Vol. 9: Honoring JUNEteenth and Black Lives Matter

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Ways you can help:   NAACP COLOR OF CHANGE ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES "It’s been a long, a long time coming, but I know, oh-oo-oh, A change gonna come, oh yes, it will." Sam Cooke recorded this song in 1964. The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement of the '60s and has since been regarded as one of the most culturally significant songs of our times. 50 years later, and the words in this song couldn't ring more true. It has been a long time coming. Too long.  Sam Cooke was shot and killed before the song was released as a single. He had only played it live once. We must not let the message die in vain. We would like to dedicate this song to all the lives who have and continue to be oppressed and killed by systemic racism and racial inequality. By joining together in solidarity and support, let's ensure that real change is gonna come. With protests in all 50 states, nationwide attention to social injustice, and calls for police reform, America is finally coming to terms with what it actually takes to enact real social justice. Progress is being made. Derek Chauvin, the police officer who murdered George Floyd, was upgraded to a second degree murder charge. All officers present at George Floyd's death have now been charged. Cities across the nation are implementing police reforms and pledging to dismantle police departments built on institutionalized racism. But we still have a long way to go. Keep pushing for change, in whatever way that may be. We all have different paths, but each of those paths lead to the same destination: justice.  Looking for more ways to help? Click the link below for more resources on how to support Black communities and the Black Lives Matter Movement: BLACK LIVES MATTER One of the most important things any of us can do right now may be to take the time for self-reflection and self-care. We as a country are healing, and to do so effectively, we must remember to take the time to heal within as well. We are addressing complex issues that require complex solutions, and the more authentic we can be with ourselves and with our inner states of being, the more authentically we can show up to do the work that needs to be done. Luckily, there are things we can do help navigate our inward journeys and make the most out of our healing processes. Our very own Denise Jones recommends making lists as a helpful way to combat feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and unmotivated. Below are a few suggestions to get started! Journal writing is another wonderful way to articulate our thoughts, process our emotions, and make sense of who we are and what we want our actions in this world to be. And the best part is, it can be done any time, any place, and no one even has to read it! Not sure how to begin? Below are some prompts to jumpstart some reflection: Meditation, yoga, nature immersion, and unplugging from the vitriol of social media are also fantastic ways to help strengthen our inner awareness, well-being, and integrity. And of course, counseling and therapy can be essential services to help us navigate difficult and confusing times. It's ok to feel lost. It's ok to feel period. Don't be afraid to reach out. From all of us at Great Co., we sincerely send love, unity, solidarity, and support. Click the links below for more mental health resources in the Los Angeles area. Mental Health Resources Additional Resources RSVP HERE From Comedy with a Cause to powerful truths and insight via Creative Poetic Expression to a unique Virtual Wonderland, below are our top picks for the week: Get ready to laugh with Covid-19 fighters Nowhere Comedy Club and their THANK YOU to the Frontline Workers Show next Thursday July 2 8:00-9:30pm PT.  The virtual experience will also feature a 30 minute open Q&A panel session hosted by PK Kim and include Pritesh Shah, Zahra Ali, Danny Cho, Aiko Tanaka, Rajiv Satyal, Atsuko Okatsuka, Walter Hong, Sherry Cola, and Joey Guila. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Angel Of Hope and Guerrilla Mask Movement. Register Here for Nowhere Comedy Club! This Sunday, June 28 11:00am-12:30pm PT, get in the flow with UK-based Wordplay Poetry's, Art Is Expression, an online poetry event in support of Black Lives Matter and an end to systematic racism. Register Here for Art Is Expression! Looking for community connection and entertainment while staying at home? Venture into the ongoing creative realm of Inside Lands 2020, an Oakland-based virtual space filled with music, variety shows, guest-cooking, dancing, and just about anything you can imagine. Check out the InsideLands2020 IG below for nightly schedules and zoom links! Click Here for InsideLands2020! #InGreatCo