On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, you might be asking yourself, what does that historical milestone have to do with me? If you'd like a new perspective on that question, I invite you to attend a free event on Saturday August 24, from 12:30-3:00, at Strawberry Fields in Mattituck—the 4th Annual “Celebrating Diversity” Picnic, sponsored by the Anti-Bias Task Force of Southold Town.
First, sample the diversity of picnic fare—with local vendors like a Mano and the North Fork Market and many other sponsors contributing food, gift certificates and services to the festivity. Then too, there will be diversity in entertainment. But above all this is an opportunity to enjoy the diversity of the people in our community.
It’s as simple as sharing a meal, and getting to know our neighbors.
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We are blessed that our town has a heart to celebrate diversity and to experience unity— with neighbors living in harmony, with respect for each other’s well-being. We’re all here on the planet at the same time, and in the same place. We all have dreams and challenges. We all have the opportunity to make a difference.
Fifty years ago, people marched on Washington to support the rights of every American to pursue a dream and overcome the challenges of racism in our society. The current movie “The Butler” brings home the struggle for Civil Rights for a new generation. Seeing that movie this week brought back the shame of segregation, which dehumanized white people even as they dehumanized people of color: the courage of the Freedom Riders and those who marched is a reason for gratitude today. Thanks to their heroism, and our willingness to be inspired by their example, we've come a long way--to honor and appreciate the contribution that each person brings to the community!
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Yet as a recent example of racially-motivated vandalism shows, we still have work to do before people of color can feel unconditionally welcomed and safe in our town. We can reaffirm our intention of welcoming and well-being as "a bias-free community"-- not only as a vision, but as a practice in reality.
As a therapist and well-being consultant, I believe that the more we focus on our similarities as human beings, the more we become attuned and connected to each other, which allows us to savor our diversity. Come on out to the picnic on Saturday, and tune into the unity in the community, as we celebrate our diversity!
Susan Dingle LCSW CASAC is a member of the Anti-Bias Task Force of Southold Town, and a therapist and well-being consultant in private practice on the North Fork. She is currently accepting new clients, and can be reached at 631/734-8658.
