{"id":15176,"date":"2024-02-22T06:43:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-22T06:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/?p=15176"},"modified":"2025-11-07T10:12:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:12:33","slug":"celebrating-black-history-month-at-the-smrs-all-agency-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialmodelrecovery.org\/staging\/8105\/2024\/02\/celebrating-black-history-month-at-the-smrs-all-agency-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Black History Month at the SMRS All-Agency Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a vibrant display of unity and celebration, the Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) All-Agency Meeting held at Almansor Court on February 13, 2024, resonated with the theme \u201cShades of Black\u201d in honor of Black History Month.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The event, marked by insightful discussions, cultural expressions, and heartfelt reflections, encapsulated the essence of diversity, equity, and inclusion \u2013 core values deeply ingrained within SMRS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program commenced with a warm welcome from\u00a0Senior Director of Clinical Services\u00a0Lynetta Hale<\/strong>, Executive Assistant\u00a0Ann Houston-Sago<\/strong>,<\/em>\u00a0and Director of Innovation Dr. Anna Lee, who emphasized the significance of honoring\u00a0Black History Month<\/em>\u00a0within the framework of\u00a0Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Intersectionality, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 pillars that define SMRS\u2019s ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To set the tone for the engaging sessions ahead, attendees participated in a lively Kahoot game led by\u00a0Senior Director of Community Relations\u00a0Mike Schaub<\/strong>\u00a0and Community Relations Assistant\u00a0Janelle Gollaba<\/strong><\/em>, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm among attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting then delved into deeper discussions, starting with reflections on emotional emancipation quotes led by\u00a0Lynetta<\/strong>\u00a0and UCEPP Project Coordinator\u00a0Charles Porter<\/strong><\/em>. Representatives from each of seventeen tables shared their insights, promoting dialogue and mutual learning among attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Lynetta\n
Lynetta Hale<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Charles\n
Charles Porter<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A poignant moment followed with our very own\u00a0Ann Houston-Sago<\/strong>\u00a0presenting her poem\u00a0\u201cWhere Did We Come From and What Did We Bring,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0encapsulating the journey and contributions of the Black community throughout history. The poem served as a reminder of the resilience and strength ingrained in the Black community throughout history. Her words encompassed the journey from the shores of Africa, where they once reigned as kings and queens, to the struggles endured during the transatlantic slave trade. Yet, amidst adversity, the poem highlighted the enduring contributions brought forth by African descendants \u2013 from mathematics and science to agriculture and cultural heritage. It was a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Black excellence and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ann Houston-Sago<\/kbd><\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In an enlightening presentation,\u00a0Charles Porter<\/em>, elucidated the history of the black diaspora, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and cultural legacy. Concepts such as\u00a0Oyimba DuDu<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Maafa<\/strong>\u00a0provided a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in the African American experience, underscoring the need for integral approaches to healing and reintegration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the lunch session, attendees were serenaded by a captivating medley of music composed by Black artists, symbolizing the indelible imprint of Black creativity on the world stage. The rhythmic cadences and soul-stirring melodies underscored the importance of celebrating Black excellence and cultural diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a nourishing lunch, the atmosphere was lifted with the\u00a0Soul Train<\/em>\u00a0dance led by\u00a0Lynetta, Charles, Ann<\/em>, and Community-Based Housing and Alumni Director\u00a0Brandon James<\/strong>, fostering a sense of joy and connection.\u00a0Michael Rimson<\/strong>\u00a0embodied the persona of the late\u00a0Don Cornelius<\/a><\/em>, who was the inspiration and voice of the\u00a0SOUUUUUL TRAIIIIIIN<\/em><\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The educational journey continued as\u00a0Charles<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Brandon<\/em>\u00a0delved into the culinary realm, exploring the significance of food as a cultural touchstone through a clip from the Netflix documentary, \u201cHigh on the Hog.\u201d This exploration illuminated the profound connections between food, history, and identity, enriching participants\u2019 understanding of cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brandon James<\/kbd><\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Further expanding on the global impact of colorism and White Supremacy,\u00a0Brandon<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Lynetta<\/em>\u00a0engaged attendees in a thought-provoking dialogue, fostering a deeper awareness of systemic inequalities and the imperative for collective action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The meeting culminated with insights from Chief Executive Officer (CEO)\u00a0Bruce Boardman<\/strong><\/em>, who underscored SMRS\u2019 commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the reinstatement of the Cultural Awareness Survey and the promotion of monthly Cultural Awareness Meetings. A lively Q&A session provided an opportunity for the employees to further engage with leadership and contribute to ongoing efforts towards meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CEO Bruce Boardman<\/kbd><\/sup><\/sub><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SMRS All-Agency Meeting was not only a celebration of Black history and culture but also a call to action for continued advocacy and empowerment. Through education, dialogue, and collective action, participants reaffirmed the agency\u2019s commitment to honoring and amplifying the voices and contributions of the Black community. It was a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and hope in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In a vibrant display of unity and celebration, the Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) All-Agency Meeting held at Almansor Court on February 13, 2024, resonated with the theme \u201cShades of 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