Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
In this Issue:
Opening Reflection
Golden Rule of Each Faith Tradition In MeckMIN (Part 1)
Bahá’Ã: Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you.
Buddhism: Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
Christianity: Do to others what you want them to do to you.
Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.
Judaism: Love your neighbor as yourself.
1. MeckMIN Updates
A NOTE ABOUT THESE MEETINGS
These meetings are open to anyone or any group interested in promoting the common good in our shared Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
We do not allow announcements from for-profit groups promoting their businesses or campaigning from political candidates. Beyond that, we don’t have rules for who can speak or what they can share as long as they support our commitments to respectful conversation and the dignity of all people.
Because we have a very wide array of beliefs and understandings within our membership and because we want to keep these meetings open as an open forum, we’re going to add this disclaimer to the minutes: "The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations."
TEACHERS OF WORLD RELIGIONS GATHERING
Thursday, April 27, 4 to 6 PM | Johnson C. Smith University
If you teach World Religions or a related subject at any level, you're invited to join this gathering. Our goals are simply to get to know one another and to share helpful resources.
Sign up HERE
2023 COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
May 2, 2023 | 7:30 - 9 AM | Covenant Presbyterian Church
The Community Leader Awards is this coming Tuesday May 2nd at 7:30 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE. Please come and support our work and the work of our two award winners: Rev. Glencie Rhedrick who will receive the Sydnor Thompson Jr Community Leader Award for her work at First Baptist Church – West as well as her theoactivism addressing the issues of unjust experiences and biases impacting women and the communities of African descent. We will also honor Beckly Schisler with the Bridge Builder Award for her work as founder and Executive Director of the Coalition for Cultural Compassion.
Individual tickets are available here.
Our awardees this year are:
The Sydnor Thompson, Jr. Community Leader award goes to REV. GLENCIE RHEDRICK. The award goes to a local leader or organization that exemplifies leadership and collaboration across differences in the community, fosters interfaith understanding to promote racial and ethnic understanding, and addresses social needs in the community. Reverend Rhedrick, an ordained Baptist minister, currently serves as an associate minister at First Baptist Church-West, where she leads the Bereavement Ministry and facilitates an engaging weekly adult Bible study class. Reverend Rhedrick is a theoactivist womanist, addressing the issues of unjust experiences and biases which intentionally impact women and the communities of African ascent.
A local and national community activist and organizer, Rev. Rhedrick is the former president of Mecklenburg Ministries (now known as MeckMIN). She is also an active member of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. Currently, she holds the following positions: Vice President for Mayfield Memorial CDC, Chair of the Social Justice Auxiliary for the United Missionary Baptist Association, Co-Chair for Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice; Vice President and Social Justice Chair for The Charlotte Minister’s Conference, Member of the Board of Directors for the National Jobs for All Coalition, Co-Chair for the John Lewis Voter Motorcade Caravan in Georgia and North Carolina for the Transformative Justice Coalition, Board Member and Secretary for The Reimagining America Project, Chair for Community Outreach Programs for Queen City Ivy & Pearls Foundation, Trainer and Hub Organizer for Arm in Arm, Vice President and Board Member of UMBA Bright Stars, Chair of Connection and Social Justice for Rho Psi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Chaplain for Queen City Ivy & Pearls Foundation of Rho Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a Board of Director member for The Red Letter Christians.
Rhedrick continues to answer the questions of how we take care of the community. As she works tirelessly to end involuntary homelessness and low wealth which often contributes to the ills that create the conditions we experience.
The Bridge Builder award goes to BECKY SCHISLER. This award recognizes someone who directly promotes one-on-one relationships and bridge building across differences through their actions and daily life.
Becky Schisler is being honored as the 2023 Bridge Builder for her work as the founder and Executive Director of The Coalition for Cultural Compassion (The CCC), a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to driving change within Charlotte communities. Driven by the belief that compassion must involve action, Becky and The CCC board of directors and program volunteers work daily to carry out their mission which aims to bring diverse groups together through educational and social events to promote empathy and dismantle harmful stereotypes as well as to combat systems of oppression through the redistribution of resources and by promoting awareness and understanding of systemically-rooted inequities.
Since 2018, the organization has grown to include a Multicultural Series for Kids, a Book Club featuring authors of color, Small-group Discussion Meet-ups, an annual Black Santa event, and the ever-growing Compassion Closet program that provides clothing and other essential items to anyone in need within the Charlotte region.
Becky is committed to continued learning and self-improvement so she may lead this organization mindfully, centering the voices and needs of marginalized community
members.
FOOD DRIVE IN SUPPORT OF OUR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
We don’t usually have a food drive in connection with our Awards Breakfast, but the current need in our community is dire and so we’re partnering with Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays and asking you to consider bringing non-perishable foods with you to donate at the event.
Last year, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays provided groceries to over 106,000 neighbors in Mecklenburg Co., a 38% increase. Half were children and seniors.
On the heels that 2022 explosion in food insecurity, January and February 2023 saw their highest totals in their 48 year history. And now they are bracing for an even greater rise in need. As of March 1, families and individuals who are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) saw a decrease of at least $95 a month. We know that these cuts, coming in the midst of already-unprecedented need, are creating a crisis that will demand the generous support of our entire community.
As you come to enjoy a delicious breakfast in good company, please consider bringing some of these most-needed items: Priority Needs.
We also encourage you to host your own food drive: Food Drive Registration Form.
Together, we can keep food on our neighbor's tables.
MeckMIN SERVICE PROJECT AT HOSPITALITY HOUSE May 6
OPERATION SANDWICH YOUTH EVENT - May 7
The MeckMIN Youth committee is hosting an Operation Sandwich service project for middle and high school youth May 7.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR OPEN TABLES - June 15
Next MeckMIN Open Tables will be June 15. These dinner dialogue events are open to all adults interested in having respectful conversations across differences.
LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER TO UPDATE HOUSING LIST
We need a volunteer to update the list of housing organizations listed in our website. This is a remote opportunity that would involve reaching out to each organization listed to make sure that the information we have is correct. If you are interested, contact LeDayne.
MeckMIN INDIVIDUAL SURVEY
Whether you have been a part of MeckMIN for decades or just learned about us, we want to get your thoughts on what we're doing and could be doing to fulfill our mission. We would very much appreciate your feedback on what we do and what we might do in the future.
Please take our survey and share your thoughts. There are both multiple choice and open-ended questions. If you do just the multiple choice ones, it will take 15 minutes or less. You can complete as few or as many of the open ended ones as you like.
PANDEMIC UPDATE
David Sweat | David.Sweat@mecklenburgcountync.gov
-There have been NO Covid deaths in the County in the past month.
-People in certain age brackets or with certain conditions are eligible for a new booster. It is highly recommended if you are eligible.
-Note that vaccines will soon no longer be free.
-Covid vaccines will be advertised commercially just like the yearly flu shot.
Mecklenburg County Public Health
Karina Gonzalez, RD, LDN, Latino/Hispanic Community Liaison, (704) 591-6840 (cell)
Covid-19 Report for Mecklenburg: Mar 19-Apr 15 (Eng)
Cases, deaths, ED visits and case rates have all declined in the past 2 weeks and the daily number of patients admitted to the hospital is holding steady. For children, we are seeing the highest number of reported cases in 0-4 year old residents, but the number of reported pediatric cases is declining.
The biggest news this week is that yesterday the FDA announced people who are older or have immunocompromising conditions may elect to get a 2nd bivalent booster this spring if they wish. The FDA did not recommend all people get another booster but they are saying it would be allowed if people want to get another vaccination before the anticipated summer surge.
-COVID Response Unit Director, David Sweat
Reporte de Covid-19 de Mecklenburg: Mar 19-Apr 15 (Español)
Los casos, las muertes, las visitas al servicio de urgencias y las tasas de casos han disminuido en las últimas 2 semanas y la cantidad diaria de pacientes admitidos en el hospital se mantiene estable. Para los niños, estamos viendo la mayor cantidad de casos reportados en residentes de 0 a 4 años, pero la cantidad de casos pediátricos reportados está disminuyendo.
