CONCORD, NC (TIP): As part of celebrating Feb 2023 as Black History Month, HSS (Hindu Swamyamsevak Sangh) Concord (North Carolina) chapter organized an event on Sunday, February 5th with

Speaking at the well-attended event that included men, women and several young kids, Willie Fleming (Founder & President, IMC-International Minority Coalition) said that the Indian community celebrating Black History Month and recognizing the struggles of the African American community is a great step forward. He said that ‘Unity is Strength’ and this synergy should continue in future and both communities should work on issues of common interest to build a strong and united society.

Shante’ Burke-Hayer (District Court Judge, District 26) the youngest District Court judge in the Mecklenburg County said that Black History Month in the legal realm would take her back to Thurgood Marshall (First African American Supreme Court Justice) and to Ketanji Brown Jackson (African American Supreme Court Justice) as she stands on their shoulders and fight for the rights of all; especially the under-privileged communities in the legal world. Judge Shante thanked the organizers for extending the Black History Month event invite and appealed for unity to solve issues the community is facing.

Speaking on the occasion Tony Forman (Senior Member, IMC) who works with the Race and Relations committee in Mecklenburg County said that his roots are from Dominican Republic and Latino community and faced similar conditions like the African American community. He said that Black History month should not be a one-month event, but it should be practiced year long as it represents the hope that we can surmount any big challenge if we all come together.

David Hughes (Senior Member, IMC) and a Deacon from Greater Providence Baptish Church mentioned that many churches celebrate Black History Month to recognize the struggles the community went through. During the times of slavery even church services were done secretly in the woods after sundown shows the conditions that prevailed during those times and how the community faced and overcame the challenges, representing hope for future generations.

Resha Fortson (Political Coordinator SEIU-Service Employees International Union) said that SEIU is one of the largest employee unions in the country with a few million members. SEIU helps organize workers to give them a voice in the community. She said, it is important for employees of color to be organized at work to make sure their voice is heard and ensure all the doors are open for them as many of them come from under-privileged communities. Resha thanked the Indian community for inviting African American community leaders and celebrating Black History Month.

Anitha Rajan (President, Framework for Future) said that her organization is a non-profit that provides a platform for youth to enhance their leadership skills. Coming together of Indian, African American, and Latino leaders to celebrate Black History Month is great progress. By working together, we can address the issues our communities face and make the world a better place.

To conclude Aravind Modini (HSS Volunteer, Outreach team) thanked all the participating community leaders and said that it was an honor to have to have them on one platform. The Hindu/Indian community believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is One Big Family) and so many leaders from different communities coming together to celebrate Black History Month truly reflects that spirit and this synergy should continue in future to positively impact the community.

The program ended with organizers from HSS thanking the community leaders for joining them to celebrate Black History Month and pledged to work together in future.

(Based on a press release)