Perspectives in Righting

Not that it wouldn’t become obvious to the reader only shortly after diving into this article, but nonetheless, I think that it is important to address that as a male author of an article that is going to attempt to highlight the tremendous effort, resilience, and leadership displayed by a number of my fellow co-workers

One of the newest members of the YSB team, Shakir Leacock, brings with him to the position nearly a decade of direct service experience with underrepresented and marginalized youth populations, but also a refreshingly simple outlook that helps him connect with his new audience in as real a way as possible.

Sometimes it feels as though the world is burning, with the ongoing and lasting effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the attacks on public education, the continuous threats to marginalized
communities in our nation, and so much more.

Social media is, much to the chagrin of its countless detractors, a crucial component in the everyday lives of a vast majority of Americans.

As a Recreation Supervisor within the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation, I have been fortunate enough to be a contributor to a program and service line that makes an honest effort at serving families and members within the community.

As the fall rolls on & we approach the holiday season, so does our mindset shift, focusing on the family, friends and other loved ones who have helped us to get through the year. It’s a time of reflection, a hopeful escape from the stresses of one’s career or schooling, a reminder of what truly matters in each of our lives.

As Veterans Day approaches, the collective American zeitgeist shifts its focus to honor its fallen soldiers, commemorate their sacrifices and look to the future improvements of the lives and conditions for veterans, active service members and their families.

Cataclysmic events the world over seem to happen with far more regularity than they did when I was younger. Knowing much of this is the result of a 24 hour news cycle, increased access to information and the advent of technologies that force the would be eyewitness to assume the role of journalist, or even the reluctant wartime correspondent.

As we near an end to 2022, those across the nation have banded together to commemorate one of the most significant pieces of federal civil rights legislation: Title IX, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Each September, the global community joins together to commemorate Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a movement that aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention, combat misinformation on the topic and spread a message of hope.

To commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility, Better Manchester Magazine has spotlighted Finn Rowan, an indie folk singer/songwriter born and raised in Connecticut.

In order to commemorate Women’s History Month, Better Manchester Magazine has compiled a variety of digital resources and guides pertaining to scholarships, organizations and programs for women and girls.

As March comes to sweep us off our feet with the up-and-coming spring weather, so does Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the journeys & tribulations that countless women have persevered.

After reviewing over two dozen submissions from Manchester students, we are honored to announce the winners of the inaugural Black Joy Poetry Contest.

The following media guide compiles resources and reading materials related to black-created film, music and visual arts.

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is commemorated by the United Nations every year on February 21 to celebrate linguistic diversity and multilingualism, and to raise awareness to language loss and its impact on societies and cultures.

What does Black History mean to you?

These two words, while seemingly simple when written, carry centuries of traditions, remembrances and memories, each unique from one individual to another. How can one person attempt to answer such a frankly loaded question?

To many, the start of February symbolizes the start of month-long Valentine’s celebrations or the inching towards yet another Super Bowl. But to others, this February 1st carries a whole other cultural significance: Lunar New Year.

In the spring of 2021, Better Manchester launched its Perspectives in Righting tab, a space dedicated to “exploring and delving into topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Critical Race Theory. These three words and their actual meaning have both divided and rocked our nation.

The Federal Communications Commission is now requiring text messages sent to the number 988 to be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, expanding access to the critical 24/7 national hotline, according to Veronica Stracqualursi of CNN.

On a national level, the suicide rates are increasing among Black girls, according to The New York Times. In the latest study from the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, it reported that “that just over 1,800 Black children died by suicide between 2003 and 2017, and while most of the deaths were among boys, especially those ages 15 to 17, the gender gap is narrowing.”

In case you haven’t heard, the world of Indigenous-made media continues to expand in all the best ways. Native films, filmmakers and other creatives have all steadily increased in quantity and cultural awareness over the past couple decades, particularly in the past ten years.

I Wish You Knew: The LatinX/Hispanic Experience is a never-before-seen look into the lives of the historically-silenced LatinX population of Manchester, Connecticut.

Today’s Black and Brown girls are facing incredibly turbulent times. From navigating a pandemic, working to continue their education, mental health struggles, bullying and systemic racism and sexism, it is more important than ever before for them to have safe spaces to express their full selves.

As LGBTQ+ History Month draws to a close, it is important to know how you can be an ally to the community in the future, especially as a parent.

LatinX/Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of retrospection for many people, an opportunity to reflect on their cultural values and traditions.

Founded in 1994, LGBT+ History Month is celebrated each October, which commemorates the strength, bravery and perseverance of America’s LGBT+ community and their fight for a more inclusive world for all.

This is the first article in a three-part installment focused on the struggles that many Black and Brown girls face.

Manchester has been a popular place for immigrant and nonimmigrant LatinX families to settle down for decades. Read More!