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Monthly Celebrations – Social Media Posts

AAPI Month

#AAPIHeritageMonth

May

As city planners here in Texas, we're taking this month to honor and recognize the incredible contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to our state's development. From bustling cityscapes to tranquil green spaces, their influence is woven into the fabric of our cities.

From historic Chinatowns to vibrant Little Saigons, AAPI communities have added unique flavors and colors to our cities, enhancing the richness of our cultural heritage. Their resilience, creativity, and commitment to progress inspire us as city planners to create inclusive and equitable spaces where all voices are heard and valued.

This AAPI Heritage Month, let's celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Texas and beyond. Together, let's continue to build cities that reflect the beauty of our collective heritage and the strength of our unity.

#DEI

Mental Health Awareness Month

🌟 **May is Mental Health Awareness Month** 🌟
This month, let's shine a light on the importance of mental well-being in every aspect of our lives. Whether you're at work, planning cities, or part of a community, mental health matters.

🏙️ Creating mentally healthy urban spaces is crucial. Explore guidelines and innovative strategies at The Urban Design Mental Health initiative. Link in comments.

Let's make mental health a priority together! 💚
hashtag#MentalHealthAwareness hashtag#MentalWellness hashtag#CommunityHealth

🌍 Support each other and learn how to make your community a beacon of mental well-being. Visit NAMI SWMO (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) for community resources and support groups. Link in comments.

Let's make mental health a priority together! 💚
hashtag#MentalHealthAwareness hashtag#MentalWellness hashtag#CommunityHealth

👥 Understand that it's okay to seek help. Check out Mental Health America for tools and resources to support your mental health at work. Link in comments.
Let's make mental health a priority together! 💚
hashtag#MentalHealthAwareness hashtag#MentalWellness

🌱 🏙️ 🌳 A biophilic city connects the science of biophilia — humans’ innate love of and need for contact with nature — and the practice of planning to create built environments that support physical and mental well-being, ecosystem health, and economic sustainability. Link in comments.

Let's make mental health a priority together! 💚
hashtag#MentalHealthAwareness hashtag#MentalWellness hashtag#CommunityHealth

📚 🧰 Integrate health and equity in their comprehensive plan and plan-making processes. See the toolkit (link in comments) that builds on APA’s Comprehensive Plan Standards for Sustaining Places initiative, which established a framework for addressing sustainability through comprehensive plans. Among the 10 components of this framework, the toolkit focuses on Interwoven Equity, Healthy Communities, and Authentic Participation components.

Let's make mental health a priority together! 💚
hashtag#MentalHealthAwareness hashtag#MentalWellness hashtag#CommunityHealth

Juneteenth

Post 1

🖤💚❤️💛
History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, officially called the hashtag#Juneteenth national Independence Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1865 when, in the aftermath of the Civil war, enslaved African Americans were declared free from slavey under the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.

On June 19, 1865, the Union Army led Major General Gordan Granger made their way to Galveston, Texas, where Granger issued the final enforcement order of the Emancipation Prelamination known as Order Number 3. The order enforced the liberation of the remainder of enslaved African Americans in the United States. In 1980, Texas became the first state in the United States to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday.

Thanks to the efforts of Revered Ralph Abernathy, State Representative Al Edward of Houston and the City of Fort Worth’s Ms Opal Lee, it became a national holiday on June 17, 2021. Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or observance.

Post 2

National #Juneteenth Museum – Stay tuned!
Coming in 2026! The National Juneteenth Museum in the City of Forth Worth- This museum will be 50,000 square feet and will feature 10,000 square feet of exhibit galleries, business incubator space, a 250-seat theatre, a food hall for local chefs, a Juneteenth Plaza and greenspace, and more! Visit the website for the museum: NJM (nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org)

Fourth of July

National celebrations like the Fourth of July bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. It’s a time for individuals from different backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and build stronger community ties. Events like parades, fireworks, and communal gatherings offer opportunities for different cultural groups to showcase their traditions, thus promoting mutual respect and understanding.

The Fourth of July has also been a complex symbol in America’s history. While it celebrates liberty, equality, and justice, current struggles remind Americans that these ideals require constant vigilance and effort to achieve fully. Understanding that the fight for freedom and democracy has always been ongoing provides perspective and motivation to address contemporary issues. Today, these include racial and social justice challenges, economic inequality, immigration and treatment of immigrants, the decline of public trust in institutions, and issues like misinformation, media consolidation, and attacks on journalistic integrity. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, Americans can honor the spirit of the Fourth of July not just as a historical event but as a living commitment to the values that define the nation.

The diverse makeup of the U.S. population means that the Fourth of July should be a celebration of unity in diversity. Addressing inequalities and ensuring that all voices are heard is crucial for true national unity.

