Freedom Fighters,
The NAACP Des Moines Branch would like to highlight the National Day of Silence. This event sheds light on the disastrous effects of bullying and harassment of LGBTQ students happening in schools. On April 14th, 2023, students across the US plan to take a vow of silence to illustrate the silencing effect on the lives of young people when LGBTQ students are bullied. Students plan to go through the school day without speaking and ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.
There are more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. that identify as both Black and as LGBTQ; making the intersection of these identities of critical importance to the black experience. Most monumental events in black history have had someone representing these shared identities.
The Harlem Renaissance has several artists including Countee Cullen (1903–1946); one of the leading African American poets of the Harlem Renaissance.
The Civil Rights movement has several activists including Bayard Rustin ( 1912-1987) and Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992) just to name a few.
We encourage you to learn more and support any young people you know who might be participating.