Traditions define our past and present during the holiday season
Published: Thu, 12/09/21
What traditions define your holiday season?
Tradition. It often defines who we are as a
global community. It certainly defines who we are as families and individuals. Traditions are passed down through generations and the stories of their origins live on through the elders in our communities.
For many the holiday season has veered too far off its original intended meaning. Rather than a time for celebration, family, and giving back, it has become too focused on how much we can buy. We need to remember that we cannot buy
the love of the people who already love us. Regardless of what you celebrate over the holiday season, it is about community and inviting outsiders into the fold to learn about our traditions and feel the warmth of community support.
If you are looking for different ways to support the Black community across the globe this holiday season, or perhaps it’s time to form new traditions, here are a few ways to give back:
Find a Black-led or Black-serving organization to volunteer with. Support
Black Charities has an entire directory of vetted organizations who are always looking for volunteers.
Be a friend to a lonely or vulnerable neighbour within your community. Kindness does not cost you anything. Look for those moments to have a friendly conversation or share a meal with someone who doesn’t have anyone to celebrate with this holiday season.
Support Black-owned businesses. If you are doing holiday gifting, look for
opportunities to support Black entrepreneurs in your community.
Donate to organizations who are working at home and “back home”. Time can be short, but if you are looking to support the Black community, consider donating to a cause this season. Create a new tradition where you donate to an organization in someone’s name as a gift. Even a donation of goods and various items will go far. The SBC directory even indicates what needs each
organization has!
So as you are preparing to celebrate with friends and family this holiday season, we would love to hear about the traditions that have been passed down through your community as well as those that you have started yourself. Share
your stories with us either by responding to this email or tagging us on social media! (Instagram: @supportblackcharities | Twitter: @supblkcharities)
Careers Education Empowerment (CEE) was started in 2006 as a response to increasing youth violence in Toronto, ON (Canada). They are working to eliminate the social and economic barriers faced by the city’s
Black youth through programming focused on person-centered support and training for youth ages 18 - 19.
Programming covers support and training for Trades, Hospitality, Social Service, Digital technology, and Film industries. CEE isn’t just about employment for Black youth, it’s about breaking the current cycle and helping them achieve financial
prosperity, independence, and a higher quality of life for themselves and their families.
There are currently several programs being offered by CEE
including:
CEE Tech: A career training and development
program focusing on building a career in the digital technology industry.
Styling Program: A new 14-week program focused on costuming and wardrobe styling for the Film and Television industry.
Kitchen Masters: An opportunity to develop a career out of the love of food
through cooking challenges, coaching, and paid internships.
CEE currently needs financial support and item donations such as food, clothing, and books.