La noticia más importante de esta semana es que ayer la FDA anunció que las personas mayores o con condiciones inmunocomprometidas pueden optar por recibir un segundo refuerzo bivalente esta primavera si asà lo desean. La FDA no recomendó que todas las personas reciban otro refuerzo, pero dicen que estarÃa permitido si las personas quieren recibir otra vacuna antes de las oleadas anticipadas de verano.
-Director de la Unidad de Respuesta de COVID, David Sweat
2. Non-Profit Updates
CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR LEGAL ADVOCACY
Ro’shaun McClendon | roshaun.mcclendon@charlottelegaladvocacy.org
Community Outreach Specialist | phone   980-265-3699 | fax   704-376-8627, @cltlegaladvocacy and on facebook, twitter, linked in etc.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy helps people in the Charlotte, North Carolina, region who cannot afford legal services, but desperately need them. Without legal representation in civil matters, thousands of families can lose access to financial security, healthcare, housing, and opportunity.
Since 1967, our staff and pro bono attorneys have provided comprehensive civil legal services for our region’s low-income residents. We accomplish our mission through a variety of advocacy strategies, including individual advice and representation, community education and outreach, representation of groups, self-help remedies, collaboration with other agencies, community economic development, legislative and administrative advocacy, and impact litigation. Eligibility – no citizenship or immigration status, must be 200% or lower of Federal Poverty level.
Departments:
• Immigrant Justice Program
• Family Support and Health Cre
• Consumer Protection
• North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
• Low-Wage Worker Project
• Veterans Legal Services Project
• Legal Services for the Elderly
See full presentation below:
UPCOMING EVENTS AT MYERS PARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. Dr. JJ Flag | C: (704) 550-7803
Associate Minister of Pastoral Care & Justice
May 21, 4 pm: Concert benefitting RAIN featuring Callie Day, YouTube sensation and America’s Got Talent finalist along with Dr. Tony McNeil and an ecumenical choir. Tickets available at www.myersparkbaptist.org.
Saturday, June 3 | 9 AM - 4 PM: Advancing queer justice conference. A host of experts, panelists and more about supporting trans loved ones, navigating queer issues and more. Find out more at www.myersparkbaptist.org
STOP THE SILENCE EVENT
Lianne Hofer | liannehofer@hotmail.com | 704-964-2428 | www.LianneHofer.com
This event will focus on surviving sexual trauma. Join us in person on Sunday, April 30th from 4-7 pm at the Indian Trail Town Hall or virtually as we stand together as a united front for the victims and survivors of sexual assault.
This Evening is about:
• Providing resources to this community
• Recognizing how this topic touches everyone
• Empowering all to have more conversations, stand together, and encourage healing!
• CELEBRATING the launch of a collaborative book to "Stop the Silence"
• $45 for the in-person option includes refreshments, autographed book bundle, Guest Speakers Authors Tambry Harris & Lianne Hofer
• $35 for the virtual option includes Autographed Book Bundle, Guest Speakers Author Tambry Harris & Lianne Hofer
Register HERE!
Facebook – Kimberly’s Place OR Indian Trail Events
UPTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Jan Johnson, President | info@uptownfarmersmarket.com
They are more than a Farmer’s Market. Opened in 2020 as a public gathering space and market. They are at 300 S Davidson across from Nascar Hall of Fame. They have a three prong mission:
· Support local farmers
· Improve nutrition
· Address food insecurity
They do double bucks program matching EBT use. The market also has a triple match at the market every third Saturday ($50 swipe gets you $150 credit at the market). Send bins to roof above kitchens with leftover food.
BRAVEWORKS
Lauren Smith | Program Manager | Lauren@braveworks.org
Aliyah Bradley | Program Coordinator | aliyah@braveworks.org
P: (866) 278-6894 | M: (732) 690-5267 | www.braveworks.org
Braveworks, formerly known as Fashion & Compassion is a non-profit organization that provides programs for women in Charlotte, North Carolina. We teach women skills in jewelry production and other artisanal creations. Our mission is to Empower women and families overcoming trauma and injustice, bridging the gap from pain to purpose through impactful connections, inspired creations, and economic confidence.
