Black History Month Special Programming with Jasmyne Fogle

1. There is power in treating the janitor like the CEO. 

• They each have a heart, feelings, emotions, and a family. 
• Without the janitor, the CEO does not look good. 
• Titles don’t mean a thing; it’s about what is on the inside.

2. There’s power in taking yourself out of the situation and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. 

• Someone you may be sitting next to may not have the opportunities you have.
• Perfect time for you to show love and grace.

3. There’s power in changing your perspective in order for you to learn the lesson in the season you’re in. 

• There’s always a lesson in the storm.
• This season of your life is preparing you for your future. 
   

These lessons remind us that we are all human. We are all striving to be our best selves, seeking growth, understanding, and connection. In this pursuit, we must remember the importance of helping each other along the way. Empathy is a powerful tool that can bridge gaps between diverse experiences and backgrounds. When we take the time to listen to one another, we cultivate a culture of support and kindness.

Jasmyne conducted a beneficial exercise using two containers of water and baking soda. One container had a substantial amount of baking soda in it, making the water look very cloudy. This symbolizes how negative energy and thoughts can fill us with judgment and lead us to undesirable paths. The other container of water was mostly clear, symbolizing positive energy and thoughts that lead us to strive for excellence and enrich our lives and those around us.

Students also participated in a guided bead exercise. Each received a pipe cleaner to place their beads on. Different colored beads represented various racial and ethnic groups. Students were then asked to place a bead on the pipe cleaner representing themselves, their mother, their father, their siblings, etc. This exercise aimed to explore one’s social “world.”

Thank you, Jasmyne, for your invaluable role in shaping conversations about unity in our world. Thank you, Mrs. Michelle Drew, Director of SHIELD (Students Honoring Inclusion, Equity, Love, and Diversity), and Mrs. Sarah Healey for organizing this enriching experience.