It can seem like the oppressed and powerful have decided that the efforts to resist them are now oppressive. It can seem like America is about to implode…and some people are truly OK with that.
They used to say if you don’t know your history, you’re doomed to repeat it. Are you worried about history repeating itself with a return to the days when Black people had no rights and racism, discrimination and exclusion weren’t just the norm, they were the law? The days of Jim Crow, redlining, and separate but equal?
First: Turn off the news, limit time doom-scrolling on social media, go outside and play and then let’s get to work!
Second: A US government, American History, or Civics refresher may be a good time investment. Get involved in local government.
Third: This is the time to upskill, and you can start with free and low-cost resources and open-source courses.
- Take everything your school or employer offers
- Put your library card to use
- Research if your local library allows free access to LinkedIn Learning
- Check out Coursera and Udemy.
- Engage with your local community college, library, or recreation department.
- Alison Free Learning is a great online resource.
- Spend some time on YouTube university.
- Join community and networking groups.
- Your favorite coach or influencer may have a free masterclass that will help you elevate your mindset or skillset.
Fourth: It’s time to share the history and culture some are trying to erase. The Civil Rights Movement was one generation ago, and those lessons, strategies, and resources are still available to us. If you want to ease into it, start with a weekly family movie night then move into trivia, book talks, museum visits, family reunions, and whatever else suits your fancy. It doesn’t have to be formal, academic, or frightening. Here is a list of amazing movies that will take you right up into the inauguration of the new administration:
- Glory
- Hidden Figures
- The Great Debaters
- Selma
- Malcolm X
- Get On The Bus
- The Butler
- Lean On Me
- Remember The Titans
- Coach Carter
- Glory Road
- Pride
- Life of a King
Preparation Over Paranoia – If you stay ready you don’t have to get ready.
Let’s REVIEW the previous words of wisdom:
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. She has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. Nicki is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of nature, cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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