On this week’s Friday Evening News Magazine, KVMR News Director Cláudio Mendonça speaks to organizers of this year’s Juneteenth celebration being held Saturday, June 29th from noon to 3pm at Condon Park. Listen to this informative and rich interview about the history of Juneteenth and join us tomorrow!
Plans for fourth annual community gathering celebrating Juneteenth underway
From The Union, June 18, 2024
Color Me Human and community friends will be celebrating the fourth annual Juneteenth on Saturday, June 29 from noon until 3:00 p.m. in the Condon Park Pavilion area at 660 Minnie Street in Grass Valley.
Even though tomorrow—June 19—is the official federal holiday, the party’s planners thought that many people who would like to come may not have that day off, being a Wednesday, so the event will be on Saturday the 29th, according to Daryl Grigsby who serves on the board of directors at Color Me Human.
This year’s celebration is themed around youth; “Passing The Torch to the Next Generation” is designed for children, families and friends to celebrate our nation’s continuing quest for liberty and justice for all.
It is the fourth annual celebration for Juneteenth in Nevada County, and this year the celebration was moved to Condon Park to offer more activities for the children and teens.
“There is a playground and basketball court,” Grigsby said. “A youth dance troupe will be performing at around 2:30 p.m. and a teen disc jockey will get people dancing.”
All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
“We want to do our part to continue the struggle for freedom in the United States,” Grigsby said.
Festivities include activities for kids and teens including the celebration of the spoken word, poetry, a youth DJ, and most of all, community connections and conversation.
“Some of the young people are expected to be speaking and reading poetry aloud,” Grigsby said.
A short presentation about the freedom festivals that occurred in a series celebrated over time, signifying the steps of the emancipation process, is planned by Linda Jack, a researcher from the Nevada County Historical Society.
“These celebrations in the African-American community were common in the 19th century,” Jack said. “Celebrating these festivals has been a tradition across the nation and in Nevada City.
The gathering begins at noon and the formal program starts at 1:30 p.m.
The organizers from Color Me Human will be grilling meat and veggie options. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share, and to bring their own beverages.
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free.
Although the Civil War had ended, freedom remained elusive as many plantation owners moved to Texas to continue the practice of slavery far from the reach of the Union Army. Thus, for thousands of enslaved African-Americans, Juneteenth—as it later became known—was recognized as the day of liberation.
Juneteenth is the next step to continue the work and the promises of July Fourth that didn’t happen until more that eight decades later, according to Grigsby.
Formerly enslaved African-Americans celebrated Juneteenth every year thereafter, and in 2021, it became a federal holiday.
It is, in fact, the only day our nation officially recognizes the end of the enslavement of four million African-Americans.
The Color Me Human Board of Directors issued a joint statement, along with Board Member Grigsby, “Juneteenth is important in two ways. First, it celebrates what July 4 did not do—that is, end slavery. Second, and more significantly, it reminds us that democracy, freedom, and justice are not fulfilled until every person is treated with dignity and respect and thus, the struggle continues.”
Color Me Human’s Juneteenth event addresses both elements: celebrating what has been accomplished and working towards a better, more just society. This is why the focus of the event is on children, youth, and the next generation, as they take up and carry the torch of freedom and justice.
Tracy Pepper announces resignation
Tracy Pepper, the founding executive director for Color Me Human recently announced her resignation from the position in a letter dated June 13, 2024 to the public which can be viewed on the organization’s website.
“It is with a mixture of emotions that I share with you today the news of my departure from Color Me Human, the organization I have had the privilege of founding and leading over the past four years,” Pepper said.
Pepper wrote that Color Me Human was born out of a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, education, and celebration, and that the group has worked tirelessly to advance those values and create meaningful change in our community.
“I have been reflecting on my personal and professional journey in recent months. I have decided to step down from my Founder and Executive Director roles to pursue new opportunities. This decision allows me to spend more time with my family, focus on maintaining good health, explore personal interests, and explore consulting opportunities that align with my passions and expertise,” Pepper wrote in the letter.
