Some people use the New Year to establish new goals, reset old ones, or identify a new vision for the future. Resolutions give us the chance to renew our vision boards and relaunch SMART personal and professional goals. This process is best accomplished when we keep these goals alive and new throughout the year.
Most of those who established any resolutions tend to forget them within weeks. Those who still remember them may find they are no longer applicable or relevant. Still, beginning with the end in mind is a practical way to prioritize our daily activities with a common goal.
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. is a prime example of this kind of living. His vision of a new society is sometimes reduced to the “I Have a Dream” speech. However, his message goes well beyond that. Dr. King challenged systemic racism, poverty, and war. He brought his words and teachings to action. Participating in marches, mobilizing teams, and engaging in significant conversations with leaders, Dr. King acted and taught us the way of non-violence and perseverance to build justice at all levels in society.
As we consider this year in the light of Dr. King’s example, I invite you to activate your vision and get engaged. For the last six years, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) followed that path and established the National Day of Racial Healing. The Tuesday after the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday, people from all walks of life gather to witness the vision of racial healing becoming real in individuals, groups, and communities around our country. Dr. King’s actual vision and celebration inspire many others to build healing in local communities here and now.
Each of us, part of the ANSO familia, has the chance to join the march for racial healing. One way to do so is by getting involved in the mentoring opportunities available through The Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA). January is National Mentoring Month. HISPA continues to open spaces for Hispanic professionals to be role models to youth around the nation. Our ANSO president, CAPT Roy Love, received the INSPIRE award, Champion of the Year, for all the outstanding support to the organization. Join these efforts and inspire others by sharing your story.
Detroit poet Reyes performed side by side with John Legend with a rendition of Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Felt To Be Free” and shared one of his transformational poems. Take a few minutes and remember this is #HowWeHeal.