exploring the news & events that connect us all
Inequality of access to menstrual hygiene products remains a global issue that impacts hundreds of millions of people; the U.S. alone accounts for approximately 17 million of those experiencing period poverty. The cost of items like sanitary towels or tampons can often prevent people from managing their menstrual health.
Fall/Autumn is enjoyed by many because it's frequently seen as a time of personal transformation, renewal and abundance; a time to celebrate growth and a season of giving. As the weather gets harsher, and we prepare for Winter; this is the ideal time to make sure everyone in our communities has access to basic necessities that support their health and well-being.
When you hear about certain books being restricted or banned from schools, libraries and bookstores; it conjures up an image of writing that's dark, dangerous and divisive. While some may argue a line needs to be drawn against insidious messaging, recent attempts at book banning have seemed to target works about acceptance and diversity.
The search to discover the truth about Indigenous children who never made it home from Indian Residential Schools in Canada continues. As more unmarked graves of their young relatives are discovered, First Nation communities are at the forefront of pushing for accountability and justice.
During Pride Month many companies express their support for LGBTQ+ communities by utilizing the rainbow flag in their stores, logos and merchandise. While this is a significant way to enhance visibility and raise money; if they donate the proceeds to LGBTQ+ organizations, it often ends once the commercialization of the month passes.
If you’re learning about Indian Residential Schools in the U.S. and Canada for the first time; it’s critical you're cognizant of the fact that these systems of colonial violence deliberately inflicted intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities. Navigating our own lack of knowledge about this type of government-backed, church-led atrocity should not be placed on the shoulders of those who bear its scars.
As the Black History Month series on Transatlantic Notes comes to an end, it's critical to understand that there's so much more that could be celebrated. Black American achievement, resiliency and the national and cultural impact they've had on this nation are not confined to just a few people or a small noteworthy number of events. Black history is American History and it shouldn't be restricted to a month or be taught as an elective or seen as a sidenote.
Throughout this series of articles dedicated to Black History Month on Transatlantic Notes, we've encountered and learned about some incredible people. Often overcoming the all-pervading reach of racism within American society and the generational trauma it inflicts, there have been trailblazers, innovators and influential African Americans who have both challenged and changed this nation for the better.
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