Pride Posts

Post 1:
This Pride Month, let’s acknowledge the role of urban planning in promoting LGBTQ+ equality. From zoning laws to public transportation, planners can create equitable and accessible cities for everyone. Montrose has been the center of Houston's gay and lesbian community since the 1970s. The neighborhood suffered during federal urban renewal, but incremental improvements initiated by residents, organizations, and alliances began in the 1970s. Designated a Great Neighborhood in 2009.Learn more:
https://www.planning.org/greatplaces/neighborhoods/2009/montrose.htm#PrideMonth #Inclusion #Equity #UrbanPlanning

Post 2:
Happy Pride Month!
Urban planning plays a crucial role in creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s celebrate diversity by designing cities that embrace everyone! Learn how planners can support LGBTQ+ rights:
Heteronormative planning structures exclude and can even endanger queer people, especially those who are trans and BIPOC.
https://www.planning.org/planning/2023/spring/why-we-need-queer-urbanism/#PrideMonth #Inclusion #Equity #UrbanPlanning

Post 3:
Happy Pride Month! Embracing gender-inclusive language in urban planning is a powerful step toward equity and inclusion. By using language that respects and acknowledges all gender identities, we can create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Let’s champion inclusivity and ensure our cities reflect the diversity of our communities! Learn more about the importance of gender-inclusive language in planning practice: PAS QuickNotes 88
(Login to access)
https://www.planning.org/pas/quicknotes/88/gender-inclusive-language/#PrideMonth #Inclusion #Equity #UrbanPlanning

Post 4:
Did you know? LGBTQ+ inclusive urban planning can improve mental health and social cohesion. Urban planners can make a difference this Pride Month by advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies. From safe public spaces to affordable housing, let’s ensure everyone feels at home in our cities. Hear from Planners on what the profession needs to do to support them and the communities they serve.
https://www.planning.org/planning/2021/spring/7-lgbtq-planners-on-pride-in-planning/#PrideMonth #Inclusion #Equity #UrbanPlanning

Post 5:
Did you know? LGBTQ+ inclusive urban planning can improve mental health and social cohesion. This Pride Month, let’s champion designs that foster connection and support for all. Explore the following article:
https://www.planning.org/planning/2024/may/as-gayborhoods-shrink-pop-up-lgbtq-spaces-can-build-inclusive-communities/

  1. Please see the International Youth Day (Aug 12) post for review.
  2. If you have reviewed and don't have any recommended changes, please give this post a “thumbs up”.
  3. With @Lauren Garrott and @Lata Krishnarao approval, we will forward posts to Kyle to schedule for August 12, 2024.

@Kyle Kingma, AICP Expect these to come your way (after review).

International Youth Day Post:

Celebrating UN International Youth Day: Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development Did you know that half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, expected to grow to 57% by the end of 2030 (Be Seen Be Heard Global Youth Campaign)? As UN International Youth Day approaches, we recognize the incredible potential of young minds in shaping the future of our communities. Youth involvement in planning is crucial for creating vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Their fresh perspectives and creativity bring new ideas to the table and drive meaningful change. Whether you're a young planner, a student, or an advocate for youth engagement and leadership, today is a great opportunity to celebrate your contributions and commit to fostering future leaders in the planning profession. Join us in supporting and mentoring young planners as they prepare to build the communities of tomorrow. Together, let's create spaces where everyone, regardless of age, has a voice in shaping their world.#InternationalYouthDay #FuturePlanners #TexasAPA #DEIMore Information Here:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day

Hispanic Heritage Month Posts

We urge you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and follow along with us across our platforms for more related content and education in the coming weeks. Where our posts celebrates both the contributions of Latinos in urban planning and shares actionable resources for planners!

Post 1: Latinos in Planning Division (APA)

The Latinos in Planning Division of the American Planning Association (APA) is an incredible resource for planners who want to connect with Latino professionals and advance issues affecting Latino communities. Their work focuses on professional development, networking, and advocacy for equity in planning.

Post 2: Plan Dulce Podcast

Plan Dulce is a podcast from the Latinos in Planning Division of the American Planning Association dedicated to elevating projects and issues and initiatives taking place within Latino communities across the United States.

  • Check out their latest episode by clicking here. #PlannersOfColor #RepresentationMatters #HispanicHeritageMonth

Post 3: Planners of Color Network

The Planners of Color Network (POC) is a space for planners who identify as people of color, including Latinos, to collaborate and share knowledge. This network highlights the work of planners from underrepresented groups and provides resources for fostering diversity in the field.

Post 4: Spotlight Latino Planners – Tony Garcia

Today we are highlighting Tony Garcia, an urban planner and advocate for tactical urbanism. Garcia is the co-founder of Street Plans, a planning, design, and research firm. His work focuses on grassroots strategies to create safe, vibrant public spaces.

  • Learn more about his work here: Street Plans #LatinoLeaders #UrbanInnovation #HispanicHeritageMonth

Post 5: Latino Urbanism

Latino Urbanism is a movement that incorporates Latino cultural expressions into urban design and planning. From the vibrant mercados to colorful public spaces, this approach emphasizes the need for culturally responsive planning.

  • Learn more from James Rojas, a leader in Latino Urbanism: Latino Urbanism: James Rojas #LatinoUrbanism #CulturalPlacemaking #HispanicHeritageMonth

Post 6: Spotlight Latino Planners – Gil Penalosa

Today we are highlighting Gil Penalosa, Gil is the Founder and Chair of the successful Canadian non-profit organization 8 80 Cities and founder of Cities for Everyone. Gil (Guillermo) Penalosa is passionate about cities for all people. Because of his unique blend of experience, pragmatism, and passion, many cities worldwide seek his leadership and valuable advice. He has worked in over 350 cities.

Post 7: Latino Outdoors

At Latino Outdoors we inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented.

  • Get involved with the chapters here in Texas: San Antonio and Houston #parksandrec #nature #GreenSpaces #HispanicHeritageMonth

Post 8: Hispanic Access Foundation's 'Parks for All' Campaign

The Hispanic Access Foundation advocates for equitable access to parks and green spaces in Latino communities. Their 'Parks for All' campaign is a powerful example of grassroots planning that centers community health and engagement.

  • Discover the campaign here: Parks for All #CommunityPlanning #GreenSpaces #HispanicHeritageMonth