[Community-Service] December 2021 Newsletter

[Maggie Stringer]

“Beyond the Six Dots”



National Federation of the Blind Community Service Division

December 2021 Newsletter

We use a white cane, slate & stylus, and screen readers in between,

We read from the left, write from the right, and will tap tap onto any
scene.

We want our communities to know what we’ve got, a commitment to serve,

Beyond the Six Dots!



*A WINTERY BLESSING*

We wouldn’t dare end the year without a chuckle or two. We wish a thousand
of blessings to be showered upon each and every one of you this month.
Here’s our gift of smiles to you:

Question: What did Frosty the Snowman say to the other snowman?

Answer: Do you smell carrots?

*Don’t think about it, laugh about it!*

*BRIGHT HOLIDAY LIGHTS & HUMAN RIGHTS*

Written by C. K. Ries

There are many winter holidays celebrated in December; however, it is also
when National Human Rights month is recognized. During this month, every
American is encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice,
and the dignity of all human beings.

In December, we will honor the International Declaration of Human Rights
drafted by the United Nations in 1948.  The United Nations celebrates Human
Rights Day on December 10th every year to commemorate the declaration.

For 2021, the theme is “All human, all equal”.  If you are anything like
me, you are asking why do we need a day or a month to celebrate human
rights?  Shouldn’t we celebrate and promote human rights every day?  Well,
of course we should!  However, it is always good to have a time set aside
that you make things a priority such as we did with Blind Equality
Achievement Month.  We had many powerful and impactful events during that
month.  Another question you may have in common with me is:  what does
national or international have to do with me in my small state, or city, or
neighborhood?  Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying “Where, after all, do
universal human rights begin?  In small places, close to home; so close,
and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world… unless
these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without
citizen action to uphold them, close to home, we shall look in vain for
progress in the larger world.”

The Community Service Division is naturally inclined to support human
rights; and anyone in the division can support this cause during this month
in big or small ways.  These are some things that I have planned for the
month.  I have a meeting planned with my state Senator to discuss the
issues of the blind community in Delaware.  I am hoping to develop local
champions for our legislative causes.  I am developing a “Know Your Rights”
document to put on our state website.  I saw this on NFB Colorado’s website
and thought that it is a brilliant idea.  Thank you, Colorado.  And
finally, I am planning to be more aware of the ways that I can support the
greater community with regards to human rights.  It could be the rights of
people with other disabilities, social justice causes, or immigrant rights
to name a few.  Because, we are all human, and we should all be equal!

I challenge all of you to choose something small you can do to support
human rights during this month.  It will make a difference!

Miss Reis has put The challenge on the table! So, dedicated readers, Where
will you be on December 10th?

#HUMANRIGHTS

*“To deny people their human rights are to challenge their very humanity”
by Nelson Mandela.*

*WE SERVE TO UNITE*

May everyone’s days be merry and bright, no matter their religion! Between
November 1st and January 15th, there are over twenty-nine holidays observed
by seven of the world’s major religions. And yet, many celebrations often
center around just one of them. Celebrating diversity during this time of
year is a powerful way to include all of our communities. It is more than
changing labels and titles, we want to build understanding and awareness of
traditions and beliefs of others.

*The Celebration of **Hanukah*

Written by Honey Massey

As in all Jewish holidays, Hanukah has an historical significance and a
seasonal message. The word Hanukah (don’t be confused by the multiple ways
it is spelled) means Dedication – it is a festival of light celebrated with
song, but also with a seriousness, and it lasts eight days. Historically we
are marking a victory of the Jewish people over the Syrian Greeks some 2000
years ago.

The Greek plan was to create a Hellenistic Empire including the lands where
the Jews lived and worshipped God. Jerusalem was conquered and the Jews
were forced to cease following their faith. Many did out of fear or a
desire to be accepted. But a rebellion began with the Maccabees, a brave
group of young men, and this lasted three years.  Finally, the Holy Temple
in Jerusalem, which had been plundered, was liberated and prepared to be
rededicated to God. As the legend goes, there was just enough oil in the
Menorah, the holy light, for one night. But a miracle occurred, and the oil
lasted for eight days.

