Greetings Family,
This week brings a mix of rest, travel, tables full of good food, and good times. And while we all deserve these moments of joy, laughter, and gratitude, we also bear another responsibility, which is truth-telling.
At Clever Communities, that is our work. And it’s work our communities must share.
I’ll never forget that I had a lock with the combination 1492. I remembered it instantly because we were taught at an early age that “Columbus discovered America in 1492”.Good old valiant Columbus…We know that lesson was a blatant lie.
Even after learning the truth long ago, that date is still seared in my memory. That’s how indoctrination works. And every October, we still see Columbus Day celebrated in most states. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is finally acknowledged in some states, but the ongoing celebration of colonizers speaks to the unfinished work of confronting this nation’s real history, and the reluctance many still have to do so.
And so, as we move through this week when many of us are off work, gathering with loved ones, preparing plates, and leaning into familiar traditions, let’s enjoy the time. Let’s give thanks, and let’s get this joy.
At the same time, let’s not give in to the lies. Some schools are still finessing the “First Thanksgiving” narrative…still having our babies make hand turkeys, pilgrim hats, and erasing the reality of invasion, resistance, and survival, which is unacceptable.
As we speak honestly about this season, we must pause to honor the Indigenous communities whose land we occupy. We give thanks for their resilience, their stewardship, and their survival. We reject narratives that erase them and commit to teaching our children the truth within their capacity.
As we are a day away from Thanksgiving:
- Give thanks for the power that comes from standing in truth.
- Give thanks for the honor of acknowledging injustice and refusing to repeat it.
- Give thanks individually and collectively for the good things in our lives.
And let us also hold space for the many people whose holidays don’t feel joyful, including people grieving loved ones during a season that makes the absence louder, those who don’t have family or community to gather with, those who have strained family relationships, and those without the resources for a big spread or traditional celebration. If any of those apply to you, you are not overlooked. You are seen. And if you know someone experiencing these circumstances, please extend an invite, a plate, or a phone call if you’re able.
Acknowledging experiences beyond our own opens the door for us to rethink the traditions we hold. Holidays shift as life shifts, and we have the power to shape what they mean moving forward. As we move through this week, beyond the spread and the spirits, may we take a moment to give meaning to “Thanksgiving” in a way that does not erase history. May we honor truth and culture, and make room for gratitude to be part of the table. And you just might be the one called to help your family make that shift.
Looking Ahead: Giving Tuesday
Next Tuesday, December 2nd, is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity in which people support the causes they believe in.
This year, CCA is setting a $1,000 Giving Tuesday goal to support:
- our culturally affirming literacy work
- our youth programming
- resources for families and educators
- Season 2 of Roots and Routes of Black Resistance
Every gift, large or small, helps us continue nurturing grounded, informed, empowered young people. More details will be shared soon about how you can join us.
Safe travels if you’re hitting the road or the skies. And please know we are deeply grateful for every supporter, every parent, every partner, and every community member who believes in this work.
Your support fuels everything we do.
In Gratitude,
Starr Armstrong
Founder | Clever Communities in Action
Donate here.