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February 2022

Message from Project Unity Founder, Richie Butler

Why Black History Month

While on an economic development trip in East Africa one of my colleagues openly shared that he felt like an outsider. He was now fully aware for the first time in his life that he was not the majority or “in control” because he was a white man in Kenya where people of ebony hue were the dominant race.  He acknowledged that maybe this is what it may feel like to blacks in America.

In part, this is why black history month is important because African Americans have not only felt like outsiders, but we have been treated as outsiders in a country that our blood, sweat, and tears have been instrumental in building the America we love and the America the world aspires to be like. It is disheartening and demoralizing to know that our contributions are marginalized by some or even invisible to others. Black History serves to recognize Black people’s contributions, as well as an opportunity to speak into the next generation that they, too, can overcome and achieve greatness. Black History serves to educate non-blacks as to why Black History is an important element to the fabric of America. Black History also serves as accountability tools because a society that does not know its history, the good, bad, and “ugly”, is capable of repeating the “ugly”. 

I hope this Black History Month you will embark on a journey to learn something you didn’t know and develop more empathy for blacks whose history in America is still being written.

Black History Month Action: Together We Can

As we celebrate Black History month, use this month as an opportunity to take action! Join the movement by signing up for Together We Can. Together We Can is an action driven, positive, non-judgmental, and non-political program that addresses personal and community development of making change inside and out. The program is designed to help educate, enable and empower you to have a lifestyle of mindfulness and action against racism. Sign up today and receive your complimentary wristbands to share with family and friends; register to attend a monthly community Together We Dine; and begin receiving your monthly action newsletter which provides educational information along your journey.

Take a look back… 2021 WFAA News Interview on Together We Can.
Visit www.togetherwecan.one to learn more.

In Their Shoes 

Have you ever faced racism, micro-aggressions, or prejudice perhaps at school, at work, at the grocery store, at the park or restaurant to name a few places? Would you like the opportunity to share your story with others so they can listen to your story and experience what you felt for just a moment? Then sign up to be a part of the Together We Can In Their Shoessegment. We are looking for stories to help educate people who do not look like you to know what it is like to live in America “in your shoes”. Help show others how your life is different, how you experience frequent microaggressions because of your race. By sharing your experiences, others can better understand what daily life in America feels like for people of all races. Email us to sign up.

Together We Can Wristbands

Anyone can support Project Unity by purchasing Together We Can Wristbands! Our wristband branded with Together We Can is a statement that you are not silent to racism and that you are part of the solution.
Purchase wristbands for your family and friends today! 
Purchase Now
Project Unity is proud to announce the 2022 return of its signature fundraiser, Together We Sing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. An incredible night of inspiration, Together We Sing will feature nationally acclaimed recording artists, a full orchestra, and a 200-voice Unity choir. This one-of-a-kind celebration majestically blends gospel, classical and other genres to promote unity by bringing performers and audience members of all backgrounds together. For the first time, in addition to the amazing sounds of music, Project Unity will introduce an awards component to this special evening. The “Together We Awards” will recognize individuals, corporations, and organizations who continue to foster racial unity in North Texas and beyond. We invite your support for this inspiring night of music, celebration, and unity by becoming a sponsor. Contact us to learn how your partnership will help us continue the important work of bridging racial divides.

Together We Dine | February 22

Take action this month and attend the February Together We Dine on Tuesday, February 22! Whether it will be your first time or your 5th time joining the conversation, attending a virtual Together We Dine is an actionable step to begin or continue your journey of having conversations on race and current events that affect us all. The event offers a safe, non-judgmental environment to learn about others and more about yourself. It is open to the community no matter where you are, virtually! Contact Charlene if your organization or company is interested in hosting a private Dine event for your employees/staff to support your DEI efforts.

Registration closes Monday, February 21, 5 PM CST.
Register Here!

Together We Dine New Facilitator Training!

Project Unity is hosting its next Together We Dine Facilitator Training via Zoom on Monday, February 28th. To become a facilitator, you must have participated in at least three Dine events - either in-person, virtual, or a combination of both, attend the training session (required) and complete other training elements. If you are interested in joining this impactful and dedicated group of volunteers, please email Charlene by Friday, February 25th . The Zoom information will be sent to participants as a confirmation for the training after you sign up. Please view the details below: ​ ​

WHEN: Monday, February 28, 2022​ TIME: 5:30 - 7:00 PM​
WHERE: Via Zoom! You will be emailed the information after you sign up.

Corporate Partner Highlight

Project Unity is pleased to highlight our partnership with The Dallas Mavericks. Project Unity and The Dallas Mavericks began our wonderful relationship in 2016 through our partnership on our Together We Heal community event held after the deaths of our five Dallas Police Officers and our Together We Ball community pastors and police basketball game that same year. Program partnership and support has grown over the years. More recently, the organization has supported our community vaccination program, Together We Vaccinate, providing everything from much needed masks, hand sanitizers, t-shirts, yard signs, toys for the pediatric vaccination station to having the Mavs ManiAACs on-site to meet and greet the community as they come for their vaccination.

The Mavs also support our efforts on social justice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They are advocates in this space and believe in Unity! Project Unity is pleased to now support The Dallas Mavericks by sharing their BIG NEWS! They have just launched the HUDDLE, a courageous conversation series on social justice issues in our community. Watch the first Huddle Session of the year with NBA Social Justice representative James Cadogan and our very own Sterling Brown as he talks about what social justice means to him and how to take ACTION.
Watch The HUDDLE Now

  TOGETHER WE VACCINATE:

COVID-19 Vaccine Events in the Community

Project Unity and our partner Catalyst Health Network offers free vaccinations in the community!
NOTE: We are now offering Boosters to 12+ and eligible individuals. Schedule an appointment for your eligible family member today!
Vaccine card required. Click here for to see if you qualify.
For information on Covid-19 and up-to-date information on the vaccine, visit the CDC website.
For a full listing of our vaccine clinics, please click here.

Jesuit Social Justice Program Returns 

Project Unity is pleased to host a new group of young men from Jesuit School Dallas. We now have eight students interning with us this spring. They will learn about Project Unity, our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion, learn about our partners, and volunteer with us in the community. We are excited that they will plan and host a Together We Dine on campus for juniors and seniors and also host another Together We Learn session. Welcome back Jesuit! We are excited to partner with you again!

Project Unity is Hiring!

  Featuring Out Facilitators  

Facilitators are the heart and soul of our Together We Dine program. They volunteer their time 2-3 times a week helping to navigate safe conversations on race. They do this heart-felt work because it matters so much to each of them. Let us introduce you to them and learn why they volunteer.
  • Haley Johnson, Paralegal, Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, facilitator since November 2021
    Taking part in TWD, both as a participant and as a facilitator, has given me an opportunity to continually engage in important conversations regarding race in the United States. I feel lucky to have regular opportunities to engage in these conversations since it is not always easy to initiate them in day-to-day life despite how important it is to keep the conversation alive and relevant. I am so grateful to the participants who are willing to listen to one another and share their perspectives since each person has a unique outlook on these complex topics. I have learned so much from the people around me, and I leave each session feeling hopeful about the impact that these sessions can have on those with open minds and hearts.
  • Emily Martin, Retired, facilitator since June 2021
    I'm always looking for ways to help advance racial reconciliation and social justice. A lot of it just comes down to listening and learning from other people. I think I can be helpful in bringing people together to build bridges and raise up our community.

Calendar of Upcoming Events


Keep up with Project Unity! Visit our calendar to find out where we are or who we are serving in the community. Click Here!
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