The story explains the significance of the customs of the holiday. We light
a menorah for eight days. The holiday is celebrated on the 25th day of
Kislev every year, but because the Jewish calendar is a lunar one, it does
not take place on the same day every year in the Gregorian calendar, which
is based on the sun and which the rest of the world uses. We are
remembering the miracle. In many ways, it is more than marking the Jewish
victory over the Greeks. It is a reminder that throughout the centuries
there have been attempts to force the Jewish people to abandon their faith
or face death, and yet we have remained.

Like other faiths, the holiday flames also symbolize that the dark days of
winter will come to an end. The holiday is celebrated at home — it is not
considered a holy day as is Passover, Rosh Hashana, or Succoth, the
celebration of the giving of the Torah. People go to work and children
attend school. Because the oil lasted for eight days, we eat potato
pancakes or latkes fried in oil. This is a European Ashkenazi Jewish
tradition. In Israel, they eat jelly doughnuts or sufganyot also made in
deep hot oil. Family and friends are invited over to sing songs and join in
the food and of course the lighting of the menorah. The first day we light
one candle and each subsequent day we add a candle until on the last day
there is a full menorah, and it is a custom to put the menorah in the
window so the neighbors can see it is a proud Jewish family. There is also
a custom to play with a top or dreidel.

During the time of the Greek rule, the Greek king forbade the teaching of
the Torah. Jews defied this order and continued to teach their children.
They used the dreidel as a cover up for the learning. On modern dreidels
the sides of the dreidel have Hebrew letters Nun, Gimmel, Hay and Shin.
These are the initials of Nes Gadol Hayah Sham — a great miracle happened
there (in Israel.)  We put coins in the pot and spin the top, and depending
on what letter it lands on it will determine if you take from the pot or
give into the pot. In Israel the dreidels often have the initials Nun,
Gimmel, Hay, Peh for Nes Gadol Hayah Po — a great miracle happened here.

Traditionally children were given Hanukah gelt, small chocolate coins. We
tend to eat dairy meals during this holiday.

It is a joyful time, the light showing us God’s love, and, for those who
are more secular, the knowledge that we can work to bring understanding
into what can be a world filled with despair.

We thank, Miss Honey, for sharing the traditions in celebrating Hanukah.
Volunteers like her, light a candle within all of our hearts to give back,
especially during the Hussle and bustle of the holidays!

*The Beauty of Kwanza*

Written by Cheryl Fields, NFB Ohio Affiliate & Teisha James

“Some families treat Kwanzaa as an alternative to Christmas. My family and
friends actually celebrate both. Even though Kwanzaa is not a religious
holiday, I think of it as a cultural tradition with spiritual qualities,”
says Teisha James from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Kwanza is the beautiful result of an awful tragedy. on the heels of six
days of violent and destructive rioting in the south-central Los Angeles
neighborhood of Watts where thirty-four people lost their lives, Dr.
Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California
State University, Long Beach founded the cultural organization, US, in
1966. He began studying ways to bring the African-American community
together. Dr. Karenga researched harvest celebrations of African cultures,
including the Ashanti and Zulu and the roots of Kwanza were planted. Today
Pan-African communities celebrate and teach the seven principals of Kwanza
for seven days in homes, churches and community centers in many countries.
Kwanza, matunda ya, means first fruits in Swahili. The non-religious
celebration begins each year on December 26th and ends January 1st with a
large meal. After the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and parties,
Kwanza provides a time to relax, remember, reflect, restore and reconnect
to community.

“It’s customary to greet friends and family with the Swahili phrase,
"Habari gani", meaning, "What is the news?" To respond, answer with the
principle of the day. Umoja for example, is the response given on December
26th,” says Teisha. Fasting or abstaining from food, is also done during
Kwanzaa, as a means of cleansing of the mind, soul, and spirit. “During
this time, my family has a sixty-year tradition of their own; volunteering
at local shelters and serving hot meals to the homeless.”

