COUNCIL FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
CDI offers Black History Month events
By LISA GALLAGHER , Esq . CDI Board Member
It ’ s Black History Month ! I ’ m white .
I grew up in the very conservative and non-diverse community of Mesa , Arizona ( you can Google it ). So what do I propose to know about Black History Month ? Not enough . Which is exactly why it is so important for someone like me to be writing this article showcasing the many activities planned to celebrate Black History Month .
Black History Month is for all of us . It offers each of us the opportunity to learn something new about people , places , and events . It provides each of us the chance to celebrate and recognize the achievements of and contributions from the Black Community , both historically and today . It helps each of us pause and reflect on the many tragedies and suffering subjected on the Black Community over history , and which continues to be endured by the Black Community even now .
Participation in Black History Month , regardless of whether one attends one or all of the below scheduled events , and regardless of one ’ s race , ethnicity , or background , is not going to result in me or you suddenly being an expert in Black History . But , my hope for all of us is that it will bring even the slightest awareness in each of us so that the next time we see someone that looks different than us , or speaks differently , or expresses an opinion different than our own , we will recognize and respect that we cannot assume to know that person ’ s experience in this life .
This awareness of what one does not know is the first crucial step toward understanding . I ask each of you who , like me , is seeking greater awareness to join me in celebrating Black History Month and learn something new about the history and experience of the Black Community , especially here in our local community .
To help guide us , the SCBA ’ s Council for Diversity and Inclusion has put together a number of virtual programs in which I encourage you to participate .
n February 2 . The SCBA CDI will be collaborating with the Manatee
Lisa Gallagher , Esq . CDI Board Member
County Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Committee on a program entitled “ What Happened Between Brown vs . Board of Education and Integration ”
n February 4 . The SCBA YLD / CDI is showcasing the movie “ Just Mercy .” A movie discussion will be held at 6:00 p . m . via Zoom .
n February 19 . The SCBA CDI will be collaborating with the Manatee County Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Committee on a program entitled : “ Finding Angola : Documenting Manatee County ’ s First Black Settlement .”
n February 21 . The SCBA CDI will be collaborating with the Bradenton / Sarasota Chapter of The
Chair Judge Karimu Hill- Harvey
Chair-Elect Ilyas Sayeg
Secretary Lisa Gallagher
Treasurer Colton Castro
Links , Incorporated , in showcasing the movie “ Good Trouble .” The screening begins at 4:00 p . m . with a panel discussion immediately following . Dr . Joyce Ladner , a civil rights activist , and Jamila Thompson , the former Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman John Lewis , are confirmed panelists .
n February 23 . The SCBA CDI will host a Town Hall at 12 noon in collaboration with the Manatee County Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Committee discussing “ Integration of Sarasota ’ s Schools : An Interim Progress Report .”
Finally , please consider getting involved with the Council for Diversity and Inclusion . It ’ s fun . It ’ s interesting . And it matters .
CDI Board of Directors 2020 – 2021 DIRECTORS Jay Castle Warren Chin Cathi Carson-Freymann David Fugett Adria Jensen Lisa Kleinberg Alexis Rosenberg Rudy Vazmina Tamara Williams
ADVISORY BOARD Judge Rochelle Curley Judge David Denkin Keith DuBose Charlie Ann Syprett Scott Westheimer Judge Charles Williams
The Docket · February 2021 11