Dear Friends:

Happy New Year.

Today, we look back to mark the 148th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Emancipation Proclamation and the 207th anniversary of Haitian independence. And we look forward with great anticipation to 2011, the U.N. International Year for People of African Descent (IYPAD).

What an exciting year it promises to be!  IYPAD is designed to spur activities all around the world aimed at eradicating racism.

We here at CHN will be standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters across the African Diaspora to celebrate the countless contributions black people have made to the world; to seek justice for past and continuing wrongs; and to work to put an end to racism--once and for all. In 2011 and beyond, CHN will continue to be a forceful advocate for freedom and healing from the myth of black inferiority and other emotional legacies of slavery, colonization, and racism. We will continue to build collaborations toward that end with black people across the country and around the world.

Please stay connected with us throughout the year on Facebook as we celebrate by linking you with IYPAD initiatives across the Diaspora and by expanding and deepening the community healing conversation.  

And please mark your calendars now for this special year's celebration of Community Healing Days^SM, October 14, 15, and 16. Make a note to join us on that weekend as we come together again in solidarity to respond to Dr. Maya Angelou's call to Wear Sky Blue^SM to show our collective commitment to emotional freedom and healing--and to lay the groundwork for more year-round grassroots healing initiatives.

It's going to be a great year! We wish you the very best and we look forward to seeing the marvelous things that we will all do to celebrate the International Year for People of African Descent. Remember, in all your doings, be sure to keep the issue of emotional healing at the top of your agenda and spread the word to your family and friends--in your neighborhood and around the world. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Enola Aird, Jill Snyder, Tarice Gray, and all of your friends at Community Healing Network, Inc.

www.communityhealingnet.org

P.S. We need your help to make this the decade of emotional emancipation for black people everywhere. We are a 501(c)(3) grassroots, low overhead, volunteer-run organization. Your gift of any amount will help. Please donate today using the secure link below, or, if you prefer, please send a check to Community Healing Network, Inc. , 111 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Attention: Jill Snyder, Treasurer. Thank you again.