COC Gratitude Events ‘Renew Commitment to the Work Ahead’
By Color Of Change Staff
Color Of Change is an organization powered by people — people who take action to make a more human, less hostile world for Black people. At year’s end, COC hosts a series of gratitude events around the country to celebrate members who are local ambassadors driving positive change.
This year, gratitude events were held in seven different cities throughout December and included brunches, dinners, a paint-and-sip and a game night.
The celebrations culminated in a nationwide virtual gratitude event on Saturday, Dec. 17, where COC members from all regions of the country connected to share stories of success and strategize around challenges while enjoying music and one another’s company.
“Every day, we’re running campaigns that improve people’s lives,” said Shannon Talbert, senior organizing director with COC’s Movement Building Team.
“Across the country, our members form squads that take action locally and drive this program,” she said. “Our volunteer leaders are our strength.”
During the past year, COC squads have, among other actions, taken on corporations to protect housing access for low-income families and facilitated programs to serve children in foster care in order to bring awareness to the impact of the carceral care system. COC squads have met immediate needs by providing water to people affected by failed infrastructure while running campaigns to hold the local elected decision makers accountable. Additionally, they’ve pressured inept and racially biased government officials to resign from office.
“Our gratitude celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on our work together, celebrate our unique contributions and renew our commitment to the work ahead,” Talbert said.
It’s both a celebration and a call to action.
The timing in December is not coincidental, Talbert said.
“It’s a year-end get together where we celebrate the leaders who made this work possible throughout the year,” Talbert said. “They organized people, hosted events, got their neighbors involved, made phone calls, sent text messages to their peers. They organized and put pressure on decision makers. They are the local ambassadors for COC’s work.”
“COC squad leaders and members make our communities stronger, more connected and informed to take action,” she said.