More Than A Day of Service
by Aleasa Word, FAACT Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Dear Family & Friends in the Food Allergy Community,
Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his commitment to service and humanity. His life and his work provide Americans with critical insight into the lives of people who may not look like us, live like us, or experience life as we have. This is a day to celebrate the work of Dr. King, supporting activists, and other spiritual leaders who advanced the causes for marginalized communities through the Civil Rights Movement and more.
Dr. King was once quoted as saying, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” Some may say being blind to injustice and inequities can at times be a protective measure to shield us from things we feel we have no power to change. This does not in any way suggest that these inequities and injustices don’t exist – whether in healthcare, education, our justice systems, or any other industry. In fact, it helps us to see how we can be more intentional about the ways in which we choose to use our power for change. Although much work has been done, there is still more to do as we continue to blaze the path not only for equality for all but equity and inclusion as well.
The good news is that in the many years I have been part of the food allergy community, whether in my personal journey or in an advocacy role supporting organizations and individuals publicly, I have learned how strong and unified we are when we need to be. This community – our community – has rallied behind families facing adversity like no other while also sharing in the wins and triumphs experienced bringing awareness to the food industry, school systems, communities, and workplaces. We do not only understand unity, but we also have at times been the definition of it.
As with any other community, there have been and will continue to be bumps along the road. With that in mind, embarking on this path to support education and advocacy with FAACT gives way to immense opportunity to provide the community with true service.
Dr. King is one of many great people who showed us what a day of service really means through his life’s work. Today, I wish you a Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I look forward to serving ALL communities throughout my time with FAACT.
Have a safe and happy day!
Download FAACT's 'Things You Can Do To Be of Service to Others'.
