Dear YAAA Members and Allies,
On Tuesday April 20th both Cherice and I watched alongside the world, with anticipation and nervousness, as the jury delivered their decision that officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on three counts in the murder of George Floyd. We remained still and pondered the decision; as many, many emotions surfaced; validation, sadness, disappointment, and the realization that there is much more work to be done to heal and work to ensure justice for all.
We imagine that many of you may be feeling the same way and wanted to remind you that the Yale African American Affinity Group is here to support you. We remain steadfast in our efforts to condemn the acts of violence that have taken the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Duante Wright, and Ma’Khia Bryant. These names as only the most recent in a too-long list of Black people who have endured racist assaults under the banner of civic protection.
Below are a few resources that we have used to help us with our healing journey, and we hope that they may offer some comfort to you as you continue to process and heal:
Scripture: Psalms 9:9-10
9 - The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 - And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Yale Counseling and Support Services
Counseling and Support Services is a free, confidential program provided by Magellan Health Services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The support you need is a call or a click away! Call 1-800-327-9240 or visithttp://www.magellanhealth.com/member.
Belonging at Yale
Community Resources & Support Following the Trial of Derek Chauvin | Belonging at Yale
Poem: Still I Rise, Maya Angelou
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise
Meditation Practices for Trauma
https://binged.it/3tJVdWe
We invite you to join the YAAA for its monthly meeting, which take place the 4th Thursday of each month from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Feel free to e-mail either Cherice (cherice.mcneil@yale.edu) or Reese (reese.mcleod@yale.edu) to be added to the meeting invitation.
If you are interested in joining the YAAA Social Justice Committee, please contact Chairs Shana Jackson, Alexis Willoughby, and Fallon Thomas.
Best,
Cherice & Reese
Yale African American Affinity Group Co-Chairs