As we walk together towards this joyous season, let us distill the moment and listen to the hailing trumpet of the good news about Christmas. The trumpet sounds in praise to God and gratitude, reviving the mantle of love, hope, unity, freedom, and human dignity that each and every one of us carry with those who have gone before us. It sounds for those who are standing alongside us and those who are waiting to carry on the work of faith and grace.
May the trumpet allow us to behold a glimpse of the anticipated arrival of the long-awaited Messiah and King Jesus of Nazareth and the path of salvation He opens through His humble birth, redemption and return to reunite Heaven and Earth once and for all. May it attune us and deepen our faith and God-given purpose, as we remember the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that! Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.!”
This lifts up the need to reflect on and embody the core principles of Kwanzaa that emphasize unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith while honoring African heritage and our ancestors.
May the sounding of the trumpet refuel us to carry on our mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy.” We know that our work will continue to light the way for continued engagement and partnership in closing the equity gaps among Black children and families by focusing upon and implementing the Eight Essential Outcomes for Black child development.
As we embrace this festive season, let us join with the BCDI – Philadelphia & Vicinity Board of Directors by carrying out the spirit of Christmas in faith, hope, love, generosity and in solidarity for educating our children throughout this year and many more to come!
~ Shawnik M. Rice, Ph.D.
Board Secretary