Keisha Mathews’ Post

Step back in time with BeLocal Hinsdale! 🕰️ Discover the rich history of their community through 'A Short History of Hinsdale' by Jenna Krukowski, courtesy of the Hinsdale Historical Society. 🏡 From its railroad beginnings to the bustling village they know today, learn how Hinsdale transformed over the years. 🚂✨ #belocal #belocalmagazine #newmovers #hiddengems #newresidents #newcity #communitylife #communitysupport #localbusinesses #smallbusinesses #localtips

Allensworth, California: A rich history as a flourishing African American community, epitomizing resilience and empowerment. From its founding in 1908 as an all-black township to its present-day thriving status, Allensworth stands as a testament to the strength of community spirit. The Black Chamber of Commerce continues to play a pivotal role, fostering economic growth and unity. #AllensworthHistory #AfricanAmericanCommunity #BlackExcellence #CommunityEmpowerment #HistoricalLegacy #ThrivingTogether #BlackChamberOfCommerce #ResilienceInHistory #LegacyOfLeadership #EmpowermentJourney #CaliforniaHistory #AllensworthLegacy #UnityInDiversity #HistoricalPride #CommunityStrength #ProgressiveHeritage #CelebratingDiversity #EconomicEmpowerment #CulturalResilience #FutureLeaders #SustainableSuccess #RootedInHistory #HistoricalLandmark #ProudTraditions 🌟🏡🌍

Carla Dartis, MSC's Executive Director, beautifully captures the essence of the Historic Clayborn Temple, describing it as "a living archive, a tangible reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that have shaped our collective journey toward justice." This powerful statement underscores the temple's role not just as a historical site, but as a source of inspiration and learning for all of us committed to equity and mutual understanding. The stories held within the temple's walls offer a profound look back at the challenges faced by those who came before us, while also highlighting their unyielding determination for a fairer world. It stands as a guiding light for our shared ambition to foster a society where inclusivity and justice prevail. 🔗 Delve deeper into the Clayborn Temple's pivotal role in our history and its enduring influence on our present and future. Read our feature here: https://lnkd.in/gXGj2kQB 💬 Join the conversation: how do historical landmarks like the Clayborn Temple shape your views on social justice and community solidarity? What can we learn from history to inform our path forward?

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we join millions across the nation in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. This day, also known as #FreedomDay or #EmancipationDay, is a celebration and reminder of resilience, liberation, and the enduring fight for justice and equality. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of all enslaved people, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. WHY JUNETEENTH MATTERS Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it is a call to action. It underscores the importance of acknowledging the past, understanding the systemic injustices that persist, and committing to the ongoing struggle for racial equity. For the construction industry, it is a time to reflect on our practices and policies to ensure they foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (#DEI). Learn more this October by registering for #ConstructionInclusionWeek https://bit.ly/CIW2024

Happy St George's Day everybody!! It's a warm and unifying feeling to feel or be a part of something. 🤗 But in a world which is increasingly defined by global connections, what does patriotism look like in our interconnected age? It's less about nationalistic passion and more about contributing positively to the community and the nation at large. Modern patriotism goes beyond flags and anthems; it's about being engaged citizens committed to improvement and inclusivity. From supporting local businesses to championing social causes, it's the everyday actions that foster a sense of solidarity and national pride. True patriotism is about striving for a country that upholds the values of justice, equality, and liberty for all its inhabitants. Despite our connections across the globe, the love for one's country can still burn bright. It is a point that does divide thought.....what do you think about Saints Days and patriotism? Does it still have a place and value in today's society? #Patriotism #Community #NationBuilding #StGeorge #Unity #NationalPride

In a quaint American town called Virginia, a diverse group converged to craft a large symbolic necklace, each bead telling a unique story of heritage. Through the shared act of creation, the participants found a newfound understanding of each other's cultures and backgrounds. Stories unfolded as beads of various origins intertwined, creating a rich narrative that transcended individual differences. The shared experience fostered empathy, building bridges of understanding among the participants. After completing necklace, the group discovered a powerful outcome – a community united by a better understanding of diverse backgrounds. Tolerance flourished, transforming the community into a more harmonious and accepting place. The necklace, once a collection of separate stories, now symbolised the collective strength that comes from embracing differences. As the symbolic necklace adorns the town library, it has became a beacon of hope and a reminder that in unity, there is resilience. The community, now knit together by shared experiences, embraced a brighter future where diversity was not only acknowledged but celebrated, demonstrating the profound impact of a simple act of creativity on fostering tolerance and acceptance. #O_O_O_O #positiveoutcomes #communitybuilding #togetherasone

What holds a nation together? In Kinsley, Kansas, there’s a sign that marks the midpoint of America. It’s 1,561 miles to New York and the same to San Francisco. The sign is simple, but I’ve always felt that it stands for something bigger. It shows that America is one, from coast to coast. The sign is still there, where highways 50 and 56 cross. It’s a reminder that the heartland is the backbone of the country, not just a place you fly over. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, living in St. Louis for 14.5 years felt like being in the center of America. From St. Louis, TWA flights connected both coasts and globally. You could feel the pulse of the nation. Same in Minneapolis MN, and Hudson in WI for the past 22.5 years. That sign in Kinsley was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1939. It linked Kinsley to the New York and San Francisco World’s Fairs. It wasn’t just a sign on the map. It was a sign of what America stands for. America is built on freedom, equality, and opportunity. These are not just words. They are the core of what makes this country strong. I moved to the U.S. in August 1978, and I respect these values deeply. Here, anyone can make something of themselves. It’s a place where your effort matters more than your background. The heartland keeps the country together, even when the coasts grab the headlines. That sign isn’t just a piece of history. It’s a reminder of what makes us one nation. The balance it represents is fragile. How do we keep that balance? How do we ensure our unity holds? In Kinsley, the answer might be simple. The sign is still there. Maybe that’s enough to remind us of what it means to be American. #america #balance #equality #freedom #geography #heartland #history #kinsley #opportunity #unity #values

Day 3 ✊🏿 Ujima (collective work and responsibility) underscores the imperative for communities to collaboratively address challenges, provide support, and foster a more cohesive and prosperous future. Unfortunately, these endeavors are frequently undermined or terminated by state entities. Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited (HARYOU) embodied Black collective work and responsibility, successfully enhancing opportunities for young Harlem residents. Yet, it faced an unceremonious defunding. Similarly, the Black Panther Party's free breakfast program, another example of this collective ethos, met the needs of the people. Regrettably, it was co-opted by the state, and disinformation, including false claims of poisoned and unsafe food, was disseminated to diminish its impact. The principle of Ujima underscores the necessity of concerted efforts to yield positive community outcomes. Recognizing that such initiatives have historically faced opposition and subversion, there is a compelling need to deliberately pool skills, perspectives, and resources. This collaborative approach builds power, fosters goal attainment, and cultivates community development. Achieving these objectives demands thoughtful, collective, and principled action. How are you actively incorporating the principles of Ujima in your communities? #kwanzaaprinciples #ujima #haryou #bpp #freefoodprogram #wethepeople #abolition #blackbostonians #wethenorth #blackliberation #blm #blacklivesmatter #blmboston

This week's #blackhistorymonth features focused on eminent domain as a means of Black Displacement. Historically, eminent domain orders overwhelmingly affected neighborhoods largely populated by Black residents. Therefore eminent domain orders would singlehandedly displace entire communities and populations of a city’s Black population. Click through or pause to learn more. Check the comments for organizations that support preservation and protection of historic spaces. #blackhistorymonth2024 | #blackhistory February 9, 2024