June Newsletter

“I've been Black, Muslim, queer, and gender diverse my whole life, so, if I let fear stop me, I wouldn't be here.” These are the words of Oklahoma State Representative Mauree Turner, who knows all too well what it means to live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, yet Turner insists upon liberation, freedom, and the right to exist.

At the Center for Nonviolence, we meet people at the intersections, because we, too, exist and live there. We are Black, Brown, Queer, and Immigrant. We are the descendants of Afrikans, stolen from the Motherland and brought to America under the yoke of colonization, and we are the descendants of those who came to America seeking asylum, freedom, and a better way of life.

Photo of BIOPC people similing and laying in grass in a circle.

For many of us who live at the intersections, freedom comes late. It came late for enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas who were denied their liberation until June 19th, 1865, and it came late for queer communities who, until the early 70s, were forced to live their lives in darkness and shadows.

In June, we celebrate Pride and commemorate the struggle for freedom and liberation. We take joy in the power and beauty represented in the prisms of the Rainbow flag, and we marvel at the strength and determination of Black Americans who survived colonization. Let us all honor, today and every day, those who live at the intersections – those who, like Rep. Mauree Turner, insist upon their right to exist.


Center Highlights:

Street side view of the Center for Nonviolence office with Give Greather Allen County graphic.

We are so grateful for the support we received on April 21st during the Give Greater Allen County day of giving.

Together we raised $2,460!

Didn't get a chance to donate?

LGBTQ+ Youth students similing at Tin Caps game.

Thanks to the TinCaps CARE Program our LGBTQ+ Youth and Mujeres Unidas support groups attended the June 7th game— free of charge!

This past month we have thoroughly enjoyed getting back out into the community. We'd like to offer a special thanks to the organizers of the following events for inviting us:

Indiana Minority Health Coalition's Partner Resource Fair on 6/14

The 3rd Annual Southside Love Link Up on 6/11

Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood's Porchfest on 6/4

The Wayne Township Trustee's Office Family Fun Day on 5/21

Our Children Our Future Allen County System of Care's 6th Annual Resource Fair and Family Fun Night on 5/20

Adams Elementary's Community Showcase on 5/13


Save the Dates:

Portrait of Dr. Joy DeGruy.

Healing Racial Trauma with Dr. Joy DeGruy:
A Juneteenth Commemoration Conference

June 19

12:30-4:30 PM EDT

Free + Virtual

Registration is open thru June 18th. Please note: While we appreciate the interest and goodwill of allies, this event is intended specifically for People of Afrikan descent.

Plymouth Congregational Church Logo

PRIDE at Plymouth Congregational Church of Fort Wayne

June 25

12:30pm

501 W. Berry St.

Fort Wayne


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July Newsletter

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Healing Racial Trauma with Dr. Joy DeGruy: A Juneteenth Commemoration