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Our voice is BUILDing

Federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Convening Black Experience Community Roundtables, July 2022

6/30/2022

 
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Register Here

​Download Flyer Here!

HCA's response to ROE V. WADE OVERRULING

6/24/2022

 
The following address to Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) employees was reproduced with permission from HCA.
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Dear HCA team,
 
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has overruled Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protection for abortion access. This is via a case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
 
We will likely have customers who are fearful or confused about what this ruling means for them and their families. We also may very well see individuals coming to Washington from other states to seek abortion services.
 
It is very important that each of us as HCA employees understands and communicates the facts about coverage for abortion services in Apple Health (Medicaid), Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs.
 
Abortion remains legal and covered by health care insurance in Washington State. That includes coverage purchased by HCA.

  • Apple Health (Medicaid): People who move to Washington with the intent to live here have access to Apple Health (Medicaid) with no waiting period, as long as they meet the income eligibility requirements. A person does not need to live in the state for a specific period of time prior to applying or receiving Apple Health coverage. Using state funds, Apple Health covers abortion as part of its reproductive health services.
 
If you don't qualify for Apple Health (because you are a resident of another state) you may qualify for the Northwest Abortion Access fund https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/sexual-and-reproductive-health/abortion

  • School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program and Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program: Services related to voluntary termination of pregnancy are covered in all plans available in both programs.  All plans have providers who either provide these services, or provide information for accessing services if the provider does not perform these services.
 
Finally, I want to acknowledge that this court decision will bring up strong emotions for many of us. For me, as a nurse, I believe access to comprehensive health care services, including abortion care, is a health equity issue and I am grateful abortion remains legal in our state. Some may have personal experiences that bring up emotions today. And for others, there may be religious or other beliefs that guide their reaction. If you need any support navigating this issue, the Employee Assistance Program is available with free and confidential services. As always, I expect we are all kind, compassionate, and professional in any conversations we have on this topic with our coworkers.
 
I hope you have a restful and healthy weekend.
 
Sue

black lives matter day 7/12/2022

6/24/2022

 
This event is virtual!
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Join us on Tuesday July 12th from 9am - 12pm for the 2nd annual BLM Day Event. This virtual event will include Ignite Speakers, Community Leaders, Education, Panel Discussion, and much more!
Zoom link
Dial by your location: +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 839 4388 5396
Passcode: 709636
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Download a copy of the flyer to share!

Juneteenth Celebration and Reflection

6/17/2022

 
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” 
— Barack Obama
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​Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, serves as a day to reflect on our journey to freedom for Black people in America.  As Washington State, along with the rest of the United States of America, seeks to celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday, our community reflects on our history and the significance of Juneteenth in this country.  Many Americans are unaware that enslavement of our people did not once the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It ended two years later in 1865, when more than 2,000 troops arrived in Galveston Bay Texas to enforce the freedom that belonged to black people. The impact of delayed action from a promise that was given and not fulfilled for 2 years is an all too familiar feeling. 

Post-emancipation, known as Reconstruction was an era consistently references as a period great hope yet struggle, and uncertainty for Black people in America. As the reality of black people being free started to settle in, we saw racism and oppression show up in a new form. Even though black people were no longer enslaved, they were faced with issues of Black Codes and Jim Crow, known as strict laws on how to treat black people. They were put in place to deprive and strip the fundamental rights and economic growth for the Black community. In addition to the corrupt laws in place, Black people were victims of horrendous acts by white supremacy believers, whose sole purpose was to terrorize the newly freed Black people anybody or entity that supported them. 

America has made progress, where the Black people are concerned but we as whole still suffer from the evil that America was built upon. It is systemic and must be purged. 

Reflection 

Juneteenth is not just a moment in American history, where we only celebrate the freedom for black people. It serves as a reminder of resilience and the determination that black people continuously show. We’ve overcome, we’ve endured, we do not break. However, we deserve rest, comfort, and peace. This is a moment in history, that highlights the long journey we have traveled. A moment in history, where our community can revive their hope and strength to build a better future for not only ourselves, but those that come after. So, let us not just a celebrate on Juneteenth, let us be inspired to act and commit to the effort of establishing a world where equality and inclusion does exist. 

