THANKSGIVING?

I came across Julie Turkewitz's (her name is a bit timely for the holiday- turke-witz) article Thanksgiving for Native Americans: Four Voices on a Complicated Holiday.  This article
helps me understand that many of us will have ongoing conflict with this holiday throughout our lives.  The beginnings and origins of the holiday is a part of our America.

As a nation that has a history of embracing diversity and experiencing new communities entering the Americas how can you engage in your traditions and culture while learning and having mindfulness regarding differences of others.  As Thanksgiving is a major holiday for many for others it is a valid day of mourning.

For the upcoming Christmas is the celebration for christians other communities might have other holidays of equal significance.  Can we practice our traditions and allow and appreciation for celebrations that are not of our familiar?  For a discussion on diversity for the holidays it might be good practice to have a general understanding of these holidays in support of co-workers, extended family members, neighbors and for just an appreciation of our blended American family.



Read more about Dr. Strayhorn's practice and philosophy...