Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging - November 22, 2023

The Story of Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning

by HRIS and Benefits Specialist &
DEI Committee Chair Jeanne Hobbs

For many of us in the United States, the fourth Thursday of November means watching the Macy’s Day parade, eating a big meal with family and friends, napping, watching football, and gearing up for Black Friday shopping. Some like to start decorating for Christmas and exchange names for gift-giving. It is generally a time of coming together and kicking off a season of gathering with family and friends.

For many others, however, this day holds a very different meaning and significance.
Unlike what I learned in grade school, Thanksgiving is not a celebration of the first meal shared by Pilgrims and the Native Americans. In 1620, when the Mayflower arrived with the English colonists in Massachusetts, the Native Americans’ life changed, and they would not find it to be a time of thanksgiving. To recognize the experiences of Native Americans, people gather to commemorate a National Day of Mourning.

Part of our goal for the DEI Committee is to encourage us all to learn. In some cases, learning involves revisiting, rethinking and challenging some of the lessons taught to us in school or history books. As chair of the committee, I encourage you to take time to learn more about the National Day of Mourning.

You can read more about the Wampanoag peoples, and how the National Day of Mourning came to be, and you can watch this video

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Goodwin Living DEI Committee: Statement of Purpose: Educate, Embrace, and Empower team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living to support Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.

Goodwin Living DEI Committee Desired Outcome: The Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee (DEI) will seek open and honest communication and collaboration that will inform and celebrate the age, culture, ethnicity and sexual orientation of team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living without bias. *Members include Priority Club members and Goodwin Living At Home.

Questions or comments? Please contact us DEI@GoodwinLiving.org.