Pepper will step into an advisory capacity with Color Me Human., and continue lending her expertise, guidance, and support to ensure the organization’s success.
“I am deeply invested in the future of Color Me Human and look forward to witnessing the incredible impact,” she wrote.
Pepper said that she had every confidence in the leadership of the current Board of Directors, who are deeply committed to advancing the work they began together.
“Without Tracy’s vision, there wouldn’t be a Juneteenth in Nevada County,” Grigsby said.
About Color Me Human
Led by a multi-racial, multi-cultural team, Color Me Human is dedicated to celebrating and supporting under-resourced communities in our county. Their mission is to fearlessly fight systems of oppression and boldly champion equity and inclusion for all people, serving as a bridge to building a vibrant and empowered community.
Color Me Human strives to create a welcoming environment where the positive contributions of every individual are recognized and valued.
Moving On…A Letter from Tracy Pepper, Color Me Human Founder
Dear Supporters, Funders, and Community Members,
It is with a mixture of emotions that I share with you today the news of my departure from Color Me Human, the organization I have had the privilege of founding and leading over the past four years.
As many of you know, Color Me Human was born out of a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, education, and celebration. We have worked tirelessly to advance these values and create meaningful change in our community. It has been an incredible journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of profound growth.
I have been reflecting on my personal and professional journey in recent months. I have decided to step down from my Founder and Executive Director roles to pursue new opportunities. This decision allows me to spend more time with my family, focus on maintaining good health, explore personal interests, and explore consulting opportunities that align with my passions and expertise.
I assure you that my commitment to Color Me Human and our mission remains steadfast. I look forward to staying actively engaged in our community through initiatives like the Equity Inclusion Leadership Alliance, which presents an opportunity to contribute to supporting and co-empowering all individuals while nurturing a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community.
Additionally, I am honored to step into an advisory capacity with Color Me Human. I will continue lending my expertise, guidance, and support to ensure the organization's success. I am deeply invested in the future of Color Me Human and look forward to witnessing the incredible impact
we will continue to make together. As I reflect on my time with Color Me Human, I am grateful to everyone who has supported our work along the way. Your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision have driven everything we have accomplished together.
While my departure marks the end of one chapter, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new journey for Color Me Human. I have every confidence in the leadership of our current Board of Directors, who are deeply committed to advancing our mission and carrying forward the work we have begun.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in the mission of Color Me Human. Together, we have made a difference, and together, we will continue to change the world.
With deepest gratitude,
Tracy Pepper, Founder, Color Me Human
Please join us for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Community Gathering
& Potluck
We look forward to celebrating with family and friends. All are welcome!
Color Me Human and community friends will be celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday, June 29th from Noon till 3:00pm in the Condon Park Pavilion area in Grass Valley. This year’s theme, ‘Passing The Torch to the Next Generation’ is designed for children, families and friends to celebrate our nation’s continuing quest for ‘liberty and justice for all.’ All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Festivities include kid’s activities, spoken word, poetry, a DJ, and most of all, community connections and conversation. The gathering begins at noon and the formal program starts at 1:30. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share, and BYOD (drink!).We will be grilling meat and veggie options to complement the potluck side dishes.
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free. Although the Civil War had ended, freedom remained elusive as many plantation owners moved to Texas to continue the practice of slavery far from the reach of the Union Army. Thus, for thousands of enslaved African-Americans, Juneteenth, as it later became known, was recognized as the day of liberation. Formerly enslaved African-Americans celebrated Juneteenth every year thereafter, and in 2021, it became a federal holiday. It is, in fact, the only day our nation officially recognizes the end of the enslavement of four million African-Americans.
The Color Me Human Board of Directors issued a joint statement, with Board Member
Daryl Grigsby noting, “Juneteenth is important in two ways. First, it celebrates what July 4 did not do, that is, end slavery. Second, and more significantly, it reminds us that democracy, freedom, and justice are not fulfilled until every person is treated with dignity and respect and thus – the struggle continues.’
