When I think of Thanksgiving
When I think of Thanksgiving
When I think of Thanksgiving, I recall the many years I spent returning home to my family in Kansas.
Now, living in Switzerland, we celebrate-ish. It’s not an official day off. But I will make a couple of dishes, and as my family is now familiar with them, we will dine with the day in mind.
It’s not quite like being in Kansas (shout out to Dorothy), but it is “home” here in Basel, where my heart is, and I am grateful. I do miss my mother’s pies – sweet potato and apple.
My gratitude list is long. It’s not an exhaustive list because I have been given so much grace by so many people over this year and previous years that I can't cover the gamut. Nonetheless, a few songs and people below allow me to share my heartfelt gratitude.
“My tea's gone cold, I'm wondering why I got out of bed at all
the morning rain clouds up my window and I can't see at all
And even if I could it'd all be grey, but your picture on my [phone]
it reminds me that it's not so bad
it's not so bad. . .”
In February 2022, my niece Jazmine, then 22 years old, was in a near-fatal car crash. She escaped a car that exploded soon after she dragged herself away in the pouring rain with her foot dangling from her lower leg.
She lost her lower right leg. All of our lives changed that day. She is still emotionally and physically recovering. And she is thriving.
Earlier this year, she moved back to Topeka, KS, where she lived until coming to live with me in Boston in 2014. She has a wonderful job in a dentist’s office, and she is back taking classes (paid for by her job) to pursue her dream to be a dental surgeon and run a dental practice.
I give thanks to the Heavenly Creator for our Jazmine. On the days that I am complaining in my head, tired, and feeling sorry for myself–she doesn’t know it, but many days she serves as inspiration.
The world she traverses daily ranges from navigating the U.S. healthcare system as an amputee to learning each day how to traverse the world with her new identity. How she does it is a powerful testament to her ability to move through life and her experiences powerfully and purposefully–I am so grateful to you for showing us how to #BounceHigher.
Thank you, Jazzy, we love you.
This song is for some of my long-time friends and a few newer friends who have been huge supporters in 2023. Many of them live far away, but I know they have me in their hearts, and they are in mine.
Tony and Jen Silbert are a dynamic duo who operate interdependently as a couple and with those they care for, friends, clients, and one another. Thank you for teaching me so much, especially how to be in a space of caring for one another and all you touch, near and far.
André Darmanin, my brother, thanks for being a listening ear and introducing me to constantly expanding possibilities for making inclusion normative across the globe. You have done it with our spontaneous conversation and your fabulous podcast, Global Conversations.
Rachel and Howie Schaffer, the past three years partnering with you have been a delight, and not only do we work well together, but we keep discovering ways to dazzle and amaze clients and grow with one another. I am grateful to be in your universe along with the Big Tent and Schuler Solutions colleagues who continue to nourish one another (shout out to Shea Tarring & A.J. Schuler).
April Thomas and I have had a chance to get deeper into re-introducing Strategic Diversity Management to the world. Thank you for your compassion, conviction, and, sometimes, small concerts emanating from your musical gifts. I’m looking forward to building on 2023.
Peter Mousaferiadis, we made an in-person encounter happen after building for two years virtually! Brother, thank you for your vision and commitment to bringing our identities more clearly into view around the world. Your leadership blesses me, and more so, your friendship.
Give Thanks and Praises – Bob Marley and the Wailers
There are a few folks who create space for me to be and see who I am–to fulfill my purpose. These family members, longtime friends, spiritual mentors, and community stewards are always present and welcoming for all of Amri. This list is long; many are off social media or related channels that often.
So, let me shout out to my friends and second family in Atlanta, specifically near Lilburn and Stone Mountain. I miss ya’ll and love you more than I can share. The thread keeps me near.
My Boston/Newton and connected crew. I hope to see you again soon. I miss the music around this time of the year. Have fun, send videos!
The Monk Jujupoogie has guided me in grounding my mental and emotional chi (energy) for decades. If you are in the Atlanta area, his hotbox and cold plunge experience is one you want to be a part of.
Yvonne Wolf, sister, thank you. Yvonne is energy sunlight for all who encounter her. Always present. Have you ever known someone who just knows when you need a shot of positive energy? Yvonne always seems to know. And I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to call her a sister and friend.
Stacy Lewis, you have taught me what being a friend is all about. You keep me honest and steer me away from anchoring on the BS that occasionally gets stuck in my thinking. Like Jujupoogie, it’s been a long time, and you got more soul than when I met you! (Shout out to Eric B. and Rakim).
Harriett Johnson, aka Dr. Johnson, aka “your mother” (meaning my mother), thank you for being my biggest fan and supporter, Jazmine and Kai’s grandma, and a devout servant of God and your community. Thank you for being one of two of my biggest heroes (the other is named Larry Johnson ❤️). And, I am very grateful to celebrate my birthday with you for the first time in over 30 years and to have you with us in Basel for the holidays!
I am also thankful for the joy my son (Kai) and steptwins (Romy and Rafael) bring. Seven years ago, when I met their mother, I couldn’t have fathomed the blessing of having a vibrant family life. I was doing pretty good. Life was well. But, the richness now is incomparable with then. Danke Chicos!
Martina Gómez, my best friend and life partner, thank you for creating the conditions for me to continue this work in progress (in all of my flaws) and allowing me to be by your side as we grow together. I am proud to call you my wife and excited about the journey you are taking and that I get the opportunity to contribute to. I love you (and your back)! 😉
Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
To my team: We are in this together, and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else! Argie thank you for, wow, so much! You are a gem that keeps getting shinier with time. And ArKi, thank you for all you do and have created this year.
Lastly, thanks to all the organizations and their people who have entrusted Inclusion Wins as a partner. Thanks for shining your light and your trust in We.
I don’t feel I deserve such abundance—never take it for granted. So many more I missed. In my heart, you always are.
Happy Thanksgiving and all it represents to those not formally celebrating it!
I hope this was helpful. . . Make it a great day! ✌🏿
In the latest episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, we talk about the complexities of DEI outcomes and challenge DEI practitioners to explore a broader, more inclusive approach that engages all individuals in fostering change and reflect on their “skin in the game”. The important question remains: how can we make DEI accessible, actionable, and sustainable for everyone, irrespective of role or expertise?