Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment

Popularized in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga (a professor of Africana studies) and inspired by the traditional African “First Fruits festival”, Kwanzaa is a way for Black communities to celebrate and connect with ancestors and community. Kwanzaa is celebrated over 7 days from the 26th of December to the 1st of January and has 7 major principles. A time of learning, family, and celebration, each day a candle is lit on the kinara and one of the 7 principles are emphasized. These principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. This holiday is often celebrated with singing, dancing, poetry, reading, African drumming, and feasting. We wish everyone a meaningful Kwanzaa full of wisdom and joy!

We’re wishing everyone who celebrates a wonderful Shab-e Yaldā today full of love, family, friends, and food! To everyone else, we wish you a wonderful winter solstice! ❄️💚

Happy first day of Hanukkah! Hanukkah, sometimes called the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication, begins at sundown tonight and lasts for 8 days. Each night, another candle is lit on the menorah. This holiday holds much history, celebration, and significance to Jewish people. We’re wishing everyone who celebrates an enjoyable and warm holiday this season 🕎🕍🕯️

(7/7) Today is Native American Heritage Day. As this week and month come to an end, we encourage everyone to keep decolonization and Indigenous people at the forefront of your minds every single day in every action you take. It is not enough to talk; talk must come from a place of critical care, coupled with direct action. Follow and attend their events whenever you can; attend local Powwows; donate time or money to Landback or the Nations in your area; sign petitions for Indigenous causes like ICWA, MMIW, Landback, etc; uplift and amplify the voices of Native people; never stop talking about tribal sovereignty and autonomy. If you’re unsure where to start, follow the links in CCEE’s LinkTree or, even better, come to a NAIA meeting. 

Today we’re honoring and recognizing some of the Nations our members of NAIA belong to. Isaac, a graduate student member of NAIA, is part of the Diné Nation; Michael, NAIA’s community advisor and elder, is Eastern Band Cherokee and Seneca; Ozcollo, an officer of NAIA, is Quecha; Richard, another officer, is part of the Taíno; and a CCEE member is reconnecting with their Yuki ancestry, who are part of the Round Valley Indian Reservation. 

As our series this week comes to an end, our collaboration with NAIA does not. It’s important we note that we only highlighted 20 Nations this week and barely scratched the surface of their deep and rich cultures. There are 574 federally recognized Nations, and even more have only state recognition, and some have neither. Additionally, it’s important to note that the website used to depict each Nation’s lands in our graphics this week is not 100% accurate and doesn’t fully encompass many Nations’ entire ancestral lands. We can see the rich and individual cultures from each and every single one we’ve highlighted this week and why there is such an intense need to protect these cultures, customs, and communities.

6/7 Today is Native American Heritage Day. As this week and month come to an end, we encourage everyone to keep decolonization and Indigenous people at the forefront of your minds every single day in every action you take. It is not enough to talk; talk must come from a place of critical care, coupled with direct action. Follow and attend their events whenever you can; attend local Powwows; donate time or money to Landback or the Nations in your area; sign petitions for Indigenous causes like ICWA, MMIW, Landback, etc; uplift and amplify the voices of Native people; never stop talking about tribal sovereignty and autonomy. If you’re unsure where to start, follow the links in CCEE’s LinkTree or, even better, come to a NAIA meeting. 

Today we’re honoring and recognizing some of the Nations our members of NAIA belong to. Isaac, a graduate student member of NAIA, is part of the Diné Nation; Michael, NAIA’s community advisor and elder, is Eastern Band Cherokee and Seneca; Ozcollo, an officer of NAIA, is Quecha; Richard, another officer, is part of the Taíno; and a CCEE member is reconnecting with their Yuki ancestry, who are part of the Round Valley Indian Reservation. 

As our series this week comes to an end, our collaboration with NAIA does not. It’s important we note that we only highlighted 20 Nations this week and barely scratched the surface of their deep and rich cultures. There are 574 federally recognized Nations, and even more have only state recognition, and some have neither. Additionally, it’s important to note that the website used to depict each Nation’s lands in our graphics this week is not 100% accurate and doesn’t fully encompass many Nations’ entire ancestral lands. We can see the rich and individual cultures from each and every single one we’ve highlighted this week and why there is such an intense need to protect these cultures, customs, and communities.

(5/7): Today, many may be getting ready to sit down to a feast with their families in celebration of what’s commonly called “Thanksgiving”. Before you do so, take some time to think about the real significance behind this day and the histories that have been buried deep from view. Learn about National Day of Mourning and why this day is treated much differently among First Nations peoples. For many, this day marked the beginning of a long, horrific, still-ongoing history of violence. Talk to your family members about what truly occurred this day and what it means to the Native people of these lands. Find out what Indigenous lands you’re currently on and the ways you can help to support, uplift, and amplify the First Nations people in your area. If you’re having trouble figuring out ways to do this, follow the links in CCEE’s LinkTree, which will take you to various educational resources, ideas for getting started, and ways to support. We are wishing everyone a meaningful National Day of Mourning. 

