At Sierra Community House, we are committed to fostering a community rooted in equity, safety, and support for all. From advocating for survivors to empowering youth, we strive to create spaces where every voice is heard, and every person is valued. This Black History Month, we honor our commitment to social justice and recognize the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black leaders, activists, and changemakers—past and present.
Learning and Leadership
Sierra Community House recognizes that significant inequities and injustices persist in our economic and political systems, as well as within our organization, due to the impact of racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and oppression. For Dom Apollon, who recently marked his first-year work anniversary as Community Education & Prevention Coordinator, celebrating Black History Month includes learning from the experience of fellow Black men who have contributed to and led others for decades in the movement to end gender-based violence.
Dom recently attended a virtual national summit sponsored by Futures Without Violence that featured one such leader, college Hall of Fame former football player, advocate and You Throw Like a Girl: The Blindspot of Masculinity author Don McPherson, who has more than thirty years of experience in this field. Dom shared, “What really struck me the most was how McPherson emphasized the importance of giving young men a goal to walk towards for masculinity rather than just away from, as too much of the discussion about ‘toxic masculinity’ tends to do.” The Truckee-based coordinator also mentioned how he mirrors the approach McPherson takes when leading groups of young men. By sharing things like, “I’ve been feeling anxious” or “I woke up still feeling upset”, they model vulnerability and wholeness creating a safer and honest environment.
Ways to Make a Difference
This Black History Month, there are several ways you can support Sierra Community House’s commitment to diversity and social justice. You can donate to our programs, volunteer your time to assist with local initiatives, or share resources and stories that highlight the impact of our services. Attend events, such as our Empty Bowls fundraiser or Family Dance and help raise awareness about hunger relief and racial equity. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
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