DEIB at Edenwald continues to evolve.
Debra F. believes she was invited to join the Edenwald Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee because she’s naturally inclined to interact with her fellow residents. “I know a lot of people. I feel like I’ve got my finger on the pulse of the community,” she says.
When Debra joined the DEIB Committee about a year ago, she thought it important that the committee be less abstract and more tactical in its actions. To her mind, having a mission statement and celebrating different cultures through social events (“cookie parties,” as Debra calls them) served its purpose, but it was time to take the next step. To cement the feelings of inclusion and belonging, she focuses on educating the community to be sensitive to others who may not have had similar social backgrounds and worldviews.
“This is a happy place.”
Debra says the feelings of equity, inclusion, and belonging run deep in the community. “We have a lovely group of people here, and I don’t think anybody feels left out,” she says. “There are so many opportunities to integrate and participate. I feel like we represent a community of togetherness. We are lucky. This is a happy place.”
Debra pens a column on behalf of the DEIB Committee in each month’s Edentimes. She believes her writing addresses issues that go beyond Edenwald itself. “It’s about how we are citizens of a community, citizens within our families, and citizens of the world.”
One of Debra’s columns, “Overheard at Edenwald,” delivered the seemingly simple message of the importance of saying “good morning” to people on the elevator—including staff—especially if it’s someone you don’t yet know. “Everybody wants to be acknowledged,” Debra says. “‘Good morning’ is not a hard thing to say.”
Here is a sampling of Debra’s columns and her words on the messages behind them:
- Being a Good Guy: “We all think we do the right thing, but maybe we don’t.”
- Please Love Me: “Everyone wants to feel like they’re loved and included.”
- One Step Away: “We should accept disabled people as they are, because every one of us is literally one step away from that state ourselves.”
- Take a Break, Mom: “Don’t be so judgmental and accept your family members as they are.”
- Can We Talk?: “Don’t be afraid to speak the truth to power.”
- Your Church, My Church: “Stop making judgments about how other people pray. It’s their business, not yours.”
- Fight: “We’ve somehow arrived at this fight mentality; we got to fight for this, and we got to fight them, and we’ve got to fight, fight, fight. Let’s stop fighting.”
- Watch Your Mouth: “The movies we show sometimes have offensive language.”
Building empathy with popcorn.
Regarding those movies…Debra says the DEIB Committee uses the semi-weekly movie screenings to educate Edenwald residents and help them become more accepting of cultures and ways of life they may not have grown up with. Some classic films may contain outdated portrayals, ethnic stereotypes, or language that is no longer acceptable today. Recognizing that some of these elements may make some audience members uncomfortable, the DEIB Committee has posted a content advisory notice at the auditorium entrance where the films are shown.
“These are adult-themed movies about people from a variety of backgrounds,” Debra says, “and they use the language that they use.” These films have included “Blue Miracle,” “The King’s Speech,” and “Like Water for Chocolate.” As Debra says, “We’re not showing ‘Mary Poppins’anymore.”
Of course, the films are not intended to endorse offensive language or viewpoints, but rather to encourage thoughtful conversation about how society has progressed, foster respectful discussions on diversity, culture, and inclusion, while creating opportunities for residents to share perspectives.
Celebrating Black History Month.
February is Black History Month, and Edenwald—whether through the DEIB Committee or community management—is offering numerous opportunities for recognition.
There will be an evening celebrating the genius of Louis Armstrong, featuring classic recordings, video clips, and live performances by Seth Kibel, a renowned jazz and swing musician.
The Edenwald auditorium will host a screening of “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect,” a landmark documentary that explores the life and impact of Thurgood Marshall and his journey from civil rights lawyer to the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Also on the agenda is a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a performance of “Uplifting & Honoring the Culture & History of Black Dance,” and a 90-minute bus tour of Baltimore’s Black History with Ira Cunningham.
Debra feels optimistic about the future of DEIB at Edenwald. “We haven’t gotten there yet,” she says, “but we’re on the right track.”
If you’d like to learn more about how Edenwald embraces the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, contact one of our Residency Counselors at 410-339-6263.