Note: while the term “Indian” is used by Wamsutta James in his quoted speech, and some Nations use it to refer to themselves, it’s best to refer to Native people as Indigenous, Native, or First Nations out of respect (especially if you’re not Indigenous yourself).

(4/7): As we continue to honor, recognize, & appreciate First Nations this week, it’s important we remember the fight for Indigenous sovereignty, autonomy, & recognition doesn’t begin nor end in November. Anti-colonialism is an ongoing, 24/7/365 battle & the best way to combat Indigenous burial is through education. 
We’ve touched on forced assimilation as a tool used for colonization, & it’s important we note the ongoing supreme court decision that would effectively re-implement assimilation: the potential of overturning ICWA. The Indian Child Welfare Act is important because it keeps Native children within their Nations rather than allowing them to be adopted or fostered by non-native families, who separate them from their culture, language, & community. Follow the link in CCEE’s LinkTree titled Protect ICWA & History of ICWA to learn more about the history & ways to help.
All the VA First Nations we highlight this week became state recognized in 1983. Some gained federal recognition between 2010-2018, though many still fight for federal recognition & state recognition. Most Nations follow a similar governmental layout with varying degrees of a Chief, Assistant Chief, & Council Members who’re elected democratically by enrolled members. Most Nations have varying specialties in regard to agriculture, hunting, fishing, & connection to the land, but all hold these practices as integral parts of their individual cultures. 
Today, we also recognize some of the Nations members of GMU’s NAIA belong to - Sara, NAIA’s External President, is part of the Chickahominy Nation; Dr. Gabrielle Tayac, NAIA’s advisor, belongs to the Piscataway Nation as part of the Beaver Clan; & Mariko, NAIA’s secretary, is part of the Bear Clan of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. 
Check back throughout the rest of this week to learn more about the unique and diverse Nations NAIA members belong to, & about National Day of Mourning. If you’d like to learn more now, you can visit the links in CCEE’s LinkTree!

(3/7): As we continue to honor, recognize, & appreciate First Nations this week, it’s important we remember the fight for Indigenous sovereignty, autonomy, & recognition doesn’t begin nor end in November. Anti-colonialism is an ongoing, 24/7/365 battle & the best way to combat Indigenous burial is through education. 
We’ve touched on forced assimilation as a tool used for colonization, & it’s important we note the ongoing supreme court decision that would effectively re-implement assimilation: the potential of overturning ICWA. The Indian Child Welfare Act is important because it keeps Native children within their Nations rather than allowing them to be adopted or fostered by non-native families, who separate them from their culture, language, & community. Follow the link in CCEE’s LinkTree titled Protect ICWA & History of ICWA to learn more about the history & ways to help.
All the VA First Nations we highlight this week became state recognized in 1983. Some gained federal recognition between 2010-2018, though many still fight for federal recognition & state recognition. Most Nations follow a similar governmental layout with varying degrees of a Chief, Assistant Chief, & Council Members who’re elected democratically by enrolled members. Most Nations have varying specialties in regard to agriculture, hunting, fishing, & connection to the land, but all hold these practices as integral parts of their individual cultures. 
Today, we also recognize some of the Nations members of GMU’s NAIA belong to - Sara, NAIA’s External President, is part of the Chickahominy Nation; Dr. Gabrielle Tayac, NAIA’s advisor, belongs to the Piscataway Nation as part of the Beaver Clan; & Mariko, NAIA’s secretary, is part of the Bear Clan of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. 
Check back throughout the rest of this week to learn more about the unique and diverse Nations NAIA members belong to, & about National Day of Mourning. If you’d like to learn more now, you can visit the links in CCEE’s LinkTree!

(2/6): This week, we aim to recognize, honor, & appreciate the First Nations people of this country. Historically, Indigenous people’s perspectives, knowledge, & history has been misconstrued, twisted, & buried. One tool used to do this is the concept of “Thanksgiving”, which is a day of great loss for the Pequot tribe, who lost 700 men, women, & children to colonizer violence. CCEE &NAIA are working together this week to help bridge this gap in knowledge. 

When the colonizers came to these lands, they did everything they could to Disappear the First Nations peoples to selfishly take the land “for themselves”. This unfortunately continues today. Some tactics include(d) forcing many out of their ancestral lands onto other tribal lands, destroying & stealing important documents & items of cultural significance, language erasure, genocide, & forced assimilation. Therefore, First Nations people value their individual tribal autonomy & sovereignty, education, community, & storytelling. A common goal among all First Nations is the preservation of their unique & individual customs, cultures, & languages. 

