Representation Matters
It’s been three and a half months since my last newsletter. I have two unfinished drafts in my dashboard, five unexplored topics in my brain, and a perpetual need to second-guess myself & apologize for things. I’m never quite sure if I should write these posts like I’m talking to a dear friend or to a vast audience of unknowns. In any sense - I’m so sorry I haven’t written in a while!
In several of my more recent newsletters, I’ve closed with a “Call to Action.” An ask. A request. An opportunity to be a change-maker. Today I’m going to lead with that.
I’m currently looking for sponsors for North Shore Juneteenth’s Second Annual Inclusive Santa Event. Some of you may know this is something I did last year as well.
My first ask is please keep reading.
I’ve linked to their website so you can learn more about this great organization, but in case you don’t have time to click North Shore Juneteenth Association is a local non-profit, started in 2016, that aims to raise awareness about the Juneteenth holiday, share positive images of Black American culture, and dismantle racism using events and programming as a tool for change.
Their 1st Annual Inclusive Santa Event was held last year at the Lynn Public Library and was a huge success - attended by more than 75 children. There were SIX Santa Clauses of various races and ethnicities who were there for photo opportunities and to spread Christmas cheer. There were also crafts, cookie-decorating, and lots of holiday spirit.
My second ask is to think about anyone you know who might have their own business or be in a position to ask their employer to sponsor this important and special event. No donation is too small and I’ve linked to a document that outlines the perks at each “level of sponsorship.” 1
The third ask is to think about why an event like this is so important. Why can’t Santa just be an old white dude with a bushy white beard? Perhaps you have heard the expression “representation matters” before. Maybe you understand what it means, maybe not. Allow me to expand upon it. Every child deserves to see themselves in a variety of different roles, spaces, and mediums. When white is the default or norm, we fail to spark the imaginations of Black, Indigenous, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, Desi, Asian, Pacific Islander, Chicanx or Latinx children - to envision themselves as the hero of the story, as the teacher or the doctor, as Santa.2 We also fail to expand the minds of white children - to see and believe that anyone can be anything in this world and that humans of all shades exist and none is more valuable or important or normal than the other.
My fourth ask is to think about how the seemingly simple concept of “representation matters” could potentially change the world.
If you have children in your life:
fill their bookshelves with books that feature DYNAMIC MAIN CHARACTERS of all shades, sizes, abilities, religions, classes, genders, etc., etc. (this goes for movie and television choices as well)
bring them to events that celebrate diversity (like the Inclusive Santa Party wink wink)
expand your own circle whenever able so that the children in your life grow up believing that diversity and inclusion are not just some abstract concepts, but something that pertains to their own community and loved ones
When the news is filled with violence, hate, oppression, tragedy, and talking heads who only instigate divisiveness - let us remain hopeful in humanity and our own individual ability to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Peace and love,
Ari
xoxo
Even individuals are more than welcome to donate to this event! Contributions go towards the cost of decorations, supplies, gifts for the children, chairs for the Santas, photographer, and DJ.
Note that representation not only pertains to race and ethnicity but also to religions, classes, genders, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, body types, and MORE.