Color Me Human’s Juneteenth event addresses both elements: celebrating what has been accomplished and working towards a better, more just society. This is why the focus of the event is on children, youth, and the next generation, as they take up and carry the torch of freedom and justice. Come join us as we celebrate the past and commit to a better future.
About Color Me Human
Led by a multi-racial, multi-cultural team, Color Me Human is dedicated to celebrating and supporting under-resourced communities in our county. Our mission is to fearlessly fight systems of oppression and boldly champion equity and inclusion for all people, serving as a bridge to building a vibrant and empowered community. We strive to create a welcoming environment where the positive contributions of every individual are recognized and valued.
CALL FOR A LOCAL CEASE FIRE ON GLOBAL CONFLICT
From the Union, Ideas and Opinions, January 31, 2024,
Donn K. Harris for Color Me Human
During the eight years I served on the California Arts Council (2013-2021), I connected with folks of opposing views, and gained insights that produced impactful results. In 2001, the state contribution to the Arts Council was at $1 million, or approximately $.03 per Californian. It would have been zero, but we committed to matching the National Endowment for the Arts’ $1 million annual award. I joined the Council as the pendulum was swinging back the other way: we went up to $5 million my first year, and by the time I was termed out the base allocation was $26.8 million. Elected officials were committed to creativity and supported programs like the Arts in Corrections, Veterans for the Arts and the California Creative Corps
I spent time with a legislator who was an arts advocate and had a fascinating collection in their Capitol office. They had recently returned to Sacramento after time in the private sector. They reported that collaboration and civil dialogue had evaporated. Social events were separated and casual conversations between members of different parties were non-existent. Exchanges were characterized by sarcasm, insults and misrepresentation. ‘Our work is impacted,’ was the measured summary this legislator afforded us.
Yet we had legislators, in opposition on the majority of issues, bonding over the power of creativity in the prison arts programs, the healing of veterans in Creative Forces efforts and the workforce development in the Creative Corps initiative. This increasingly rare phenomenon of non-polarized opinion often comes with – or through – basic courtesy and deep listening.
These qualities are lacking in our recent public exchanges. Logic is also a casualty as we fight like hell for our team. If we were only fighting for what we believe, these qualities wouldn’t be so easily dropped; but we want to win, and the tactics are brutal. Winning seems to include an eradication of the other side’s humanity – contrary to the ends we are hoping to achieve.
The issue of the moment is the response of the American public to the war in Gaza. Not the war itself – our response to it.
Not only don’t the ends justify the means – means in conflict with the ends will not achieve what we set out to do. They can’t: the ends are corrupted once their fabric has been torn by the ways we try to win. If it looks like ugly personal attacks have been successful, it’s one of two things: either what we are trying to achieve is as ugly as the tactics; or our view of winning is very narrow and ignores unkind realities that undermine victory.
Our recent Nevada City and Grass Valley City Council meetings have included demonstrations of rage, vicious verbal attacks, and demands that elected officials issue public statements in support of the speaker’s viewpoint. It hasn’t ended when the microphones are off. Officials have been harassed, slandered, even threatened. Whatever their opinions on this or any other topic, I am calling for our own cease-fire.
Our City Councilmembers were not elected based on their views of global conflict, and we don’t get to push an issue on them and act as if it’s a betrayal when they don’t agree. Polls show a significant split among the public on the Israel/Palestine conflict. How exactly does a City Council issue a statement about a conflict 7,306 miles away when over half of their constituents are uncommitted or opposed to whatever statement they make? If the collective weight of voices around the world will have one result or the other, then write Op-Eds, engage in peaceful, permitted marches, enter into civil debates. City Council meetings are not a meaningful platform for global policy exploration.
If the goal on either side is to build a more just, harmonious world, where people can live in peace and prosperity, we can’t get there in an environment of rage and win-at-all-costs.
