FEBRUARY MUSINGs

February has slipped by in what seems like a blink. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t incredible full of meaningful celebrations and experiences. Here are just a few highlights:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH
I’ve recently heard this rebranded as Black “Futures” Month. What I love about this alternate name is that it is not only about remembering and honoring heroes and milestones from the past, it is about imagining and creating a more inclusive future. From media coverage to social media impressions, I saw much more engagement around Black History Month than I have in years past. From showcasing Black artists, authors, chefs, entrepreneurs and leaders to promoting products and businesses to support, I witnessed companies and individuals alike showing up for Black History Month. Now, we must commit to honoring, celebrating, supporting and partnering with the Black community twelve months of the year.

One highlight for me was a panel discussion I helped organize with the Los Angeles and Bay Area chapters of Conscious Capitalism. Entitled Celebrating Black Prosperity, Innovation and Impact, the evening featured a panel discussion and small group conversations with an inspiring group of Black thought leaders and allies.

I should note it has been a year since Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed Black man, was fatally shot while going for a run in Georgia. People around the country ran 2.23 miles in his honor and as a call to end anti-Black racism and injustice.

THE YEAR OF THE OX
February 12 marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year Celebration, also known as Spring Festival. This year is supposed to bring “career advancement, success in business, prosperity and wellness” for all zodiac signs. Considering how difficult 2020 was for so many people around the world, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the year of the Ox feels promising.

I’d be remiss if I did not mention the horrific rise in hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. It is devastating and unacceptable. If you experience or witness such an incident, in addition to alterting local authorities, you can report it at Stop AAPI Hate.

LASTLY…
On a personal note, I enjoyed Communicating Change in Turbulent Times, a free webinar from the brilliant team at Duarte. They always offer top-notch tools and inspiration, including giraffirmations.

See you soon!

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash