Celebrating Black History and Taking Action
A Look Back at February with FCSJ
Building Power and Advocacy for the Marginalized Communities We Serve
As we move into the new month, we look back on February: A month filled with meaningful moments of action, advocacy, and deep reflection. It has been a time of collaboration, commitment, and continued efforts to uplift marginalized communities across the Charlotte and beyond.
Charlotte Pride Job Fair: Empowering Job Seekers and Inclusion
One of the key events that stood out this month was our participation in the Charlotte Pride Job Fair, an incredible opportunity for us to engage with job seekers, offer resources, and support the LGBTQ+ community in their career journeys. This event gave us the chance to connect with community members, share important resources about how to keep communities informed and protected, and empower individuals to take action.
Alongside our presence at the fair, we distributed Know Your Rights cards and provided guidance on how to navigate workplace discrimination, how to advocate for fair treatment, and how LGBTQ+ employees can make sure they are protected under the law. We were able to connect with dozens of people from various backgrounds who shared their experiences, and it reaffirmed the need for more inclusive workplaces and the importance of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups.
Know Your Rights Clinics in Partnership with Carolina Migrant Network
Our ongoing partnership with the Carolina Migrant Network continues to strengthen and grow through the Know Your Rights Clinics, where we provide vital information and resources to migrant communities in North Carolina. These clinics are designed to give community members the tools they need to protect themselves in situations involving immigration enforcement and their rights within the United States.
In February, more clinics were hosted, which saw increasing attendance and deep engagement. Participants walked away with knowledge about their rights in case of ICE visits, how to defend themselves, and information on how to access legal resources. The impact these clinics have on the lives of migrant families is immeasurable, and we're honored to play a role in empowering individuals to advocate for themselves in challenging and precarious circumstances.
Black History Month: Uplifting the Voices and Legacies of Black Communities
February marked Black History Month, a time to honor the rich legacies, achievements, and struggles of Black communities throughout history. We were proud to amplify the voices and work of trailblazing Black individuals who have paved the way for social justice, equality, and liberation. From holding space for discussions about the intersectionality of race and gender, to supporting the leadership of Black voices in our programs, February has been an essential month of uplift and remembrance.
This year, we centered our efforts around community events, collaboration with organizations like the Beloved Community Center, and working closely with local leaders to ensure that Black History is not just a month of commemoration, but a call to action for continued justice and equity and, more importantly, that we remain committed to carrying that history forward with activism and advocacy.
Welcoming March with Hope and Determination
As we close out February, we are filled with hope and determination for the months ahead. The work we've done in the last month, and all of the hard-won victories of the past year, give us strength as we continue to face the challenges ahead. We look to March with excitement as we continue to build upon the work of advocacy, education, and empowerment.
With every program we host, with every community we connect with, we move closer to the inclusive and just world that we are striving to create. And together, we will continue to push the boundaries of possibility, ensuring that the work we do today echoes into the future and benefits generations to come.
As we enter the next phase of our journey, we encourage all of you to stay involved, stay informed, and most importantly, stay engaged. The road to justice is long, but together we will ensure that every voice is heard, every person is uplifted, and every community is empowered.
