American Program Bureau’s Post

As a founding member of Change The Wealth, Juneteenth holds profound significance for me. It’s a day to reflect on the hard-won freedom of African Americans and recognize the ongoing struggles for true economic equality. Join us in honoring Juneteenth by learning, reflecting, and working towards a more equitable future that works for all Americans. #Juneteenth #EconomicEmpowerment #ChangeTheWealth “On this Juneteenth, ChangeTheWealth.org commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day marks a critical moment in the fight for equality. However, significant obstacles have continued to prevent wealth-building in Black communities. Promises like '40 Acres and a Mule' were broken, the Freedman's Bank, established to help freed slaves build financial security, failed and left many in financial ruin, and redlining systematically denied Black families the opportunity to own homes and build generational wealth. As we honor the past, ChangeTheWealth.org is dedicated to addressing these injustices and fostering economic empowerment for a more equitable future. #Juneteenth #EconomicEmpowerment #ChangeTheWealth”

Great reconnecting with fellow attorney, friend and advocate for justice, legal reforms, and equality, #SecondGentleman Doug Emhoff. While he's making waves in Washington, it's his California roots that keep him grounded, and our shared passion for progress that keeps our conversations lively. As a proud #UCLA alum, I couldn't resist reminding Doug, a #USC grad, about the age-old rivalry. Of course, in the spirit of friendly banter, I mentioned how I obviously went to the better school! Jokes aside, it's incredible how, despite our playful collegiate rivalry, our visions for a better world align perfectly. Our chat ventured into serious territories, like the vital need to combat hatred and end conflicts and wars in all its forms. We reflected on how embracing peace, diversity and fostering equality are not just noble pursuits but essential ones. While we might have our differences, Doug and I agree wholeheartedly that people everywhere deserve better – better opportunities, better access to resources, and a better future. This is where technology comes into play, a subject close to both our hearts. The transformative power of tech is undeniable. It's reshaping #healthcare, tackling #climatechange, revolutionizing #education, and redefining #foodproduction. It's about energizing economies and unlocking potentials we've yet to imagine. The Second Gentleman and I share a belief in the need to bridge the gap between governments and tech innovators. By working together, we can unleash this immense power to benefit people across the globe. As our coffee cups emptied, our resolve only grew stronger. Here's to harnessing technology for the greater good and to friendships that inspire change! #JusticeAndEquality #TechForGood #UCLABruins #USCTrojans #EmpoweringChange #WhiteHouse

The middle class has been the backbone of America's growth and innovation, serving as both the engine of economic expansion and the bedrock of democratic values. Emerging in the post-World War II era, this demographic fueled the nation’s rise through their unwavering commitment to hard work, education, and community involvement. As families moved to suburban neighborhoods, they not only contributed to the expansion of the housing market but also established vibrant local economies. Middle-class Americans became the primary consumers, driving demand for goods and services that spurred industrial growth, technological advancement, and the creation of countless jobs. This robust consumer base not only stabilized the economy but also fostered a culture of entrepreneurship, enabling small businesses to flourish and diversifying the nation’s economic landscape. Furthermore, the middle class has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and political fabric of the United States. Their pursuit of upward mobility has driven significant social change, championing civil rights, educational access, and healthcare reform. The middle class has advocated for policies that promote equity and opportunity, striving to ensure that the American Dream remains attainable for all. By participating in the democratic process, from grassroots movements to national elections, middle-class citizens have influenced legislation that upholds the principles of fairness and justice. In essence, the middle class has not only built America economically but has also cultivated a society that values inclusivity and progress, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines the nation.

Questions asked.... How do we break that norm? What should we be investing in at this very moment? How can we invest in a different way of thinking so we can actualize a different way of being? The work continues 🙏🏾

“For those companies that had integrated DEI into the way they do business, fundamentally, it’s marbled into the meat, so to speak. They’re not trying to change that.” - Ken Frazier And who doesn't love a good, marbled ribeye?! (Sorry, vegetarians!) DEI does not mean taking from some to give to other. DEI is means FOR ALL! Ken Frazier was the grandson of a man born into slavery. If you think for a moment that inequity doesn't still exist, just think about where his family started just one generation ago. I cannot begin to imagine the barriers Mr. Frazier faced as he rose to his role as CEO. But I do know that so many people in this country face barriers to access that go unseen by most. I grew up down a dirt road with no name outside of a town with a population of 400 people (ok, the street got a name when I was in elementary school). I had amazing teachers, support and financial security from my family, and the privilege of being white. But I went to college not knowing that summer internships exist much less how to obtain one. I didn't know how to choose a major or what really existed outside of things like teaching and healthcare. I only knew a fraction of the possibilities there were for me in the world. I think about what I might have achieved had I had the opportunities that some of my collegemates had. Still, I had a huge head start on many of my peers from home. The poverty level in the county is 33% higher than the national average and 132% higher than the county I currently live in. The opportunity for college does not exist for all. You have to know what colleges exist, where to apply, how to apply, PAY to apply, and more even before you are accepted. This process requires money, a computer, internet, a printer (well, 20+ years ago it required a printer). The point is, not everyone has access to even the most basic steps to obtaining a 4-year degree. Many other people are not aware of these challenges and the people facing these challenges are often not aware of the possibilities the world has for them. Going to college does not make you a qualified employee. It doesn't make you the smartest person in the room. There are smart, hardworking people that have been limited only by things out of their control. Organizations like One Ten are creating opportunities and redefining what qualified looks. Companies that support One Ten and their approach have DEI marbled into their business. It is these businesses that will change the world while reaping the benefits of a diverse workforce. (See Great Place To Work for data to support that statement! https://lnkd.in/dkeb2SN6) Check out One Ten and help spread the word - https://lnkd.in/dZ5YDW8C #OneTen #GPTW #ForALL

Sitting in the crowd earlier today going over the cue cards for our talk on The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It’s been an honor being a speaker here. The way we help make the world a better place is by helping people become better human beings. That is our life’s work. That is our mission. #DNC #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment #growthmindset

"The inequitable conditions we live in were not inevitable or driven by abstract, intangible forces, but are the result of direct choices that individuals and institutions made." ⬇️ Read the full interview of Corporate Accountability member Anna Mudd in our latest newsletter!

Attn: Youth Vision Nation Re: Youth Investing Madness Happy Friday! Excited for March Madness? Let’s channel and redirect that energy! Yes, we can leverage our collective action power to heal, hope, and dream. Intrigued? Get started today by visiting wokieweah.com Xplore & Xperience the joy of investing in the enterprise of youth. Accept our invitation to grow your investments, mingle with kindred spirits, discover what is trending in the field and color outside the lines. Just don’t be suprised if our intergenerational, innovative executive leadership team challenge you to follow your heart, center love, and continually chase the one thing your soul and spirit craves. We can’t help ourselves. That is what we do. This is a faith walk! Don’t overthink it, just do it. We highly recommend BIPOC/Low Income youth to help get those creative juices flowing. Drink up. Today is perfect for actualizingYouth Investing Madness and co-creating a world where everyone thrives. What are you waiting for? Let’s Go! #wokieweahllc #LIB #BIPOC #youthforachange

WARNING: High-potential teen change agents solving problems! Register for this live webinar to support tomorrow's leaders in solving today's problems. #leadership #teen #changeagent #publicpolicy

Join us tomorrow where we'll address the growing disillusionment among young people towards politics, explore how to reignite their passion for activism, and empower the next generation to drive impactful change. Book your spot now: 👇 https://thersa.co/3XYC2t6