Read the full article: A celebration of Black History Month at Argonne | Argonne National Laboratory (anl.gov)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday 2024
Recognized as one of history’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work continues to inspire communities to come together and elevate doing good through service.
In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Every third Monday in January, good people across the country come together to lean into MLK’s legacy and observe the MLK Day of Service as a “day on,” rather than not a “day off.”
- Put Your Talents To Practice With Skilled Volunteering: To help fulfill their missions, nonprofits rely on support from volunteers year-round. That support can be in the form of single days of service, like MLK Day, or pro bono projects that tap into the talents of professionals.
- Help Protect And Restore Our Environment: While we know volunteering feels good, we now have data to prove its physical and emotional benefits. Study conducted with UnitedHealthcare found that three out of four adults feel physically healthier after volunteering, with nine in ten noting an improved mood.
- Become A Community Leader: Before his March on Washington, MLK’s movement for equality began at the local level — among his neighbors and community. Volunteering locally is a great way to meet new people, spark conversation and lean into MLK’s legacy. (“3 WAYS TO HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. THROUGH VOLUNTEERING| Basil Sadiq at Just Means”) 3 Ways to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through Volunteering – Giving Compass
Explore the links for below for service opportunities and Chicagoland MLK Day events 2024.
15 Ways You Can Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day In Chicago This Year (blockclubchicago.org)
Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service | AmeriCorps “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
AAA-ERG Cheesecake Fundraiser
Buy a Cheesecake, help the AAA-ERG provide a scholarship to a student on the STEM path.
The Argonne African American Employee Resource Group (AAA-ERG) is holding a cheesecake sale to raise money for the AAA-ERG Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from this needs-based scholarship go to top local high school students entering college and pursuing STEM degrees.
The 9” cheesecakes are cut into 14 slices, come in 14 flavors and range from $27.00 – $29.50.
What do you need to do?
Step 1: Review the mouth-watering selections here – http://blogs.anl.gov/aaa-erg/wp-content/uploads/sites/79/2022/09/2208_ClassicBrochure.pdf
Step 2: Enter your contact information and place your order in this form.
Step 3: Review cheesecake pickup details below.
Cheesecakes are delivered frozen and should be refrigerated (40° F) or frozen within six hours of delivery. Cheesecakes last up to six months in the freezer. Buy some to eat right away, freeze some to eat later.
Note: We are unable to fill order requests after October 20.
Contact any of the AAA representatives below to send your payment. Payments accepted: Cash, Check, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App. Payment due by October 20.
Justin H. S. Breaux: [email protected]
Arista Thurman III: [email protected]
Robyn Grange: [email protected]
Scott Ehling: [email protected] (Bldg. 240/4.D.15 x3338)
Kimberly McAllister: [email protected] (Bldg. 212/B216, x27206)
Keva Gildon: [email protected] (Bldg. 214/B212, x27327)
Michael Rabbitt: [email protected]
Venmo: @Scott-Ehling-1, 815.557.3023
Cheesecake pick-up details:
Date: Tuesday, October 31
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Building 402, Lower Gallery
Black History Month Fireside Chat
AAA-ERG and Veterans ERG Host Congressman Bobby Rush
Argonne’s African American Employee Resource Group (AAA-ERG) and Veterans ERG hosted a Black History Month fireside chat on February 22, 2023. Diana Schmitt, co-founder of the Veterans ERG, coordinated the Chat. AAA-ERG President, Justin Breaux, moderated the Fireside Chat.
The conversation delved into Congressman Rush’s life of service as a Black Panther, soldier, and elected official, and his insights into mobilizing partners and people to bring about fundamental change for disenfranchised communities. During the Q&A session, he shared his experiences and insights on various topics. Fireside Chat Event recording
When asked about what he has learned about mobilizing partners and people to bring about change, Congressman Rush stressed the importance of a strong faith and ability to form coalitions with people who share similar values and goals. He emphasized that change happens when people come together to demand it.
When asked about which piece of legislation he would like to be known for, Congressman Rush spoke of the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Health Care Act (MBS Act). The Act was named after a woman who suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) and died by suicide in 2001, just three months after giving birth to her son.
The Act aims to increase research on postpartum depression (PPD) and improve the delivery of healthcare services for individuals experiencing PPD. Congressman Rush was a co-sponsor of the Act and played an important role in advocating for and helping to pass the legislation, which was signed into law in 2018.
Congressman Rush was also asked about how the Black experience has changed in terms of access and opportunity since he entered the military. He noted that while there have been some improvements, much work still needs to be done to address systemic racism and inequalities in society.
On the topic of energy sustainability and justice, Congressman Rush emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and promoting clean energy. He praised Argonne National Laboratory for its contributions to advancing energy sustainability and justice through research and development.
Congressman Rush also shared his experience of joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and co-founding the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers. He discussed how his time in the Army influenced his decision to join these organizations and his desire to fight for justice and equality.
The event also featured a gift presentation by Diana Schmidt, co-founder of the Veterans ERG, to Congressman Rush, thanking him for his service and contributions to the country.
In conclusion, the Fireside Chat with Congressman Bobby Rush was an insightful and engaging conversation, shedding light on his life of service and providing valuable insights into social justice and activism. It was a great way to celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of Black leaders and activists throughout history.
BHM – Ahmaud Arbery Memorial Run/Walk/Roll
In recognition of Black History Month
Ahmaud Arbery Memorial
Run/Walk/Roll
Date/Time: Thursday, February 23, 2023 @ Noon
Place: Building 240 – TCS Conference Area (Conference room 1407)
Distance: 2.23 mile run (add ~1.1 mile optional); ~ 1.5-mile walk
In recognition of Black History Month, the Argonne African American Employee Resource Group (AAA-ERG), Argonne Running Club (ARC), and CELS DEI&A Advisory Council will sponsor this run, walk and roll event.
On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while out running in
Brunswick, Georgia. Because Arbery was never able to finish that run, people in the running community, locally and globally, gather annually to help him finish it years after his slaying. The 2.23-mile distance honors Ahmaud Arbery.
All finishers will earn a 100-point Virgin Pulse voucher. Food, drinks, and raffle at finish. All employees and their guests are welcome.
Questions: Scott Ehling x3338 Argonne Running Club | Facebook