There is also the Candlelighting Ceremony. It is the central part to the
celebration of Kwanzaa. It takes place at a time when all members of the
family are present and children are encouraged to take an active role in
all activities. The ceremony begins with the TAMBIKO (libation), an African
form of praise which pays homage to personal and collective ancestors. To
begin, the elder of the household pours wine or juice into the earth or an
earth-filled vessel. While pouring, the elder makes a statement honoring
departed family members for the inspiration and values they have left with
descendants. Friends are also remembered. After the TAMBIKO, as a gesture
of unity, the elder drinks from the KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA and then passes it
for all to share. The elder leads the call, "HARAMBEE" (Let's pull
together), and everyone participates in repeating the phrase seven times.
This ceremony reinforces the meaning of the principles.

The placement of the mishumaa saba candles in the kinara is as follows:

Black, for the color of African peoples everywhere, is located in the
center.

Three red candles, represents the blood of the ancestors, are placed to the
left.

Three green candles that symbolize the earth, life, and the ideas and
promise of the future, are placed.to the right.

Beginning December 26 with the black mushumaa, a different candle is lit
for each day, alternating from left to right. After the candlelighting, the
principle of the day is discussed. The evening of December 31 (Day 6) is
the KARAMU, a joyous celebration with songs, poetry and storytelling,
African drumming, games and reciting quotes of great Black thinkers. It is
a time of rejoicing, reassessment and recommitment. The ZAWADI, handmade or
similarly meaningful gifts for children, may be opened at the KARAMU, or on
the final day of Kwanzaa, when Imani is observed.

The Seven Principles are as follows:

Nguzo Saba

Unity: Umoja (oo-MO-jah), o strives for and maintain unity in the family,
community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah), to define
ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo-GEE-mah), to build and
maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s
problems our problems and to solve them together.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah), to build and maintain our own
stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose: Nia (nee-YAH), to make our collective vocation the building and
developing of our community in order to restore our people to their
traditional greatness.

Consider joining a Kwanza celebration or beginning a beautiful tradition
with your family and community. For additional information on Kwanzaa, see,
The Smithsonian National museum of African-American History and Culture.

We thank Miss Cheryl and Miss Teisha for being committed volunteers in our
community! We appreciate these ladies sharing the meaning, history, and
customs of Kwanzaa. The fellowship and the engaging of one’s community
sound absolutely beautiful!

*A VOICE WITH NO LIMITS*

December 3rd, International Day of People with Disabilities

Written by Daria Bannerman

It is an honor to know that all over the world, people with disabilities
are being remembered and celebrated every year! There once was a time where
we were thought of as being too ugly to step outside our homes and/or
institutions. But thanks to many people with disabilities, they have helped
pave the way for us to love ourselves and live our lives without any shame.
We find celebration in this day!

It’s crucial to spread awareness on the importance of inclusivity,
accessibility, and sustainability on International Day of Persons with
Disabilities. Agencies, groups, and individuals all over the world
acknowledge this international day in a myriad of ways, including creating
posts on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Tiktok.
It’s amazing that we have these tools to help spread awareness of people
with disabilities and how we contribute to society in many ways.

How will you, recognize and celebrate international day of persons with
disabilities? Perhaps you’ll do this by volunteering to help someone
accomplish a task. Or maybe you’ll demonstrate how you use assistive
technology, apply makeup, or just be yourself while living life, disability
and all. However, you choose to acknowledge this day, do it with gladness
and pride!

