Day 5 - Nia

Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of the Kwanzaa principle is Nia.

Nia means Purpose. As we light the green candle in the kinara, it's important to understand what our purpose is. We need a clear understanding on what it means to be committed to building our family and our community. Take this time to reflect on your purpose for your life. 

There is a proverb that says, "The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people".

This means - The destruction of the community/nation starts in home. Therefore, develop strong and productive families. Become a strong and productive member of society. 

Happy Kwanzaa - Day 1 Umoja

Today is the first day of our seven day celebration. We encourage you to celebrate with Kwanzaa this week. We are excited to celebrate our heritage and our culture. 

Our first principal of the week is Umoja.

Umoja is the Swahili word for "unity".

Umoja - (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Today we light the black candle on the kinara. While lighting this candle think of ways to continue to strive for unity, oneness with your family and community. It's important to talk with your family and to teach them the importance of working together.

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.
~ Bondei proverb

  

Black History Month at the County of Marin

The County of Marin African-American Employee Association (COMAEA) continues to celebrate Black History Month. As we come near a close to this month, we wanted to share with you a video recorded by COMAEA where we got the opportunity to a meet with Marin County's Board of Supervisors and discuss the importance of black history. Check out the video below.

33rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Humanitarian Awards Dinner

The Marin County Human Rights Commission 33rd annual Martin Luther King Jr., Humanitarian Awards.  

 

Click here to purchase tickets and register!

  To review the Adult Awardees, Community Service Award and Youth Awardees please visit the link below. 

 

We hope to see you there!

 

http://www.marinhrc.org/MLK_Awards_Dinner.html

 

 

 

Warm Wishes

This past weekend COMAEA members Meloni Page (pictured), D’Angelo Paillet and Joy Keys participated in preparing backpacks for the homeless with Warm Wishes. These Marin County employees were just a few of the over 300 volunteers who help prepare around 5000 backpacks. The backpacks consisted of essential items needed to remain warm this winter season.  The backs all contained hats, scarves, socks, rain ponchos and gloves.  The gloves were donated to the Warm Wishes foundation by the SF 49ers and contained the team’s logo on them.  

Thank you to the COMAEA members for giving your time to a worthy cause. Kudos!

If you're interested in more information regarding Warm Wishes please visit there website.

Team of the Quarter! (Housing Element Workshop Facilitators)

Congratulations to LaDell Dangerfield, III (Public Defender) and D'Angelo Paillet (Health & Human Services).  The two men were recognized for being part of the 28 member group that was awarded Team of the Quarter by Marin County's Board of Supervisors.  La Dell and D'Angelo along with the other members of their group helped to facilitate a series of workshops dealing with the Housing Element in Marin County.  The workshops were designed to bring awareness to the need for affordable housing in Marin at all income levels,  allow the public to sit in the seat of the decision-makers, and to listen and share different perspectives around the housing topic.

Congratulations and thank you to these two men and their team for volunteering their time and professionalism to this very important topic.

Performing Stars Presents Enlighten! (Young Women Exploring Their Futures)

Facts about Performing Stars 

Performing Stars was founded in 1990 by Felecia Gaston. Performing Stars has become one of the leading youth development programs in Marin County. This community program believes the next generation’s success is dependent upon the achievement of the following community goals: Reducing long-term dependence on public assistance programs, decreasing the negative effects on impacts of poverty on children, expanding advocacy for children of low-income families, increasing and strengthening all types of community services for low-income and minority children and their families.

The county's very own Meloni Page is participating as a mentor this great event. This event is one you don't want to miss. 

COMAEA is proud to support this group in Marin County. We share the same outlook regarding our youth. It’s important to support the next generation.

If you are interested in joining this program please email the address shown on the flyer for more awesome details!!  

Spring Celebration of Diversity & Inclusion - 3/13/14

Spring Celebration of Diversity & Inclusion IS HERE!

Date & Time: Thursday, March 13^th from 5 to 7 p.m. 

Location: McInnis Club Restaurant in San Rafael. 

The event is organized by the DREAM Collaborative 

(Diversity, Respect, Encouragement, Acceptance, Marin) 

and sponsored by fellow employees and the County. 

Event flyer is attached and shown below.

RSVP is strongly encouraged. 

Please RSVP here by March 10^th. 

Questions? 

Please contact Meloni Page (primary; x7006) or Jacalyn Mah (secondary)

We hope to see you on March 13^th!

 DREAM Collaborative