All the VA First Nations we’re highlighting this week became state recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1983. Some gained federal recognition between 2010-2018, but many are still fighting for federal recognition & even more still fight for state recognition.

Most Nations in Virginia follow a similar government with varying degrees of a Chief, Assistant Chief, & Council Members who are elected democratically by enrolled tribal members. Most tribes have varying specialties when it comes to agriculture, hunting, & fishing, but traditionally many Nations around this area grow what’s known as “The Three Sisters”: corn, beans, & squash.

The Powhatan chiefdom was governed by Wahunsenakah, the father of Pocahontas. It was a coalition of ~30 native tribes surrounding the Chesapeake Bay area that spoke the Algonquian language. However, not every First Nation in Virginia was part of this coalition.

Check back throughout the rest of this week to learn more about various First Nations, including some of the ones NAIA members belong to!

(1/6): This week, we aim to recognize, honor, & appreciate the First Nations people of this country. Historically, Indigenous people’s perspectives, knowledge, & history has been misconstrued, twisted, & buried. One tool used to do this is the concept of “Thanksgiving”, which is a day of great loss for the Pequot tribe, who lost 700 men, women, & children to colonizer violence. CCEE &NAIA are working together this week to help bridge this gap in knowledge. 

When the colonizers came to these lands, they did everything they could to Disappear the First Nations peoples to selfishly take the land “for themselves”. This unfortunately continues today. Some tactics include(d) forcing many out of their ancestral lands onto other tribal lands, destroying & stealing important documents & items of cultural significance, language erasure, genocide, & forced assimilation. Therefore, First Nations people value their individual tribal autonomy & sovereignty, education, community, & storytelling. A common goal among all First Nations is the preservation of their unique & individual customs, cultures, & languages. 

All the VA First Nations we’re highlighting this week became state recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1983. Some gained federal recognition between 2010-2018, but many are still fighting for federal recognition & even more still fight for state recognition.

Most Nations in Virginia follow a similar government with varying degrees of a Chief, Assistant Chief, & Council Members who are elected democratically by enrolled tribal members. Most tribes have varying specialties when it comes to agriculture, hunting, & fishing, but traditionally many Nations around this area grow what’s known as “The Three Sisters”: corn, beans, & squash.

The Powhatan chiefdom was governed by Wahunsenakah, the father of Pocahontas. It was a coalition of ~30 native tribes surrounding the Chesapeake Bay area that spoke the Algonquian language. However, not every First Nation in Virginia was part of this coalition.

Check back throughout the rest of this week to learn more about various First Nations, including some of the ones NAIA members belong to!

📣LOCATION CHANGE!📣
Tonight’s event for the Transgender Day of Remembrance will now be held inside of Horizon Hall. We look forward to seeing everyone there to honor and remember those of the trans community who have been unjustly taken from us and the continued violence they face. 🏳️‍⚧️
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November is Indigenous American Heritage Month. It’s imperative we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, not just with words, but with action. Swipe to read about ways to support and amplify Native voices, events is putting on this month, and resources for further education.
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Día de los Mu***os (more commonly called Día los Mu***os in Mexico) is a deeply spiritual and personal holiday unique to Mexican communities — NOT “Mexican Halloween”. Swipe to learn more about this beautiful holiday, and how to be respectful of the traditions and individuals who celebrate it. 🇲🇽
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DON’T MISS OUT! 🎃 This Halloween!! 🎃
🏠 Come to our open house and hangout with us to learn about what we do here at the CCEE office.
We will have free food, games, and a chance to win prizes! Costumes encouraged but not required 👻
We’re so excited to share our space with you and get to know each of you! 💚

📣 MARK YOUR CALENDARS 📣
Join us next Monday (👻 on Halloween 🎃) from 12 pm - 2 pm for our open house. You’ll get to know what we’re all about and what we do at the CCEE office, play some fun games, and of course there will be free food! We’re excited to share our office with everyone 💚

🎉 Happy Diwali to all our participating students, faculty, and staff! 🎉
Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India with deep roots in Hinduism. On the night of Diwali, lamps are lit to represent the destruction of negative forces through knowledge. 🪔
Go to the website listed in our post for more information on the celebration of !

Unfortunately, we will be postponing the BIPOC Healing Voices: Open Mic Night event originally scheduled for Friday, October 21st. We’re disappointed but rest assured we will be holding it at some point in the future! Make sure to keep up with our Instagram for more news on events around campus 💚

CCEE is part of the BIPOC Well-Being Week Committee and we're excited to work with our campus partners to bring you Mason’s BIPOC Well-Being Week, taking place from October 12th to the 21st! This week aims to affirm, celebrate, and center the diverse experiences of Mason’s students while promoting collective healing and growth rooted in culture through numerous fun events.

