Direct Care Staff Jeremmy Torres and Clinician Shawntea Crudup (photo 1), members of our agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee, were guest speakers at a Black History Month celebration on February 19 at CHD’s Community Based Day Support (CBDS) program in Chicopee.

Torres explained the components of DEIB and their importance, and Crudup discussed, among other things, some desserts that are part of Black culinary heritage in the U.S., including sweet potato pie and “blackberries and dumplings.” (Both were served at this event and they were delicious!) She pointed out that historically in the South Black families resourcefully foraged blackberries from fence lines, woods, and roadsides to make the latter dish.

Direct Care Staff Darren Poole (pictured on the right in photo 2 with CBDS participant Jamie) read a poem that featured some key figures in Black history, including George Washington Carver, Langston Hughes, and Dr. Gladys West, who played a crucial role in developing the Global Positioning System.

The backdrop to the event was a “Wall of Celebration,” created by CBDS staff and clients. Throughout the year, participants in CBDS enjoy community activities and explore vocational, recreational, and volunteer activities while building skills that promote independence.

Also speaking at the event was CBDS Program Manager Raj Basnet and Vice President of Disability and Elder Services Tammy Nothe-Hebert (photo 3), who talked about DEIB. “As I look across this room, does everybody look the same? No,” she said. “Does everybody act the same? No. Does everybody want to be the same? No. This is what makes the world great, right? We’re all different and we can learn from one another. We can help one another.”

Crudup ended the celebration with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”