The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ participated in the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge for Black History Month 2025. This initiative, created by Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. and Dr. Debbie Irving, aims to deepen understanding of racism and systemic oppression through daily prompts and reflections. Why 21 days? Research shows that it takes at least 21 days to build a positive habit.

By engaging in this challenge, the Poor Handmaids seek to further their commitment to anti-racism work and foster a more just and equitable society. As one Sister wrote in her reflection, “I found a deeper awareness of those around me. I find myself becoming more attentive in conversations. I really hear what someone is saying. I’m better at seeing covert ways racism is still occurring today.”

This was a specifically curated challenge for the Sisters through a collaborative effort with the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Office of Racial Equity and Cultural Inclusion and the Poor Handmaids Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.