Whether you come to our Tune Into the Mood, BIPOC Happy Hour, Healing Voices Open Mic Night, or any of the tons of other cool events offices around Mason are putting on (see our story for a full calendar!), you will find an atmosphere to relax and let loose no matter who you are. Don't forget to sign up through Mason360 for any events that interest you.

Are you interested in performing in our Open Mic Night? Don't wait to sign up by completing the form in our LinkTree by October 10th! We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Are you a leader or interested in becoming a leader and part of the Black community? Sign up for the Black Student Leads National Conference today! Taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, all expenses will be paid for you to attend. This is an excellent opportunity for Black student leaders at George Mason to be in community, gain a plethora of knowledge and experience, and get involved. The deadline to sign up is September 13th, 2022 - only one week from today, so don’t wait! We’ll see you there!! ✈️✨

Join as they host a series of events to welcome all Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander student communities here at Mason! There will be an opportunity to be in community, make connections, and find ways to get involved. Check them out September 6-8!

We should not be here AGAIN posting about more Brown and Black lives taken, but here we are. Reflect on that, sit with that, we deserve protection, safety, to live!

Our hearts go out to the families of the innocent 21 children and teachers whose lives were taken during the recent shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

With support from George Mason’s Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment, the Beta Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc will be hosting a vigil to remember the lives taken during this preventable tragedy. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to honor, engage in spiritual practices, provide offerings (e.g. flowers, art, etc.), and pay their respects in whatever way you see fit to the 21 children and teachers and countless others who were injured.

The vigil will take place at the SUB 1 Quad this Friday, June 3rd, at 7:30 PM. Proceeding the vigil, the offerings will be staged in the CCEE office (SUB I Suite 2400) for GMU community members to visit from June 6-10.

✨We would like to send a huge congratulations to all Mason students graduating this year, we are so proud of you 🥰🥰. This achievement and your mere existence is a form of resistance, so don't ever forget that. You have so much to be proud of and we cannot wait to see how YOU make this world a better place for each of us! ✨

Graduates who participated in the CCEE cultural graduation, look out for an email from our office with information regarding how to access your pictures and a recording of the event!

We are so proud of you and remember you always have a home here with CCEE at GMU 🎓❤️. We will miss all of you!!

We are here, We care! [ID: a green background with Mason M logo and white writing detailing CCEE’s solidarity with students of color]

Did you know that you could win a chance to receive autographed items from at Mason Night Market?! Swipe to learn more! All proceeds will be donated to DMV-based non-profit, ! Each raffle entry = $1! Get yours today-Friday! 🎟

📣THIS FRIDAY 📣 Mason Night Market returns after 3 years! Come out to Merten Lawn to enjoy food, artists, dancing, community, and a live performance from ! You don’t want to miss this! ✨

We are so excited to announce our Keynote Address speakers - The Live Movement’s Aniyah Vines (Founder) and Deja Redding (Sustainability and Outreach Director and GMU alumna) who will be empowering and equipping us with the tools to engage in advocacy and activism in our communities!

✨The Black Excellence Gala is approaching and registration is now closed! We can’t wait to see you all tomorrow in Dewberry Hall! Come check out the vendors at 6:30pm. The Gala will start promptly at 7pm! ✨

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

On April 28, 2022, the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment (CCEE) will be hosting the Black Excellence Gala and the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, along with the Women and Gender Studies Center, will be hosting the Lavender & Women and Gender Studies Graduation. Both events will be a time to celebrate and honor the accomplishments and hard work of our student communities who have been historically marginalized. We recognize and uplift that many of our students sit at the intersections of various identities such as Black and LGBTQ+ to name a few.

Recognizing that there is a time conflict between the two events, we want to acknowledge students at the intersections of these identities. CCEE, WGST, and the LGBTQ+ Resources Center honor and support our Q***r and Trans Students of Color. Thus, we have prepared a few pathways for students to engage in either or both events on that day.

If you would like to attend both events please reach out to either:

Dr. Tamara Washington from CCEE ([email protected])

Josh Kinchen from the LGBTQ+ Resources Center ([email protected])

Dr. David Powers Corwin from WGST
([email protected])

To kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, pleasure be sure to join us on April 29th for Mason Night Market!!

This is the first Night Market in three years, and we are so excited to bring back such a popular and amazing event. The event will include different food vendors, artists, APAC organizations, and performances!!

The event is open to students and the public! We hope to see you there.