Not only does June mark the beginning of summer, but it is also the time to celebrate, reflect, and amplify the diverse voices around us. In June, we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ+ community, and we also recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States.
The culture at Aging Ahead emphasizes that all are welcome regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and age, and while this may be true for many organizations, Aging Ahead really practices it. Leadership takes the initiative to continue fostering close relationships with diverse organizations like SAGE and EyeSeeMe, that help to enrich the culture of Aging Ahead by providing learning opportunities to staff and participants alike.
SAGE is a national organization that works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, and fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities. Sherrill Wayland, the Director of Special Initiatives at SAGE, helped Aging Ahead develop an LGBTQ+ survey for our website, where we can learn more about our aging population. When discussing her role at SAGE, Sherrill said, “Regarding our LGBTQ+ older adults—our neighbors, our friends, our family members—it’s important that we recognize to begin to understand what those unique needs are so that we can be responsive.” When asked what Sherrill finds most hopeful about “aging ahead,” she said, “As an LGBTQ+ person myself, I feel like I am visible today, and that my needs are going to be recognized as I age, and it’s due to organizations like Aging Ahead that provide that support.”
EyeSeeMe is a locally owned African American bookstore whose mission is to reflect and uplift diverse voices in literature. Jeffrey and Pamela Blair, owners of EyeSeeMe, have recently helped Aging Ahead in a very unique way by creating a list of books for a lending library that both Aging Ahead employees and participants have access to. All authors and titles reflect upon the African American experience, bringing light and focus to experiences different from many of our employees and participants. When asked about creating the curated reading list with his wife Pamela, Jeffrey said, “Learning from others’ experiences is how we grow together as a society. It’s how we empathize with others—that’s where hope comes from.” Aging Ahead thanks EyeSeeMe for their partnership and looks forward to working with Jeffrey and Pamela in future collaborations.
Diversity is what makes America shine. Aging Ahead believes in elevating and celebrating unique experiences, recognizing how far we’ve come, and understanding that there is always more to learn. We are so grateful to organizations like SAGE and EyeSeeMe that help guide the culture of Aging Ahead forward!