lagunabeachindy . com MARCH 17 , 2023 13
GUEST OPINION :
African American History Celebrated in Laguna Beach with Great Cause
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Family Laundry Day , by H . Rousseau .
By reBeCCA wASHiNGTON-liNdSey
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To better understand why our world , society and community regrettably face racial turmoil of all kinds , it must be embraced by becoming knowledgeable about people from diverse ethnic backgrounds . They , too , have shaped and shared in building our society , communities and world . Even in ethnic communities where diversity is categorically underrepresented , there remains a need to understand , acknowledge , and celebrate diversity , as there is an integral link between our past , present and future . Perceptions , biases and preoccupations with “ who are they ? Does |
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she live in Laguna Beach ? I ’ d better follow her around our store . They are known to grab and run .”
These comments might remain on some people ’ s lips in the Laguna Beach community . I understand that our society and the local community are changing . Still , there remains room for increasing cultural awareness , which takes me back to why African American history should be celebrated . After all , we get along . Or do we ?
Yes , the African American community has come a long way , and there remains much more room for equality and recognition . Let ’ s talk about that . American history is black and white . Carter G . Woodson , an educator , became angered that history books ignored historical facts about Black Americans . His goal was to acknowledge Black achievements in our country , society , and communities . In 1926 , he sought to change that narrative and founded Negro History Month , now Black / African American History Month , which became official in 1976 .
Seeing special moments honoring , remembering and celebrating African Americans is encouraging . Recently , President Biden awarded Coronel Paris Davis a Medal of Honor for his heroic mission during the Vietnam War . Davis ’ nomination was mysteriously lost twice , but 60 years later , he was finally honored . An African American art mural was
unveiled in Miami-Dade , Florida , as well as other cities , and the passage of Juneteenth , now a legal holiday , is also encouraging .
Finally , “ Bloody Sunday ,” which advocated voting rights for all African Americans , was recently remembered in Selma , Ala . ( Celebrate Black History Month , History web , Feb . 20 , 2023 ).
Joining an African American history event forms friendships . Charles Spurgeon said , “ Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life . Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend .”
The celebration of African American history goes beyond remembering Martin Luther King , Rosa Parks , and John Lewis . It ’ s also important to highlight the work of such individuals as educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune ( 1875-1955 ) and scientist Katherine Johnson ( 1918-2020 ), who was profiled in the film “ Hidden Figures .”
Let us remember inventors who are a significant part of our daily lives . For example , in 1923 , Garett Morgan invented the three-light signal . Alexander Miles invented the automatic elevator doors in 1887 . Charles Drew ( 1904-1950 ) was a physician , surgeon and medical researcher who was instrumental with helping the Red Cross and blood transfusions . Bubba Wallace ( 2021-present ) was first African American to win a NASCAR Cup . Then , there is Sir Lewis Hamilton , who has also
had NASCAR wins . ( Web History Stories , Feb . 20 , 2019 ).
The recent African American History 2023 was important for our Laguna Beach community .
One evening , we traced different eras of Black history only to discover that my history was also your history . The visual essence of African Americans - children ’ s art from our own Boys & Girls Club was seen , as were the marvelous artworks by Henry Rousseau and other
African and African Americans , all of whom carry strong African American history messages . We also enjoyed music by local artists and guests .
Now you understand why the Laguna Beach community recently celebrated two ethnic events : Unveiling Multiethnic Artworks in January and Black / African American History in February . We must remember that African American History is essential for our society and community because celebrating African American History ushers in friendship .
“ Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry , but by demonstrating that all peoples cry , laugh , eat , worry , and die , it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other , we may even become friends .” ~ Maya Angelou
Rebecca is a Laguna Beach resident and former adjunct professor at University of Nevada , Las Vegas .
FREE COMPOST GIVEAWA WAY EVENT VEN FOR LAGUNA BEACH RESIDENTS
SAT . - MARCH 25 , 202323
8:00 a . m .
- 12:00 0 p
. m . ( or until compost runs out )
City Maintenance Facilities
- 1900 LAGUNA CANYON RD .
This event is offered by the City of Laguna Beach in partnership with Waste Management and Tierra Verde Industries s .
THIS IS A SELF-SERVICE EVENT . RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS :
Gloves , shovels , and 5-gallon buckets or containers . Up to five ( 5 ) buckets or containers per household are permitted . Containers that are more than 5-gallons may not be used .
A limited number of bagged compost will be available . Three ( 3 ) bag limit per household .
GET THERE EARLY ! Supplies are limited and will be available on a first come , first serve basis for Laguna Beach residents only . For questions , please visit the City ’ s website at www . lagunabeachcity . net / recycling , or contact the Public Works Department at ( 949 ) 464-6677 . Please bring proof of residency . This program is not for commercial use .
Event is provided as part of the Franchise Agreement with the City ’ s solid waste hauler , Waste Management .