December 2023 Newsletter
Visit the Cultural Celebration Page for upcoming events, professional development panels, academic resources, and more!
December Events & Happenings
National Human Rights Month
December recognizes National Human Rights Month. This month and every month to follow, everyone in the United States is encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. December is a time to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document stating the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. These rights include freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.
“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Other Important Dates in December:
12/1 – World AIDS Day
12/3 – International Day of Peoples’ w/ Disabilities
12/7 – First day of Hanukkah and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
12/21 – Winter Solstice
12/24 – Christmas Eve
12/25 – Christmas Day
12/26 – First day of Kwanzaa
Events and Happenings this Month
Africana Studies: Professional Development
The School District of Philadelphia invite you to an engaging professional development series that will focus on the intersection of Africana Studies and Hip-Hop, featuring esteemed speakers such as Wise Intelligent, Dr. Devon Johnson (Carter Woodz), former students sharing their personal journeys, Dr. William Anderson, and local emcee Solar Starre from Philly’s Germantown section along with music collaborators from East African cities (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam).
This event is a unique opportunity for educators, community members, activists, students, and academics to participate in a shared learning experience. The event is free and open to all.
December Spotlights
Event Recap: Trans Day of Remembrance
On Friday, November 17th, The School District of Philadelphia hosted students, staff, and families to recognize the close of Transgender Awareness Week for our third annual Transgender Awareness. Transgender Remembrance Coffee House is a reflective event and space to acknowledge and honor the transgender individuals who have lost their lives to violence as well as celebrate the joy of the transgender experience.
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: Learning Opportunities
The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion is pleased to host the following learning opportunities to support your development and promote efficacy in serving our minoritized populations:
Friday, December 15th (VIRTUAL)
- Adultification Bias of Black & Brown Children
- Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Inclusive Language
- The Intersection of Disability & Race
In Case You Missed It!
In Case You Missed it: Equity In Practice- Diwali
On November 9th, 2023, our office hosted our first Student-led, Equity in Practice session. In this session, attendees learned more about the vibrant traditions of Diwali and also learn how to best support your students and colleagues in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.
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