Honoring History in the Here and Now
Black History IS American History: By Julia Yarbough
Hello KIRC fam!
We are just one day away from wrapping up February, 2024. Hard to believe how quickly this new year is moving!
I wanted to take this opportunity to share with all of you a few items which I believe celebrate and honor Black History.
Consider this: history does not only mean featuring individuals or events from our distant pasts. Let us all take a few moments to think about stories from individuals and events which happened in the not so distant past.
And some which are taking place right now.
I challenge you to think about someone you know, have met, or a member of your own family, who in some way has contributed to a lasting slice of history. Feel free to share with our KIRC family!
Learn and Grow
In 2016, I had the opportunity to visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. For any of you traveling in that region, I encourage you to include a stop at this location in your itinerary.
Nation-changing events have taken place in Memphis, most notably the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968.
Another was the Memphis sanitation worker strike. It wasn’t until recently I learned of this powerful nugget of history. Why include this incident here? In a caregiving platform?
Well, the man who triggered change was Elmore Nickleberry. He recently passed away. He was 92. He was living history.
READ or WATCH the full story from various national sources
New York Times - Elmore Nickleberry, 92, Sanitation Worker in ’68 Memphis Strike, Dies
Associated Press - Elmore Nickleberry, a Memphis sanitation worker who marched with Martin Luther King, has died at 92
Fox 13 Memphis - Funeral services held for Civil Rights Activist Elmore Nickleberry
These stories of people, places, and experiences are somber reminders of how race, equity, and equality (or in many cases lack thereof) impact not only individuals, but also our society as a whole.
Such as this heartfelt news segment which recently aired in the Rio Grande Valley, in Texas.
Reporter Thalia Doe Bravo has spent February highlighting the Black experience in the region showcasing people, places, and personal stories. I’m sharing just one of her series of special reports below.
Click here to watch the story - courtesy KRGV-TV.
*NOTE: Two of these stories have been published previously to the Keeping It REAL Caregiving platform. For those of you new to KIRC, I invite you to watch our collection of featured videos.
They are reminders for all of us of basic, simplistic concepts: like striving to get along with others no matter our differences.
They are reminders that there are many everyday, ordinary people who are creating ‘history’ that may have powerful ripple-effects for generations to come.
They are reminders that aging, health challenges, and the possibility of needing or providing care, are issues which do not care about the color of your skin, race, ethnicity, or religion.
ALL of us must educate ourselves early and prepare. Below are several useful resources:
AARP provides a wonderful guide to help us all do just that with the Prepare to Care Planning Guide.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides specific guidance and education, as the disease impacts African Americans at greater rates than other groups.
For those crafting services for diverse communities, Diverse Elders Coalition provides a useful planning tool to help in that effort.
Everyone deserves the right to quality, equitable, and supportive care. As I watch my own years adding up, I am increasingly aware of…
The need to fill the gaps in our current care systems.
To keep sharing our stories which help others by raising awareness.
To educate people of all ages.
To advocate for more equitable and widespread services for all people.
Until next time~
Julia
