I wish you happy listening!
Linae Warden spent her career in customer service. Now retired, she volunteers for the City of Fort Collins, Diverse Fort Collins and public issue groups and political activities.
Linae’s service work honors her parents. Her mother served in the Navy during World War II and her father retired after 30 years as a career Air Force officer.
Demonstrating at Denver’s first Trans Pride March on Aug. 9, 2020. Photo Courtesy of Diane Jones.
“Transitioned“ by Diane Jones
There is a pounding at the front door. My spouse opens the door just a crack, and asks, “May I help you?”
The stranger at the door replies in a stern voice, “Is this the home of (insert dead name here)?” My spouse replies, “I don’t know you, and it’s none of your business.” The stranger then continues, “Well, we know what’s going on here, and you need to get the hell out of the neighborhood!” The stranger storms off and speeds away in his car.
At the next table in a restaurant, two young men are dining. As I go to pick up our order, one says to the other, “That makes me sick. Look at that, who does he think he’s fooling? We should kick the s**t out of him when he leaves!”
This is what it is like to be a transgender woman in Fort Collins, Colorado. Don’t get me wrong, I love our town, and have lived here most of my life. But I never realized just how many prejudices there are in our town, until I became part of an underrepresented group myself.
Now I know a lot of you may jump on me about this and say, “But you are white, aren’t you? How can you possibly understand prejudice in our town?” Yes, that is true, I cannot know what it is like to be a person of color. However I do understand what it is like to suddenly stand out in a crowd, and be ostracized for who I am.
You see, when you are trans, there is nowhere to hide. Not that I want to hide, I am out and proud, but a large part of the status quo does not agree with it or understand it. I get pointed at, stared at, laughed at, whispered about, or just plain ignored. I hear comments like, “You see her over there? That’s a dude!” or simply a head shaking “Damn!”
Misgendering hurts me the most, although it seldom happens anymore. I try to not let these things bother me, and after a while I wear it like a badge of honor. Bigotry is not my fault, it is the fault of the person who possesses it. They are the ones with the problem, and I can hold my head high, be the better person, and be proud that I have the courage to be my true self.
It isn’t all bad, though. Our town is more than the discrimination and bigotry I mentioned before; it is also a town full of love and acceptance. I was able to come out on the job to an amazing majority of acceptance. I have met new and wonderful friends that have accepted me with open arms. There hasn’t been any violence towards me, and I generally feel safe anywhere I go. This town has a great LGBTQ+ community and is very supportive of one another. The Pride marches are filled with mostly acceptance and support, and I see people openly expressing their identities wherever I go.
We must all aspire to let go of our prejudices and try to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. I do have the unique insight of going from a privileged white male to a discriminated-against transgender woman, which has opened my eyes to the hatred some people possess. If only everyone could experience life from both sides like I have, perhaps they would love and accept one another more. I know I sure do.
I guess you could say I have transitioned.
Diane Jones
Diane Jones (she/her/hers) is a middle-aged transgender woman who has lived in Fort Collins for nearly 40 years. She transitioned in 2019 and has been living happily as her true self ever since.
Diverse Fort Collins is a volunteer-driven community project advocating for antiracism and racial equity. We connect people with resources and each other.
Let’s co-create an inclusive community!
Be among the first to read news and event announcements. Type your email in the Follow box at DiverseFortCollins.com
In this New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo offers a hard-hitting but user-friendly examination of race in America
Widespread reporting on aspects of white supremacy — from police brutality to the mass incarceration of Black Americans — has put a media spotlight on racism in our society. Still, it is a difficult subject to talk about. How do you tell your roommate her jokes are racist? Why did your sister-in-law take umbrage when you asked to touch her hair — and how do you make it right? How do you explain white privilege to your white, privileged friend?
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
Watch for an announcement coming soon on our Discussion Series podcast, novel, and film selections.
Diverse Fort Collins is a volunteer-driven community project advocating for antiracism and racial equity. We connect people with resources and each other.
Let’s co-create an inclusive community!
Be among the first to read news and event announcements. Type your email in the Follow box at DiverseFortCollins.com
Karen Wong-Brown at two years old, and her mother, Ling Ling Zee, just before they left Hong Kong. Photo courtesy of Karen Wong-Brown.
“The Evolution of An Immigrant’s Dream” by Karen Wong-Brown
Almost three decades ago, a naïve 19-year-old came to Colorado State University in Fort Collins as a first-generation college student. Being “first-generation” means neither parent went to college. My mother, Ling Ling Zee, brought me to America for a better education. This was my first time away from home and I carried my mother’s dream of her daughter earning a degree.
Before coming to college, I had always been an average student. Moving all over the United States made keeping up with school more of a challenge. Then my first year of college, I was diagnosed with a learning disability which became one of my greatest obstacles. Due to my pride and ignorance, I dismissed this obstacle because I did not want to give myself that label among others. With assistance from a scholarship and my mentors, I managed to graduate with passing grades.
My cultural identity has always been problematic because I separate my identity into two: Chinese and American. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Japan when I was two years old. By the age of six, I learned to assimilate and acculturate to America while keeping my Chinese values especially in the home, Chinese community, and workforce. For example, in my household, I followed the Chinese values such as girls are seen and not heard. The Chinese community never accepted me because I spoke Cantonese better than the dominant dialect Mandarin. Finally, in the workforce, I was seen as an outsider by my appearance or my accent. In Fort Collins, I was fired a couple of times because of my accent. As for my appearance, several people accused me of getting the job to fit the quota system. I know that is discriminatory but it happens.