Check out photos, live streams, and news links from Washington State Juneteenth event held on June 16th, 2022.
Washington State Juneteenth Celebration Photos - BUILD,  Washington State Juneteenth Celebration Livestream- TVW  BUILD Facebook Livestream KING 5 News
                                                                                                                                                      
​ Photos taken by Gary Lott

RAIN Agency Awards 2022

6/16/2022

 
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​In 2016, Governor Inslee established Directive 16-11, which created the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN), a business resource group. RAIN exists to help Washington State create safe and inclusive workplaces where every LGBTQ+ employee can bring their full authentic self to work, enabling them to do their best work every day for the people of Washington. 

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Juneteenth Proclamation 2022

6/13/2022

 
Attached [below] is the ceremonial declaration for all to see.

For more information on Juneteenth, read the article "History of Juneteenth" or "12 Things.. about Juneteenth" on BUILD's website.

​Juneteenth Proclamation PDF
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Power of Identity: The intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ and Latino/a/x/e Communities

6/3/2022

 
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REGISTER HERE!

History of Juneteenth

6/2/2022

 
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Compiled by Shauna James, Washington State Health Care Authority.

​What is Juneteenth?
  • Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) is a federal holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery.
  • It has also been referred to as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day.
  • The observance marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
  • The arrival of these troops came a full two and a half years AFTER the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • Juneteenth is the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, the observance officially because a federal holiday.
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Juneteenth Significance
“Juneteenth” (June Nineteenth) commemorates freedom for African Americans, and reminds us of the promises of freedom, equity, and equitable opportunity which are at the core of the American Dream.

The historical legacy of Juneteenth is a good mirror of how freedom and justice in our nation has always been “delayed” for Black people.

For decades waves of lynching, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws took root.  This resulted in a disproportionate impact of discriminatory policies, disparities, and a lack of economic opportunity and investment.

While some progress has been made, considerable barriers still exist towards fuller equity. Thus, the importance of the recognition and observance of Juneteenth to demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth (June Nineteenth)
1502: The first known Transatlantic Slave Trade voyage - At least 10 million Black people were forcibly transported from Africa and sold into slavery.

January 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, but some Confederate states refused to enforce this law.

June 19, 1865: General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas and announces that more than 250,000 enslaved black people were free through the Emancipation Proclamation).

December 1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is passed, freeing all enslaved people & abolishing slavery in the U.S.

June 7, 1979: Representative Al Edwards introduces a bill declaring “Juneteenth” a state holiday - Texas was the first state to recognize the observance.

June 17, 2021: President Joe Biden establishes Juneteenth, the date commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S, as a federal holiday.

Key points of Governor Inslee’s Juneteenth Proclamation
In his all-state communication, Governor Jay Inslee said recent events caused him to examine how persistent racism continues to impact people of color in the State of Washington, but worldwide.

The proclamation is aimed at recognizing contributions of African Americans to our state and country and as a chance to reflect on progress till to be made to endure equal access and opportunity and for self-improvement and planning for a more equitable future.

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom, acknowledges the resilience and determination that African Americans have shown.

Since its origin in 1865 in Galveston, Texas the observance of June 19 (Juneteenth) as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread across the US and worldwide.

In his communication about the proclamation, he made a commitment to making Washington a more inclusive state and our workplace an environment where every employee is encouraged to bring their true and authentic selves to work.

The proclamation makes Juneteenth a legal holiday.  He urged ALL citizens to learn about the celebration and its significance in American History and the heritage of our nation.

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The Juneteenth Flag
On June 19th you might start seeing another red, white, and blue flag flying over our state.

That banner with a star bursting in the middle is the Juneteenth Flag, a symbol of the end of slavery in the United States.

The flag was created in 1997 by Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF).

According to Haith the design was a deliberate process. Here’s what each element of the flag represents:
  • The white star in the center of the flag has a dual meaning – One, it represents Texas, the Lone Star State. Two, it represents the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
  • The surrounding burst represents a new beginning for African Americans throughout the nation.
  • The curved arc that extends across the width of the flag represents the new horizon - opportunities and promise.
  • The colors represent the American Flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are indeed Americans.
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Black Well-being: Moving Toward Solutions Together

6/1/2022

 
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Save the afternoon of Sunday, June 5, 2:30 to 5 p.m. on your calendars for a hybrid, statewide event on Black well-being! We are inviting Black folks across Washington to gather safely, tune in, and turn up. Be part of building our collective vision for statewide Black well-being, crafted by us and for us.
Add to CalendarRegister to join in person or host a virtual watch party and be entered into a drawing for a $25 DoorDash gift credit!

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