*#IDPD*

*“Nothing about us, without us!”*

*IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS*

*Written by Maggie Stringer*

*We all know that the Christmas season can be, truly magical. From the
merry of decorations to the gathering of loved ones, the baking of
delicious homemade treats, the singing of those catchy jingles, and the
snuggles under a warm blanket during a cold wintery night. This time of
year, does something to us. We feel giddy and nice, and smile and laugh
without even thinking twice. But if we are not careful, we can get caught
up. Being too focused on that treacherous hunt for the impeccable bargain,
or swept away by having one too many of the cousin’s famous spiked eggnog.
It’s easy though, those holiday movies and storybook tales sometimes make
Christmas out to be a snow globe full of jolly perfection. *

*For some, the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations are the most painful
part of the year for them. The thought of families uniting as one, the
sight of a colorfully decorated pine tree, or maybe the familiar scent of
fresh baked ginger bread, brings back memories tied to sadness and
hopelessness.*

*I can remember a Christmas time that didn’t feel so magical. It was 2004
and my baby sister was seven months pregnant. Ordinarily, that’s a
beautiful miracle and tends to bring family, friends, and loved ones
closer. But for Amy, it was a long and painful seven months. She spent most
of her time in the hospital than she did at home. *

*You see, Amy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was eight months
old. To describe it briefly, CF is a lung and digestive disease, and when
she was born most CF patients had a life expectancy of fourteen years of
age. I remember when I first became a Christian. I would always pray to
God, asking Him to let my baby sister live one more year and then, I would
give Him my list of things she and I still needed to do together. *

*For the most part, when we were growing up, Amy was considered to be a
fairly healthy person compared to a lot of the other CF patients. Until,
she became pregnant in 2004.*

*Just before Christmas, I remember the doctor’s wanting to have an
emergency meeting about her and the baby. Despite it being a little over a
month before the baby was due, the doctor’s wanted to perform a cesarean as
soon as possible. Her body had become so weak, they were afraid she and the
baby may not make it to the new year. *

*It’s difficult to remember anything outside of going to and from the
hospital during that holiday season. However, I know that my story is not
the only story. A lot of people are going through, something, this
Christmas. I encourage you to think of those around you. Have you spoken to
your neighbor lately? When was the last time you checked in with your Aunt?
Maybe you could clean out that food pantry, that you’ve been meaning to do.
There are lots of food drives during this time of the year. Thinking about
it now, I don’t recall buying very many groceries that one Christmas. Every
time we turned around, someone was bringing my family and I a home cooked
meal. People I didn’t even know, offering to bring me a plate of home
cooked food.*

*I believe that the magic of Christmas, it’s in you. You can be the beacon
of hope for someone this holiday. I know those doctors and nurses on
December 31st, gave my baby sister a sparkle of hope, when they helped her
give birth to a beautifully handsome, baby boy!*

*“It’s your turn. Kindness is free, so sprinkle that stuff everywhere you
see!”*

*RESOURCES*

Communities of Faith Division

President: Tom Anderson

Email: tanderson81452 at gmail.com

Mailing List: nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/faith-talk_nfbnet.org

*Blind Fraternal Greek and Masonic Group*

*Chairperson: Shawn Callaway*

*Email: callaway.shawn at gmail.com <callaway.shawn at gmail.com>*

*Blind Muslims Group*

*Chairperson: Tasnim Alshuli*

*Email: tasnim.shuli at gmail.com <tasnim.shuli at gmail.com>*

*NFB in Judaism Group*

*Chairperson: David Stayer*

*Email: davidrstayer6 at gmail.com <davidrstayer6 at gmail.com>*

*Mailing List: nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbj_nfbnet.org
<http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbj_nfbnet.org>*

*NFB LGBT Group*

*Chairperson: Sanho Steele-Louchart*

*Email: sanho817 at gmail.com <sanho817 at gmail.com>*



*EDITOR’S NOTES*

We want to feature you in our next issue! Write about your personal
experience with your community service project and submit the article by
the first of the month.

We also want to help promote your community projects and state affiliate
events. Share your calendar with Beyond The Six Dots and we will feature
your events in the ‘Represent Your State’ section of our next issue.
Contact our editor to submit your calendar events and featured articles.
(The editor may edit the Length and/or wording of your article.)



NFB Community Service Division

www.facebook.com/communityservicedivision/

President Jeanetta Price

Email: price.jeanetta at gmail.com

Mobile: (409) 344-1005

Newsletter Editor: Maggie Stringer

Email: Ravensfan784 at gmail.com

Mobile: (443) 750-0070



*ONE MINUTE MESSAGE*

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. We are survivors!
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