Once in our program, they create an Artisan Empowerment Plan that documents their physical, emotional, and spiritual growth dreams for the future. The plan breaks their dream down into achievable goals and begins with three basic work readiness milestones: Arriving to work on time, having a good attitude, and working diligently at assigned tasks. We then connect the artisans to employment opportunities and other resources in the local community as needed to reach milestones and accomplish goals around employment, education, housing, continued sobriety, financial literacy, ESL, supportive community, emotional health, and skill development.
Our Refugee Immigrant program meets at Project 658 on Fridays from 10-2pm, childcare and lunch are provided. Candidates do not have to speak English to participate. The next cohort begins June 16th and we are accepting referrals now!
We offer a 2nd program for local women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, human trafficking, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, and recently incarcerated at our Dilworth location. We meet on Wednesdays from 10-2pm, we provide lunch, but we do not provide childcare. Referrals are on a rolling basis.
And some exciting news we are happy to announce we are offering nighttime groups for local women! The daytime program was limiting to some women eager to participate in our program and now we’ve broken that barrier. Program is on Monday and Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30 at The Harvest Center. Dinner and childcare are provided. Participants must attend both days. Referrals are on a rolling basis.
ACTION NC
Jessica Moreno | jessica@actionnc.org
Housing Justice Organizer
May 3rd: Working on Tenant Justice Association. Partnered with UNCC class who interviewed those who rent from corporate landlords and then make some policy recommendations. The report recommendations will be presented on the 3rd. If tenants are interested in learning more, register HERE. Find out more about the upcoming bill HERE
WOMEN'S WELLNESS WORKSHOP
Elysa Graham | admin@ih4well.com | 704-412-2802 | 305-801-8026
Lead Clinical Provider, Integrity Health for Wellness
Primary care and mental health wellness center. Goal is to reduce death from undiagnosed and untreated chronic illness. We provide individualized health care. There is an event coming up on May 13th: Women’s Wellness Workshop. There will be yoga, nutrition, meditation, and more. Free swag plus lunch. 10-4 pm at 8550 IMB Dr., Use entrance #1 conference center.
Get your ticket HERE
FREE tickets are available for certain ministries – reach out of you are interested.
URBAN LEAGUE UPCOMING EPA 608 CLASS FOR WOMEN
APRIL C. TURNER | April.Turner@urbanleaguecc.org | 704.594.0386
Outreach & Engagement Specialist
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CONFERENCE
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Kristen Anderson | andersonkw@comm.churchofjesuschrist.org | 704-604-4617
Communication Director
Religious Liberty and Human Dignity: The Promise of American Pluralism
June 1st 6:30-8:00 PM at the Belk Chapel at Queen’s University.
Free event with Religious Freedom expert Hannah Smith Register HERE:
We invite you to attend Charlotte’s first annual Religious Freedom Conference. The purpose of this free event is to discuss the parameters of religious freedom according to the US Constitution, its current landscape locally and nationally, and why positive interfaith relationships play a critical role in supporting and strengthening our communities.
Religious liberty expert Hannah Smith will be the guest speaker. Following her remarks, Ms. Smith will moderate a Q&A panel discussion with four Charlotte-area religious leaders.
INTERFAITH INSTITUTE 2023
Rabbi Tracy Klirs | rabbiklirs@gmail.com
I will be one of the scholars in residence at the Interfaith Institute held this summer at Wildacres Retreat in Little Switzerland, NC (in the mountains). The retreat brings together Jews, Christians and Muslims, but is open to people of all faiths, to explore their common values and bonds.
NEED FOR A CAR
Celia Gray | celia@tcgracing.com | 704-756-9697
Celia Gray – a local woman is losing her car and in need so she can keep her job. If you know anything that may be helpful, please reach out.
CENTRAL UMC ANNUAL COMMUNITY CARNIVAL
April 29th
SEED20 ONSTAGE IS BACK!
Laurie Grauer | lgrauer@svpcharlotte.org
Program Manager
The big picture: The Charlotte region's most unique nonprofit pitch contest since 2011, SEED20 OnStage, returns to the stage this month on Thursday, April 27 at 7pm EDT.
