With appreciation of the ways the show keeps culturally relevant issues in focus with sharp wit that elevates the social dialogue at times, comedy can sometimes create space for people to look at and reflect on issues they have previously ignored or failed to witness.

Regardless of where you fall on your comfort with and interest in satire, this weekend’s anniversary show had a skit that elevated an important topic: recognizing historical exclusion of Black folks and the importance of fostering intentional spaces and opportunities for equity.

In the face of attacks on acronyms, and the actual programs that the values of diversity, equity and inclusion inform, Open Horizon remains committed to investing in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)  leaders as continued change is needed.  Of the many intentional ways that Open Horizon specifically invests in Black leaders due to the lasting systemic results of historical exclusion and marginalization, we honor Black History and Black futures month to reflect on the movement leaders and freedom fighters who inform those currently building liberated futures.

We value the differences that make a difference when it comes to Black leaders; we have recognized and continue to partner with thought leaders and folx building infrastructure supports addressing the clear social and systemic inequities affecting Black leaders across our sector.  In 2025, Open Horizon will continue to convene Black and BIPOC leaders to intentionally offer spaces of sanctuary for our partners who deserve validation in challenging identity based experiences, and in celebrating successes.

An example of our continued commitment was evident in our recent leaders retreat; we hosted an affinity day on day 3. Our facilitators built a container for participants to share stories and offer validation to each other in self-identified breakout groups where folx had space to affirm one another’s experiences.

We see value and find strength in naming our identities and acknowledging lasting legacies that affect our individual and communities’ access to freedom and justice. It is why we approach social justice collaborations rooted in relationships: “we envision a world where the horizon is open, opportunity is accessible and power is equally distributed, to all marginalized individuals and communities”. Unlocking oppression rooted in truth, and centering justice for those who are and have been affected the most, frees us all.

A reflection on language about the importance of being specific and intentional in affirming affinity: The breakout groups in the above mentioned retreat were structured for Black participants, multi-racial and people of color participants, and white participants. Emergent from the 90s predominance of colorblindness, people may often use the terminology “diverse” as code for BIPOC “non white” people. In the definition of diverse/diversity, we find everyone. Diversity is simply the existence of difference. So in our case for our leaders, all participants create the diversity that we were seeking to nourish.  All leaders are diverse together, and “diverse” is not describing the BIPOC participants only.

Over the last week of February, Open Horizon will be celebrating our Black leaders who embody community, integrity, equity, and innovation in unique and inspiring ways.

By: D’Lynn Jacobs, Executive Director, Open Horizon