Race and Faith

There are many inspiring Native American women whose stories have shaped history and continue to influence generations. 🌿

From leaders and warriors to healers and activists, these women have made remarkable contributions in every field, from tribal leadership to advocacy for human rights and health. Their strength, resilience, and vision have played a crucial role in preserving Native cultures, fostering community growth, and challenging systemic barriers.

Some of these women, like Wilma Mankiller and Sharice Davids, broke new ground, becoming trailblazers in leadership and politics. Others, like Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, pioneered essential services in medicine.

This month, take the time to learn about the powerful Native American women who have not only made history but continue to inspire change today. 🪶

Their stories highlight the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples, and offer valuable lessons for us all.

On Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Day, we honor the lives of Indigenous women and girls whose lives were taken too soon. We have a responsibility to protect Indigenous communities, who continue to face systemic violence and threats to their wellbeing. That means listening to and uplifting Indigenous voices, supporting Indigenous organizations like National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, Native American Rights Fund, and Not Our Native Daughters, and advocating for change.

Unapologetically Black, anyone?

As the nation approaches 250 years of independence, the current administration is planning a large-scale July 4th celebration — a national spectacle of patriotism and pride.

And yet.

For many of us, the past several years has intensified disrespect toward Black communities — through rhetoric, policy, cultural hostility, and the steady erosion of protections we fought to secure.

So, while fireworks fill the sky, some of us may need something quieter.
Something truer.
Something that does not require us to clap for a freedom that has always come with conditions.

I am imagining a Black Joy × 250 Years retreat over July 4th weekend.
Not as protest.
Not as performance.
But as a practice of choosing ourselves while freedom is still becoming.

Right now, I am assessing interest and exploring what it would take to make this gathering deeply nourishing and accessible.

If this speaks to you — whether you would attend, sponsor, host, or help amplify — I would love your voice in this early stage.

Drop a ❤️, send a message, or complete the interest form linked below.

Joy is not permission-based.

Eid Mubarak! Today begins Eid al-Fitr, translated as "the feast of fast-breaking" commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast from before dawn until after sunset each day. The activities of the 3-day celebration marking Eid al-Fitr vary from country to country but include prayer, visiting family and friends, giving presents, enjoying feasts, wearing new clothes, and visiting the graves of relatives. Through these celebrations, Muslims show their gratitude to Allah after reflecting and fasting during Ramadan.

There is an outpouring of kindness and charity to others. This charity, called Zakat al-Fitr helps ensure that all can participate in the festivities. Prayer consists of two cycles of standing and reciting the Qur'an, bowing, and prostrating in glorification of Allah, followed by a sermon and supplications, all led by an Imam. After prayers, and throughout the day, it is common to visit family and friends and exchange gifts.

Famed African American photographer Chester Higgins captured peace and power of prayer in his works featured in our collection: https://s.si.edu/3TCKdrV

📸 Salat. Photograph by: Chester Higgins. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, © Chester Higgins, All Rights Reserved.