Get Connected: Educate. Empathize. Act.
Written by Betsie Gambel
I have spent much time of late sorting through the atrocities of the murder of George Floyd and other instances of racism we see plaguing our country. Throughout my adult life, I have worked for equality and justice through professional and volunteer efforts, at times making unpopular choices because I believed it was the right thing to do. Eleven years ago, I founded Gambel Communications as a way to advance nonprofit organizations, especially those dedicated to improving the lives of the marginalized in our community. While these efforts have not been without pain and challenge, my experience pales in comparison to that of others. I do not know what it is like to be the only Black person in a room or to fall victim to an act of violence because of what I look like. There is an exercise that the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) conducts called the Race of Life which demonstrates that life is not a fair race. At each given description, a person steps forward if he/she has not suffered in a certain way. From not having a two-parent home or not knowing where the next meal will come from to having a family member incarcerated or being a victim of violence, over and over there are people left at the starting line, not able to move forward because of circumstances beyond their control. Once this race of life begins, they must work harder and run faster to overcome those without such disadvantages. An exercise like this compels us to look beyond appearance and its stereotypes to better understand and empathize with others. The Gambel team continues to reflect on the issue of racism and the Black Lives Matter movement. We have pledged to better understand one another and educate ourselves about those different from us. Members of our team have marched in peaceful protests; we are sharing relevant books and resources with each other; and as a company, we are committed to supporting businesses and nonprofits led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and those benefitting Black communities. Another initiative that we are undertaking is the publication of a special issue of The New Orleans 100 dedicated to justice and equality. Each story will have a call to action encouraging readers to become engaged. Through this e-newsletter, Gambel Communications will help raise awareness to effect change. Look for it June 19.
Anti-Racism resources and links mentioned in this month’s newsletter:
What we’re watching: Strong Island
What we’re watching: 13th
What we’re reading: White Fragility
What we’re reading: Afro-Creole Poetry
Vendor spotlight: Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
Gambel girl spotlight: Stars and Carrots