War begins in the micro-aggressions that keep us separated and wary, and as we move up into positions of influence, we carry those attitudes into situations where the stakes are higher and higher. By the time our leaders are in roles where war and peace is the issue, they’ve been battered by the anger and accusations of those who didn’t get their way. Daily, I read the bitter recriminations of those still disturbed by the COVID mask-wearing mandate, and the insults hurled at those who think DEI takes up too much space.
We all love America, but Americans can be difficult. We come as a package deal, though. In the workplace, we would never accept this behavior. If we legislate civility and fairness there, let’s borrow the concept for the twice-monthly council meetings. It is one of the workplaces of our City Council members, and they deserve the non-hostile environment that has been protected for us. That is our best chance of preventing future military conflicts. If we can’t work with our neighbors, it doesn’t inspire confidence that we’ll figure it out when we are sitting across the table from an adversary, in a high-stakes environment – with war and peace in the balance.
Donn K. Harris is a Nevada County resident and serves on the boards of Color Me Human and the Nevada County Arts Council, and participates in the County’s Equity and Inclusion Leadership Alliance. He contributes regularly to the writing platform of medium.com
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The Union: Ideas & Opinions — Daryl Grigsby: Our community is being drained of talented bi-racial, black, Hispanic and other families due to racial harassment
Daryl Grigsby, May 31, 2023, Nevada City
I have lived in Washington DC, Chicago, San Diego, Kirkland Washington; Pomona California, Pismo Beach California, and here. I have been a resident here for almost four years, and there is much I love about this area. Accessible downtowns with friendly establishment owners, good eateries, natural beauty, the Yuba River, Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Victorian Christmas, Mardi Gras, Mill Street makeover, independent bookstores, art, culture and most of all; an amazing array of talented people of all ages. Our local government agencies, hospital, district attorney, school boards and other groups are devoted to improving the community. There also is an incredible number of volunteer and social service organizations who give of their time and resources to make our community a better place to live.
There is, however, one thing I do not love (outside of course, our ever-lengthening fire season). That one thing is the alarming number of parents who are moving out of the area because of how their children are racially bullied or harassed. As I mentioned earlier, I have only been here four years. Yet, even in that short time, I have met or am aware of many parents of children who are black, bi-racial, or of other ethnic backgrounds, who have moved or will move out of the area. Of all the places I have ever lived, East coast, Midwest, Washington state; I have never encountered this many people who leave to protect their children and themselves from racist acts.
I am aware there are groups that actively oppose any discussion of racial division or inequity. I also know there are groups here, and all over the United States, that actively pursue and promote bigotry, even to the point of violence. Yet, I also believe that those two groups combined do not constitute the majority of the people in Nevada County. Further, it is my opinion that most of the people in this County are good people with sound minds and open hearts.
So why then do we allow words and deeds from children and adults that are hurtful to the residents of color in our community? Some of the things I have heard yelled from passing vehicles, said by groups of children to others, and experienced by children as young as 5 years old; is truly frightening.
I was recently in Memphis, Tennessee because I am on the Board of Leadership Foundations (LF), a faith-based group that empowers communities to build partnerships to confront critical challenges in their respective city. Leadership Foundations promotes racial justice, provides jobs for recently released felons, mentors youth, offers alternatives to gang life, serves immigrants, and provides escape routes for people trapped in human trafficking. Our meeting was a hopeful time in the midst of the inequality, division, and violence in our world. The work of LF members reminded me of the power of community commitment.
As part of our meeting we visited the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel. On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, murdered for the ‘crime’ of peace-making and racial justice. The museum tour began with slavery and continues through Reconstruction, Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights movement, and ends on the balcony where Dr. King was assassinated.
It was a moving moment standing near the place King was murdered. The Museum also had an exhibit on King’s 1963 Good Friday Letter from the Birmingham Jail. That historic letter was addressed to white clergy who criticized his marches and protests as ‘untimely and unwise.’
In his response Dr. King noted that inaction from people of good will is more frustrating than the impacts of people of ill will. I’m convinced we have more good will than ill will. Yet, we also have the reality that our community is being drained of talented bi-racial, black, Hispanic and other families due to racial harassment. To me that is completely unacceptable and is contrary to all that is good about our community.
