NATIONAL BLACK FAMILY MONTH
July is National Black Family Month – one of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.’s (BWA) favorite celebrations. Established in 2006 to promote the enrichment of families through education, health, and self-improvement, this observance also encourages us to support our loved ones, reflect with one another, and invest in and inspire our young.
In the eyes of BWA, we are all family. Securing, protecting, and advancing the rights and interests of our family has been our organization’s privilege and purpose for 40 years. As part of our mission, BWA has established numerous programs to support of Black women and their families. They include:
- Because We Care – a series of free forums that provide African-American women and their families with the information and resources to take better care of their loved ones and themselves.
- Four for 4 – Four People, Four Votes, Four Years, and Foresight – an initiative that engages the members of 21 participating sororities, civic and faith-based groups in raising awareness, educating voters, and ensuring that at least four people, including themselves, vote on Election Day
- Inform & Inspire – workshops that introduce middle school girls in cities across the U.S. to the science of climate change as well as non-traditional STEM careers, and
- The Bright Futures Awards – which recognize students whose academic achievements and service to school and community distinguish them as future leaders and success stories.
During this month, BWA encourages African-American women and their families to rededicate themselves to family and celebrate their connection, heritage, and commitment to one another. Families should look to implement progressive and positive changes; connect through old traditions; create new ones, and participate in activities that can be continued throughout the year.
Studies show that spending time together as a family can foster communication; promote respect and mutual appreciation; build confidence and self-esteem in our children and provide memories that last a lifetime. So, this month, BWA suggests getting everyone involved in preparing the family’s favorite foods; interviewing one another and creating a family history; volunteering; reading together; sharing hopes and dreams, and singing out loud with that Sister Sledge, “We are Family!”
OTHER NEWS
AWARENESS & ACTION: THE BLACK WOMEN’S AGENDA, INC. HOSTS 39TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM WORKSHOP & AWARDS LUNCHEON
WASHINGTON, DC – The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) recently hosted its 39th Annual Symposium Workshop & Awards Luncheon, honoring the achievements of five women and encouraging the more than 1,200 attendees to exert their influence in areas of critical importance to their communities. The organization also welcomed Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton, who addressed participants in the morning workshop.
THE ZIKA VIRUS AND YOU: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. It is primarily spread to people through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, and it can be sexually transmitted by a man to his partners. While most people who contract the virus have very mild or no symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a link between Zika infection during pregnancy and serious birth defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes.
PORTRAIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN TO GRACE NEW $20 BILL
Harriet Tubman, a former slave, and abolitionist who, as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad helped hundreds of African-Americans escape slavery, will replace former U.S. President Andrew Jackson on the face of the $20 bill. The makeover was announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary, Jacob J. Lew.
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