“Breaking Down Barriers” Podcast Recording Now Available

In October, Color Me Human hosted the podcast program called "Breaking Down Barriers" at Nevada County Media.  The goal of this monthly podcast, sponsored by Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation, is to tackle the most difficult, real-life challenging topics that our community faces every day.

This powerful and moving conversation between Jamin Alcamo (he/him), Joselyn Zarate (she/her), and moderator, Color Me Human board member, Lolo Stone (she/her), is titled ”Belonging: Growing up Black and Brown in Nevada County, and we hope it will inspire you to join the community conversation on this important topic and take action. Links to resources are available in the podcast description.

You can listen to or download the podcast here.

Our all volunteer Board is seeking new members and volunteers in a variety of roles. You can learn more, and submit an application here.

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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.