So here we are, on land that was never ceded by the Nisenan inhabitants, enjoying this area’s natural beauty, celebrating ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’, while right in our midst are people whose actions chase away residents of color. That’s not right and must end. Anyone of good will must be outraged and work to create the welcoming community we must become.
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Either-or' terms do not apply to schools. We need both
Daryl Grigsby, Board Chair, Color Me Human| Other Voices Jan 25, 2023
I was flabbergasted to read the ‘Misses’ by Jo Ann Rebane and Thea Hood (01/19, A5 Ideas and Opinions) regarding test scores at Nevada Union High School. They both, as if pre-planned, on queue, and synchronized, blamed the newly appointed School Board members for low student scores on competency tests. Incredibly, they both insinuated the new Board members’ attention to inclusion, and equity is responsible for the low test scores. Their ‘Miss’ claims are stunning on many levels.
The first and most obvious is that the current test scores were attained under the watch of the previous Board, not the new members. The previous Board, which admittedly, like us all, had to address unprecedented pandemic-related restrictions, was on duty when the students were learning, and the tests were administered.
Ironically, the former Board either did not run, was defeated in the November election, or resigned at the first meeting; their views were in the minority (Jim Drew), and they staunchly opposed any discussion of equity. They declined student requests for help, denied the existence of racist or homophobic behavior, and undermined work by administrators to create a safe learning environment. It was that school Board, not the incoming members, who were at the helm when test scores fell. That Board, at the same time, refused to address racism or homophobia in the school. I don’t blame the former Board for the test scores. Trying to run a school district with distance learning, angry parents showing up at school to yell at mask-wearing students, and other challenges must have been difficult. I blame them for their refusal to approve programs to enhance equity and inclusion in the schools. School is not just about tests and learning and As and Bs; it is all that and much more. It is about learning to deal with differences, learning there is more to life than your own needs, and becoming part of a community where you will later be an active participant, worker, parent, and voter.
The other incredible aspect of Rebane’s and Hood’s accusations is that they seem to think in narrow ‘either-or’ terms. Either you care about tests and grades only, or you care about social skills, empathy, and kindness. According to their worldview, you cannot do both. Apparently, from their perspective, you focus on grades and tests and scores; and completely ignore the basic social skills of listening, understanding, compassion, and collaboration. Conversely, if you want students to learn about other races, cultures, and sexual orientations and to treat each other with kindness and empathy, you must ignore reading, math, and science. What a limited and narrow view of life. Ironically, the former Board, from what I can tell, did neither.
I worked in local government for 42 years, 30 as a manager in public works and engineering. By far, the most successful, productive, and frankly joyful people I encountered were those with a marvelous balance of technical and people skills. I would not want to live in a world managed by the students of Rebane’s and Hood’s ideology. They would have high test scores and be devoid of basic people skills. Thea Hood asks the Board to decide what is most important. ‘Promoting academic excellence or promoting equity (equal outcomes)’. In her view, those are obviously mutually exclusive objectives. I graduated from all-black schools in Washington, DC, in the 1970s. The constant message from my teachers, neighbors, and family was simple — do the best you can in school and treat everyone with respect and dignity. Those are not mutually exclusive outcomes — they are part of an education to create good workers, good parents, good neighbors, and good citizens.
I’m not sure if the current School Board has even had more than one meeting together. They certainly were not around during the tests. The cynic in me could say that people like Rebane and Hood, having lost at the school board elections, are now hinting that if you care about racial justice, you don’t care about grades or tests. That is a false and dishonest position. I know that some new Board members have children in the District. They have a deep concern for the whole child, the whole person, and the future of this community. It is completely unfair, disingenuous, and hypocritical to try and box the new members into a false either-or corner. Grades…or…awareness. Test scores…or…listening and empathy and kindness. Spare me the simplistic either-or choice. We can and must have both.