DAY 15: STRIVING FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

Today is Nirvana Day, an annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana. In Buddhism, Nirvana is a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.

We know that in the U.S., the Black community has historically had a deep connection with Christian churches, but did you know there is more religious diversity within the Black community? The number of Black Buddhists has grown significantly in recent years, and there is a notable link between the practice of Buddhism in the Black community in the U.S. and the pursuit of social justice. As described in “Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition,” the lived experience of Black people in the Buddhist community lends itself to a different interpretation and reception of the Buddha’s teachings. From the description by NYU Press: “given their experiences with racism—both in the larger society and also within largely white-oriented Buddhist organizations—Black cultural frameworks are necessary for illuminating the Buddha’s wisdom …Buddhist teachings, through their focus on healing intergenerational trauma, provide a vitally important foundation for achieving Black liberation ...Buddhist teachings as practiced by Black Americans emphasize different aspects of the religion than do those in white convert Buddhist communities, focusing more on devotional practices to ancestors and community uplift.”

To learn more about the intersection of Buddhist practice with the Black experience, see these four reading opportunities:

Article: “Why are there so many Black Buddhists?”

Article: “Black Buddhists explore healing and liberation in new anthology”

“Black and Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us about Race, Resilience, Transformation, and Freedom”

Book: “Black & Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us about Race, Resilience, Transformation, & Freedom”

Book: “Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition: The Practice of Stillness in the Movement for Liberation”

Bonus: Tina Turner

Did you know that Tina Turner considers herself a Buddhist-Baptist? She incorporates Buddhist practice into her life and has produced several audio works that include chanting. Click here to see her chanting.

CLICK TO WATCH

Tina Turner - Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu (Peace Mantra)

NAACP Student Contest

This month, the Vermont NAACP offers an essay/arts contest for all high-school age students who live in Vermont, including in-schoolers, home-schoolers, and all school-based educators. This year’s prompt asks contestants “to tell the story of an individual or an event in Black history that has not been widely known, studied, or taught, and which has changed the trajectory of history and had an impact on our lives and our world today.” If you need inspiration, check out our archive of these daily BHM e-mails that have featured a wide range of historical figures and events. The deadline to apply is March 16th. See here for more details about the contest: NAACP Black History Month Contest 2023

The Vermont chapters of the NAACP work to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race. They serve people across the state with educational programming, case advocacy, policy advocacy, and resources.

Don’t forget: Clemmons Family Farm Contest

On Day 3, we highlighted another contest and curriculum being offered this month. This month, the Clemmons Family Farm offers a free curriculum for grades K-5 about two courageous African-American women who were pioneers in travel. The curriculum also offers students the chance to submit a storyboard for a music video as part of a contest. Learn more about the curriculum and contest here: Two Bessies on Two Wheels

Pop Quiz!

A one-question trivia check to make sure you’re on your Black History A-game. How many will you get correct throughout the month? Click the button that reads “Today’s pop quiz” to see today’s question.

Today’s pop quiz question tests your knowledge of the journey of the Freedom Riders.

TODAY’S POP QUIZ

Coming up

Check out some of the events happening throughout Black History Month 2023.

TONIGHT 2/15 – Hildene Reads

What: A discussion of the book “Passing Strange,” which tells the story of Clarence King. Clarence was a celebrated White explorer by day, and a Black Pullman porter and steelworker by night.

Logistics: This free virtual event is being held on Wednesday Feb 15th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. To register, e-mail stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.

TONIGHT 2/15 – LitClub History Present & Future Feature

What: A space to share poetry and build community, featuring Black creatives.

Logistics: This event is being held on Wednesday Feb 15th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Radio Bean, located at 8 North Winooski Ave. in Burlington.

TOMORROW 2/16 – “Soul Food: Honoring Black Voices in Music”

What: A late-night musical experience that “honors Black music of yesterday and today.”

Logistics: This free event is being held on Feb 16th from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. at Club Metronome, located at 188 Main St. in Burlington. Learn more here: Soul Food

2/17 – Black Artist Showcase

What: A space to share poetry and build community, featuring Black creatives.

Logistics: This event is being held twice: [1] On Friday Feb 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Venetian Soda Lounge, located at 266 Pine St. Suite #122 in Burlington. [2] On Friday Feb 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Kru Coffee, located at 2 Church Street in Burlington.

2/18 – Black History Month event at Rabble Rouser

What: A celebration of local Black performers and artists during an all-day function. The event will include a photo-story project titled ‘I Am Vermont Too;” performances from artists including Khalilah Rose, Freedom seeds, and Rajnii Eddins; a jewelry showcase by SoulSimone; Colombian food; and live music.

Logistics: This event is being held on Saturday Feb 18th from 2:00-10:00 p.m. at Rabble Rouser, located at 64 Main St. in Montpelier. Free to people of color; everyone else is encouraged to donate.

2/23 – The Rebel Women of Mathematics

What: A deep dive into the worlds of 30+ women who broke barriers and made their mark in STEM fields — from rocket science to computer programming. Hosted by professor, speaker, and PBS host Talithia Williams.

Logistics: This free event is being held online on Thursday Feb 23rd from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Register here: Registration for Rebel Women of Mathematics

2/25 – Black Children’s Books

What: A virtual event to “discover the latest books centering Black children's stories and celebrate the impact of real representation at this opening of a virtual ‘museum’ devoted to Black literature.”

Logistics: This event is being held online on Saturday Feb 25th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Register here: Visit the Black Children’s Book Museum

2/25 – The Black Experience

What: This free event will feature discussions and panels with local artists and speakers, and a keynote presentation by iconic activist and scholar Dr. Angela Davis. There will also be a performance by the Philadanco dance company.

Logistics: This free event is being held on Saturday Feb 25th at 5:00 p.m. at The Flynn, located at 153 Main Street in Burlington. Learn more here: The Black Experience 2023

2/26 – “BIPOC Soul Food Sunday” in the NEK

What: An affinity space open only to people of color to experience entertainment from Toussaint St. Negritude and a photo booth by I Am Vermont Too. Attendees are encouraged to bring any kind of dish to share.

Logistics: This event is being held on Sunday Feb 26th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at The Whirligig Brewing, located at 397 Railroad St. in St. Johnsbury.

This Week’s Raffle

Each week, we will draw 5 names from the list of those who signed up for this e-mail series. We hope you win (yes, you!). The drawings are random; we use the True Random Number Service, which will pick 5 numbers each week from the sign-up list. You don’t need to do anything from here—we’ll e-mail you if you’re a lucky winner.

This is an installment in the State of Vermont’s 28-day Black History Month e-mail series, offered by the Vermont Human Rights Commission and the Vermont Office of Racial Equity. The Human Rights Commission protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations. Learn more about the HRC here. The Office of Racial Equity provides guidance and oversight to identify and mitigate systemic racism in state government. Learn more about the ORE here. Did you receive this e-mail from a friend? Want to sign yourself up for the remainder of the month? Subscribe to this list here.

Copyright (C) 2023 State of Vermont Office of Racial Equity. All rights reserved.

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