Association on American Indian Affairs’ Post

🌟 Today, we honor Juneteenth—The Day of Freedom. 🌟 It's not just a celebration of emancipation but a reminder of the continuous journey toward equality and justice for all. As we reflect on this significant day in history, let's recommit to learning, understanding, and advocating for the values that Juneteenth stands for. Let this day inspire us to work together in creating a community that uplifts every voice and honors every story. 🕊️ 📚 How are you commemorating Juneteenth today? Share your traditions, thoughts, or actions in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going and push forward for positive change. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EqualityForAll #HistoricalReflection #CelebrateJuneteenth #CommunityUnity #SocialJustice #TodayInHistory #ReflectAndAdvance #HonorJuneteenth

Many families are opting for naming ceremonies over christenings, and today we will explore some of the important reasons why: Religious Beliefs: Many families aren't religious or come from different faiths. A naming ceremony allows for a celebration that isn't tied to a specific religion. It is also perfect for secular families. Personalisation: Naming ceremonies can be completely personalised to reflect your family's values and traditions. You can choose the location, readings, and rituals that hold meaning for you. Inclusiveness: These ceremonies can include friends and family from all backgrounds, religious or not, making it a truly inclusive event. Age Flexibility: Unlike christenings, which are usually done shortly after birth, naming ceremonies can be held at any age—for a child, an adopted child, or even a stepchild. This is the perfect way to celebrate your child in a way that feels right for you and your family. ❤️ As an experienced children’s entertainer and singer, I can add additional elements that can make this milestone extra special. So, if you are considering a naming ceremony, please get in touch! I would love to work with you. #NamingCeremony #PersonalisedCelebration #InclusiveEvents #FamilyTraditions #PerfectCeremony #celebrant #wedding  #familyceremony #perfectceremonyuk #bedfordshirecelebrant #celebrate #love #children #kentcelebrant #londoncelebrant

Productive days are back! 🎉🏡 With the kids in school, it's time to dive into real estate. Celebrating focus and new opportunities! #BackToSchool #RealEstateHustle #realtorlife #RealEstate #realestateagent #realtor #RealEstateTips #realtorlife #exprealty #exprealtyproud #Greenvillenc #LivingInGreenvilleTV

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our history, acknowledge resilience, recognize accomplishments, and continue the pursuit of equality and justice for all. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let's take a moment to reflect on the powerful values this day teaches us: 🔴Resilience – Honoring the strength and perseverance of those who endured and overcame the hardships of slavery. ⚫Recognition – Celebrating the significant contributions and achievements throughout history. 🟢Reflection – Providing an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize ongoing challenges, and commit to a more just and equitable future. 🟡Empowerment – Inspiring us to act, advocate for change, and empower ourselves and others within our communities. ♻️ Repost to spread value. 🔔 or connect to read similar content. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateHistory

🌍 Embracing Diversity, Nurturing Understanding 🌈 Teaching our children to celebrate every festival, regardless of its religious origin, is a beautiful journey towards fostering a more holistic and inclusive world. 🎉 In our home, my little one might not be aware of my Sikh heritage, but she understands the joy of celebrating diverse festivals. It's about instilling values that transcend religious boundaries and focusing on the deeper meanings each festival holds. 🤝 By doing so, we're nurturing a spirit of inclusivity, where differences are not just accepted but celebrated. I aim to raise a generation that values individuals for their contributions and character, rather than affiliations or beliefs. #RaabhyaAsRudolph 🌟 As she joyfully engages in festivities, she's not just learning about traditions but also absorbing the essence of compassion, gratitude, and unity that each celebration brings. These lessons form the building blocks of a more compassionate and connected world. 🌈 Here's to a future where our children embrace diversity, appreciate differences, and find common ground through shared values. 🌟 #CelebratingDiversity #InclusiveParenting #UnityInVariety #TeachingValues 🌍

📚 STORYTIME: One of my favourite captures 📸 from 2023 is this one with Coady Institute participant (now graduate) Fr. Glasten at the #Antigonish Highland Games parade. This event isn’t an easy one to capture. In general, I take candid photos. Though I step in for headshots and group photos when needed, I am more eager to capture ‘moments’ – tiny moments, human moments, meaningful moments. Because of the nature of my workplace, this often happens in conferences, academic and community events, classrooms, field trips, and once a year… a small-town parade. It’s a tricky task because there is so much movement. I basically run to the front of the group, plant myself, and snap away as the group approaches me and eventually envelops me. Then, I must turn around and run ahead of them again. Rinse and repeat for several kilometers. It’s a feat. And I’m learning as I go. But then you get that one shot. Here is Glasten with the India flag draped on his back like a superhero cape. He’s holding a sign that reads “full and abundant life for all” – part of a quote by Fr. Moses Coady in which he envisions communities leading their own development and becoming “masters of their own destiny”. The look on Glasten’s face is fierce. He is chanting alongside his classmates and our staff as we walk the Main Street of this little university town on the other side of the world from where he lives and works in prison ministry. He is chanting about equality, human rights, feminism, and justice. I wonder what this moment looks like through his eyes. Meeting Glasten was meaningful for me. I’m not a religious person. (Shh. Don’t tell my extremely Catholic grandparents.) I have some not-so-positive opinions about Catholic organizations. But Glasten and I connected. We talked for hours, and from our interactions I learned that in every organization – no matter how flawed – there are still people in there fighting the good fight. Anyway, that’s my little story about this picture. 🏷️: #storytelling #photojournalism #communitydevelopment

Part of the work that I do with Vox Camerata is to hold space for members and volunteers to share concerns regarding their personal life challenges. Creating a culture of active listening is key for the well being of members, and this in turn, creates a foundation for longevity of participation for the people in the organization. #affectiveleadership #activelistening #advocacy #voxcamerata

Here’s my blog for this week in #ILoveGayPalmSprings

Race Relations and Prejudice: A Candid Discussion Join us in this candid conversation as we explore race relations and prejudice. This video sheds light on the stereotypes and misconceptions that exist among different ethnicities, fostering understanding and empathy. Let's work towards unity and acceptance. #RaceRelations #PrejudiceAwareness #UnderstandingDiversity #BuildingBridges #CulturalStereotypes #EthnicityDiscussions #UnityInDiversity #BreakingBarriers #InclusivityMatters #GlobalAcceptance

Here’s my blog for this eeek in #ILoveGayPalmSprings