April Thoughts and Themes

Knowledge is a garden. If it isn't cultivated, you can't harvest it.

African Proverb

Hotep (Peace) Family and Friends.

The month of April is always eagerly awaited by all of us as we expect the “April showers to bring May flowers.”  The month of April also brings religious celebrations such as Easter, Passover, or Puthandu.  For storytelling during April, we encourage you to cultivate all of this rich history and knowledge in our gardens by sharing it with others.  Please reflect on your stories/memories that recount April celebrations of these religious holidays as well as stories that celebrate any of the other recognized April celebrations below:

Celebrate Diversity Month

“Celebrate Diversity Month started in 2004 as a way to recognize and honor the diversity that surrounds us every day in the hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. This holiday represents an opportunity for us to share stories about the meaningful interactions with others from diverse backgrounds and the value in each other’s experiences.”

Stress Awareness Month

Please share your stories about how you positively manage the impact of stress in your life so that others can benefit from your lived experience. What tools can you offer to help others?  As many of us are experiencing tremendous stress in or workplaces during these uncertain times, here is a link to help employers and employees manage stress and build resilience in the workplace. In April, we also celebrate Administrative Professionals Day (April 23rd) and Take Your Child to Work Day (4th Thursday in April). Please post your stories.

National Volunteer Month

Many of us practice the African value of Sankofa (reciprocity; looking backwards to move forward) by giving back and discovering the joy and fulfillment that comes with making a difference as a volunteer. Tell us your stories about how your volunteer experiences have enriched your lives or the lives of others in your communities.

National Sibling Day

In April, we also celebrate our siblings, “whether they are our best friends or biggest rivals.” Tell us your stories about the laughs, competitions, or other shared memories of ties with your sibling(s). 

Resources:

• Celebrating Diversity: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/initiatives-programs

• Managing Stress:  https://988lifeline.org/; Healing Circles of The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. (abpsi.org)

• Black Charities and Volunteering: https://supportblackcharities.org/

• Take Your Child to Work Day:  Idea for whether you work at home or in an office: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/take-your-child-to-work-day