After graduation, I learned to advocate for others in the workplace and the community, and that is where my Americanness comes in. I knew that voice is a powerful tool. Through my personal journey, I learned to have a voice for myself because of my experiences being undervalued in many ways. It was a tiring effort for a while because I felt like I was the only one who was an immigrant, a person of color, Asian American and the list goes on. I also learned to be an advocate for others and I am proud to represent myself in many ways such as taking on leadership roles and being an entrepreneur of a small business.
Through my efforts to grow, I also found out that my life has many layers and intersectionalities which make me unique. I am proud to say that I have blended both cultures. Now I am no longer afraid to stand out because I want to make a difference in the Fort Collins community as well as the world. I am ready to embark on any challenges that come my way. My message to the community is that every individual is unique – embrace differences and learn from one another through stories and open hearts. Our life is too short, so be your authentic self.
With the attainment of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I have fulfilled my mother’s wish and continue to exceed my own expectations like going for my doctorate soon. I learned that I can do anything through tenacity and perseverance. No matter where I live, either in Fort Collins or in a big city, I will be a leader with my voice and presence.
Karen Wong-Brown is a proud first-generation Chinese American woman. She is the founder of Unified Workforce, which helps individuals from all demographics find employment while assisting employers in increasing retention. She also serves in many capacities in Northern Colorado, being compassionate to diverse issues and learning from others.
Join Diverse FoCo at 2 p.m. TOMORROW(Sunday, February 28) to discuss Chapters 6-11 of So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.
–Free and pay-what-you-can tickets are available. –Details and Registration: DiverseFortCollins.com/events –REGISTRATION CLOSES AT NOONon Sunday.
WRITE A COMMUNITY VOICES GUEST COMMENTARY
DFC seeks to elevate diverse voices. We welcome Community Voices essays from anyone who lives, works, and plays in Fort Collins. Tell your story in 600 words. See submission guidelines at DiverseFortCollins.com/about
Diverse Fort Collins is a volunteer-driven community project advocating for antiracism and racial equity. We connect people with resources and each other.
Let’s co-create an inclusive community!
Be among the first to read news and event announcements. Type your email in the Follow box at DiverseFortCollins.com
DFC book group facilitators look forward to seeing you this Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m.
We can’t wait for you to join us via Zoom this Sunday at 2 p.m. for a discussion of So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, Chapters 6-11.
Come learn and make new friends in a welcoming, friendly, and compassionate space. We’ll divide into breakout rooms and focus on Discussion Questions 3 and 4 at the back of the book (on pages 254-255).
FREE and Pay-What-You-Can tickets available. Register here via EventBrite. Please note DFC is not a nonprofit organization and therefore cash gifts are not tax-deductible but greatly appreciated.
Buy the paperbackfrom Old Firehouse Books. Receive a 20% discount when you mention Diverse Fort Collins book group. Mention the discount in the notes when ordering online.
Question 3: The author states that she grew up in a major white, liberal area and was raised by a white mother. How might that upbringing have influenced the way she wrote this book? How might it have influenced the personal events she describes in the book? How might this book have been different if written by a black person with a different upbringing, or if written by a person of color of a different race?
Questions 4: Throughout the book, the author makes it clear that this book was written for both white people and people of color. But does the author expect white people and people of color to read and experience this book in the same way? What are some of the ways in which the author indicates how she expects white people and people of color to react to and interact with portions of the book? What are some of the ways in which the author discusses the different roles that white people and people of color will play in fighting systemic racism in our society?
News from the Diverse Fort Collins
Advisory Committee to Announce Upcoming Events The DFC Advisory Committee meets monthly and will decide on upcoming Discussion Series selections at its March 10 meeting. Our book group facilitators will also weigh in.
Exciting news: We’re expanding our discussions this year to include podcasts and movies! We’ll share more information soon on a podcast in May, a novel in July, and a film in October.
Get Involved! Check out our Vote! page for information and news on the upcoming city election.
Musicians Celebrate Fort Collins Diversity in New Video Cary Morin and Ghost Dog’s new song “Trust” produced by Maple Street Music in Fort Collins video celebrates the natural landscapes and diverse residents of Fort Collins.
The next time someone says “Fort Collins has no diversity,” show them this video to help raise awareness of the diversity that exists in our community and in our schools. See more information from the city on this topic at fcgov.com/equity.
City to Hire Chief Equity Officer The City of Fort Collins recently held employee and community Listening Sessions to inform the hiring of the city’s first Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer and creation of an Equity Office. Read more in the The Collegian article.
Podcast: On The One, “Identity, Community and Passing It On with Jamal Skinner”
“Why BIPOC is an inadequate acronym” by Kearie Daniel
“I just can’t understand why grouping such distinct identities together is necessary—or how it could be beneficial to any of the identities in question. It turns out I’m not alone.” Read more.
“Google is free. On the importance of white allies doing their own work” by author and professor Leah Johnson
Excerpt: “…There was a room full of other people just as capable as me of speaking up and speaking out. And they also chose to be silent.
“I’m not going to feel guilty anymore for not always answering to the undue burden of responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders, and the shoulders of my sisters, to educate white folks. Instead I’m going to challenge y’all, particularly white women, to do your own work. And I don’t mean just in the classroom, though that’s where I experience it most often. I mean everywhere: in your activism, in this movement. I’m asking you to do the research on what has been my lived experience for the past 22 years. I’m asking you to stand up, in your positions of privilege, in the spaces with other folks who look like you and Do. The. Work.” Read more.
Diverse Fort Collins is a volunteer-driven community project advocating for antiracism and racial equity. We connect people with resources and each other. Let’s co-create an inclusive community!
Be among the first to read news event announcements. Type your email in the Follow box at DiverseFortCollins.com and watch for the confirmation email to complete the process.
Diverse Fort Collins 