Social Venture Partners Charlotte is thrilled to announce that SEED20 OnStage is back! We have been innovating our program over the past two years and the refreshed SEED20 OnStage evening on Thurs April 27th will include:
• 6:30 PM | Doors open for mingling in the lobby. We ask that all attendees take their seats by 6:55 PM.
• 7:00 PM | The stage portion of the evening will feature ten nonprofit pitches, an audience text-to-vote to select the top prize winner, a presentation of cash and in-kind awards, and the opportunity to donate directly to those participants who inspired you.
• 8:30 PM | After the show, in the lobby, while snacking on sweet and savory treats and drinking a celebratory glass of wine, beer or soda, audience members can interact and connect with the stars of the night–the nonprofit presenters–to learn more about their initiatives and opportunities for further support and engagement.
About the host organization:
This signature event is hosted and produced by Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP), one of the Charlotte region's most unique nonprofits that invests in and strengthens who are tackling our community’s greatest challenges by leveraging a network of engaged individual and corporate philanthropists. Why it matters: Innovators imagine the future and fill in the gaps. The SEED20 stage provides social entrepreneurs across the Charlotte region with a platform to share their innovative ideas that benefit our community. How it works: 10 nonprofits will give three-minute pitches on why they are passionate about the work they are doing and the impact it is making on our community. You and the rest of the audience then vote on the grand prize of $20,000. And there is more: After the pitches conclude, you will have the opportunity to grab an adult beverage, snacks, and then mix and mingle with the nonprofit leaders who inspired you. Check out these links: Click and learn more. You'll understand why you want to be in the room on event night.
• Check out SVP’s pitch for SEED20: 47 Second Pitch Video
• Learn more about the nonprofits in the Class of 2023: Visit the event website at SEED20 Class of 2023
• Get your in-person or streaming ticket today: Go to this link to purchase your tickets before they sellout!
ANOTHER CHANCE HOUSE OF REFUGE, INC.
Shakieta Maloye | 704-595-3334
ACHR is having our First Annual Gala to raise funds for the 145 bed facility we are working on. Get your tickets HERE
We are also in need of volunteers to help with our fast growing organization.
Sign-Up HERE
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST COMMUNITY OF CHARLOTTE CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
On Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte (UUCC) will celebrate its 75thanniversary. When founded in 1947, Unitarian Church of Charlotte was the first Unitarian congregation established in North Carolina. We invite everyone to stream our service celebrating 75 years of liberal religion in Charlotte on Sunday morning at 10:00 at uuccharlotte.org. More about our rich history is in the press release attached.
3. General Information
HOME REPAIRS & REDUCED ENERGY COSTS - CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY TODAY!
The City of Charlotte and Duke Energy Carolinas are launching an income-qualified energy efficiency home rehabilitation pilot program. The High Energy Use Pilot Program will help income-qualified customers with high energy use receive much-needed home repairs and energy efficiency retrofits that will improve housing safety and reduce their electricity usage and overall costs.
Duke Energy created the pilot in collaboration with stakeholders at the request of the North Carolina Utilities Commission to provide energy efficiency retrofits for income-qualified, high-electrical use customers at no cost to the customer. However, as many as 40% of households that could be eligible for this program would not be able to participate due to health and safety issues in the home, particularly housing repair issues such as damage to doors, windows or the roof that need to be addressed first. The funding provided by the city through this public-private partnership will ensure that customers who otherwise would not be able to engage in this pilot will now be able to take advantage of these retrofits.
Duke Energy will invest approximately $4 million in the Charlotte region to support energy retrofits for approximately 500 high-electrical use, income-qualified customers. The city will provide up to $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support home repairs necessary before energy efficiency retrofits can occur.
Home repairs may include window, roof, chimney, plumbing, or water heater repairs or replacements, pressure relief valve installation, mechanical ventilation and lead-based paint hazard control.
Charlotte is one of three North Carolina municipalities, including Forsyth and Guilford counties, selected for the pilot program. The initial goal is to assist 1,000 participants over a two-year span from an estimated 22,000 income-qualified residents in all identified areas.
Duke Energy is accepting applications for the program now, and the first service appointments will start in mid-May, with an emphasis on homes that are in the city's Corridors of Opportunity. For more information or to apply, customers can visit duke-energy.com/highusehelp.
VIEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS IN YOUR AREA:
MAP & LIST OF SUBSIDIZED AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN CHARLOTTE
Interested in seeing a map and list of subsidized affordable housing in Charlotte? Check out this new tool!
Development-based housing units include:
• Developments with funding from the Charlotte Housing Trust Fund,
• Public housing developments from Inlivian (formerly the Charlotte Housing Authority),
• Developments of the DreamKey Partners (formerly the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership)
• Units subsidized by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
• Developments with active Section 202 Direct Loans for housing for the elderly or people with disabilities,
• Units with active Project-Based Rental Assistance Section 8 Contracts through HUD
• Units with active HOME Rental Assistance subsidies through HUD.
FREE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
Saturday, May 6
Please take note the Ethiopian Community Association of Charlotte will be hosting a free Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The event will take place at the Ourbridge for Kids facility located at 3925 Willard Farrow, Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215. Please refer to the flyer provided below for additional details.
MMIW NC EVENTS THIS WEEK and WEEKEND
AWARENESS WALK
https://actionnetwork.org/events/mmiw-awareness-walk-in-carrboro
If you can't make it to the Conference from 10am until 5pm, please join us for the ending Awareness Walk. We will end our MMIW Conference with a MMIW Awareness Walk in Carrboro, staring at Wilson Park, and ending close to the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro.
GREAT GRANDMOTHER Mary Lyons, Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons, Ojibwe Elder, is a spiritual advisor, storyteller and wisdom keeper. She travels and teaches internationally with the Indigenous Grandmothers of the Sacred We. Grandmother Mary is the founder of the Minnesota Coalition on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, an Indian Child Welfare Act Expert Witness and a Native American Family and Child Advocate. She was a keynote speaker at the Parliament of World Religions in Utah and at the People’s Climate March in New York City in 2014.
KIM PEVIA - Founder and CEO K.A.P., Inner Prizes; Knowledge. Application. Practice of the human dynamic; President of the Board, Southeastern Family Violence Center; Co Founder Artist Market-Pembroke; Member, Lumbee Tribe; Immediate Past President, Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce; Board Member, Robeson County Arts Council; Executive Committee, Innovate NC- Pembroke Team; State Board Member, Women AdvaNCe; Executive Committee, Alternate ROOTS; Planning Board, Town of Red Springs; Co Founder Robeson Chapter Women AdvaNCe; Community Advocate for Creative Economy through Arts, Local Food and Tourism; Graduate of the Landmark Forum, standing for connection of all mankind, one conversation at a time.
KIM KNIGHT - Kimberly M. Knight is originally from Eastern North Carolina and identifies as Afro Indigenous. She graduated with a Master of Social Work Degree from North Carolina Central University in May 2020. She is a 2020 North Carolina Central University 40 Under 40 Honoree. She is the Founder and Editor of The Lux Blog NC. A lifestyle cultural blog that covers art, culture, style, and entertainment in North Carolina. She is the Co-Founder of HIV Cure Research Day for the State of NC and Co-Founder of National Black HIV & AIDS Awareness Day for Wilson, NC.
TEYANNA & NORM - Teyana Viscarra, Tewa and Apache, and Norm Sands, Yaqui, brought two teepees to the gathering. One was red to shed light on the missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis. The other is orange and purposely smaller to signal the found children at residential boarding schools.
PANELS Some panels will include: Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking, Talking Circle or down time walking outside getting grounded, Survival Panel with families, Trauma Informed Communities, How to get back to Protector - Men’s Panel, and more. We also have a space for tribal leaders, community organizers and activists to come together and discuss the next steps as we move the legislative agenda forward. We will conclude the event with a small rally. A local Indigenous Chef Emma will provide lunch. Her food was featured at our Indigenous People's Day and Truthsgiving event. VIRTUAL RUN Can't participate on that day! We have a Virtual MMIW Run
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
Science of Mind: Think of the whole world as your friend, but you must also be the friend of the whole world
Sikhism: I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.
Unitarianism: We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Islam: We created you... and made you into peoples and tribes so you may get to know one another.
Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m. (May 11) BUT NOT MAY 25 as LeDayne will be on vacation