Juneteenth: A Conversation with RIDE
Christopher House’s RIDE (Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) Committee works to promote inclusion, equity, and diversity across the organization. The committee, made up of 30+ employees across our organization, meets monthly to discuss issues related to race, inclusion, diversity, and equity in the news and at Christopher House. In honor of Juneteenth, we spoke with Dominique Willingham, an Early Childhood Teacher and member of RIDE’s Diversity subcommittee, about the holiday’s significance and how it is celebrated at Christopher House.
Q. What is your role on RIDE, the Diversity subcommittee, and how is the Diversity committee honoring Juneteenth this year?
A. I am a Delegate for the RIDE committee and I also participate in the Diversity subcommittee. I have been a member since 2020. This year for Juneteenth, we had a RIDE meeting where we had a fun educational conversation and discussion around Juneteenth. We gave background information about what we commemorate on Juneteenth and the significance of the flag and colors. We had an activity in which we had to make a flag and explain what the words and symbols mean for their flag.
Q. What is the cultural and historical significance of Juneteenth?
A. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery, the day the state of Galveston Texas got word that slavery was over, 2 years after The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1st, 1863. It marks the day that enslaved African Americans celebrated the abolishment of slavery – though still not being treated equality or equitably.
Q. Why is it important for our scholars, families, staff, and community that Christopher House honors and celebrates Juneteenth?
A. As we are a family of schools and serve a wide variety of families, it is important to highlight the history of the different cultures and people we serve and to educate others on the experiences of the families and staff here at Christopher House. There are events in history that have shaped and impacts the families and staff we serve. Bringing that fact to light will help us have a better understanding of our families and ultimately better equip us to deliver culturally responsive care. As lifelong learners, we are dedicated to learning about, respecting, and embracing all members of our community.
Q. How does Christopher House commemorate this holiday within our classrooms, halls, and community?
A. In my Early Childhood classroom, we talked about how we get information to people in the past and present. We talked about how people of color have been treated differently throughout history and why. We read books like Its ok to be different by Todd Parr, and All Are Welcome by Suzanna Kaufman and Alexandra Penfold, and we even role-played scenarios to help gain a deeper understanding. The RIDE committee met to discuss the importance of Juneteenth, how we can honor the holiday in our different roles throughout the organization and were provided additional materials and resources to help our staff and community practice allyship – resources like educational links, books, and interactive songs!
Q. How can community members, staff, and teachers practice allyship when teaching and/or reflecting on Juneteenth?
A. First, be informed and educated on the issue. You can speak up and out about injustice and ways to change it. You can look within your own life and reflect on how you can be more mindful of your own biases. Be active in an organization or place that supports and helps people. Read books and educate children on the topic to make a difference in the future and so history doesn’t repeat itself, and support businesses that are geared toward it.
To learn more about the history of Juneteenth, click here.
“I am thankful to Christopher House for welcoming me to tour their Stewart Campus in Belmont Cragin and hear from their leadership and early childhood team about the impact they have on the families of our communities. Having a community partner like them helping our children and families access quality early learning is truly inspiring,” said Congresswoman C. Delia Ramirez.
“Every child deserves quality early learning and care, every family deserves for it to be affordable,” said Congresswoman Ramirez, “and I will do everything I can in Congress to support Christopher House in this critical work!”
Our After School scholars held a Black History Museum for their classmates and parents, in preparation for which they had the opportunity to delve deeper into Black histories from around the world. While our younger learners crafted traditional artwork and decorated handprints, our Youth Leadership scholars researched and presented on African countries, with many sharing their own families’ cultures and traditions.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage month, we reminded ourselves to be active in asking questions and educating ourselves about Hispanic cultures, holidays, and traditions. Together, we eagerly pursued this goal by amplifying the voices and experiences of the Christopher House community through celebratory events and educational classroom exercises. Our staff and scholars delighted in the joys and rich history of Hispanic culture, enjoying classroom concerts, live music, ethnic food, and books and text written by Hispanic, Latinx and Latino/a authors.
