A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer - December 2022
A meaningful commitment to diversity and belonging is one of our most essential priorities here at LifeBridge Health. With these monthly Diversity Messages, we aim to celebrate the unique cultures and rich diversity represented by our team members across the network, honoring our differences and reflecting on our common purpose - to care for our communities together.
World AIDS Day takes place every year on December 1 to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic, mourn those lost to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and show support for those still suffering from the disease. While advancements have been made in the treatment of AIDS, it is still widespread - some 38 million people around the globe have the virus. On World AIDS day, many will don a red ribbon, the symbol of AIDS awareness, or wear red attire to draw attention to those affected by the disease both past and present.
Two United Nations observances take place in December - Human Rights Day on December 10 and World Migrants Day on December 18. Human Rights Day honors and raises awareness for the fundamental human rights which all people are entitled to. World Migrants Day raises awareness about the lives and challenges of migrants, those who move from their place of residence to another. Both observances give cause for reflection and education on affronts to human dignity suffered by many people all over the world.
This year, Hannukah takes place from the evening of December 18 until the evening of December 26. The eight-day celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the second century BCE Judean victory led by Judah the Maccabee over the Seleucid Empire that tried to force Hellenism on them. According to tradition, when they cleansed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews had only one untainted cruse of oil with which to light the seven-branch candelabrum known as a menorah, yet miraculously, this one day's worth of oil lasted for eight days. Hannukah celebrations include gift-giving, eating special foods fried in oil, playing with the dreidel and lighting the menorah.
Taking place on December 21, the Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere and marks the official beginning of winter. Many elements commonly associated with Christmastime find their origins in historical Pagan solstice celebrations. For Pagans today, winter solstice remains a time to celebrate the return of the sun's light.
Christmas, observed around the world on December 25, is traditionally a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Day, Christians of many different denominations will attend special church services. This holiday is celebrated secularly as well - Christians and non-Christians alike decorate trees, sing carols, spend time with family and friends, exchange gifts and more.
Kwanzaa, observed December 26-January 1, was established in 1966 as a celebration of African American and Pan-African culture, and honors seven principles which originate widely across the African continent, expressed in Swahili: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). The name Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase for "first fruits," and its ceremonies include decorating with art, Kente cloth and fruit, the sharing of libations, musical performances, reflections of the principle of each day and more.
A Call to Action:
1. REFLECT
Think about the plight of people suffering injustices all over the world and right here in our city of Baltimore. Determine to make a difference.
2. RECOGNIZE:
a. Look out for any signs of discrimination or suffering in your spheres of influence.
b. Acknowledge the special holidays that others celebrate.
3. RESPOND:
a. Shine a light. Use your influence to create awareness of problems around you.
b. Do one thing to make someone's life better. Be intentional. Pick someone who is very different from you.
Happy Holidays to the amazing people of LifeBridge Health. May the new year bring joy and peace to all.