Aquent’s Post

For 27 years, Solid Ground was guided by the leadership and wisdom of Cheryl Cobbs Murphy: not only as Solid Ground's first Black leader, but also in rooting anti-racism in the foundation of our mission to end poverty. In recognition of Black History Month, we asked Cheryl how she came to understand that anti-racism was fundamental to our work at Solid Ground, and what she did to make sure the work was carried on long after she left. Read on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gWrRHnp9

Kicking off #BlackHistoryMonth with a focus on Black-led organizations and 5 ways allies can help, this month and EVERY month! #allyship #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth2024

I really really want people to read this. It speaks to a lot of what I’ve seen in the field and how our communal relationship to power is failing us. We need plans for supporting Black women, femme, trans, and non-binary leaders in the field for when the inevitable revolt happens in or outside their institutions to their leadership. We need to develop better discernment around what is accountability and what is anti-Blackness. If we do that, we learn the lessons for how everyone else needs to be treated. We have to have a power analysis. We have to have systems for accountability that are more robust than removal. We have to create room. We miss out on so much visionary leadership because we don’t. These scenarios are of course happening to women, femmes, trans, and non-binary leaders of color in all communities but the brutality of the way it happens to Black women, it is unmatched. Here is the thing, no one is uniquely incorruptible. I do believe so many leaders have abused their power. I have watched that abuse up close, twice, in the last three years. We have to be able to do something about that. But it isn’t always that and we jump their first. https://lnkd.in/eW7xt8aV

When we dig into the transformative power of Black philanthropy, it becomes an invaluable roadmap for reshaping our approach to giving. 🌍 It's a call to move from traditional top-down, donor-led models to a community-led paradigm. To amplify voices, shift decision-making to those closest to the challenges, and forge partnerships that have true impact. 🌀 Black philanthropy is more than a gesture; it's a participatory practice, a global movement of giving deeply rooted in community-led models. It's about recognizing that the best solutions come from those who intimately understand the challenges. Community-led collaboratives are the necessary bridge that connects those with a desire to make a positive impact with the experience needed to make it happen. ✨ Let Black philanthropy guide us towards inclusivity, shared decision-making, and a future where community leaders drive the change we seek. 🙌🏽 🙌🏾 🙌🏿 #philanthropy #communityled

Martin Luther King Jr.'s participation in the events that took place in Chicago in 1966 aimed to address the issue of economic injustice, specifically focusing on the disparities that affected minority communities. The Chicago Freedom Movement, led by King, aimed to confront both racial and economic inequalities by targeting various issues such as housing discrimination, educational disparities, and economic injustice. King advocated for fair employment opportunities, higher wages, and improved economic conditions for African Americans residing in Chicago. In the wake of the deaths of George Floyd and Elijah McClain, we are still grappling with the long-lasting impact of systemic racism which continues to hinder economic opportunities for minority communities. Denver, in particular, faces unique challenges when it comes to economic injustice. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, although 10% of Denver's population identifies as Black or African-American, only 1.4% of businesses in the city are Black-owned. Denver struggles with income inequality, affordable housing, and restricted access to economic resources. The work of Martin Luther King Jr. shed light on the need for comprehensive policies to address economic injustice. This theme remains relevant. It is crucial to prioritize community-driven initiatives and advocacy to create a more just and equitable economic landscape for minority communities. One of the reasons why I continue to invest in Denver is because the city is constantly progressing and striving for improvement. Since returning to Denver in 2007, there has been a continuous presence of construction cranes. It is exciting to see cranes rising in Montbello after decades, bringing affordable housing, new retail spaces, and revitalization to Montbello High School. Despite the significant lack of ownership, representation, management, and accessible support for African American business owners in Metro Denver, there is still hope for positive change. I have witnessed the efforts of various community organizations that work tirelessly to address economic disparities and promote inclusive economic growth. They would make MLK proud. I want to honor their work by listing them below: Access Mode African Leadership Group African-American Trade Association Athletics & Beyond BIPOC Economic Success Trust Black Business Initiative Black Resilience in Colorado Fund Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver BreakThrough Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center CABPES Center for African American Health Colorado Black Round Table Colorado Futuretek Common Future CrossPurpose Crowley Foundation Denver Scholarship Foundation Ednium Energize Colorado Green Spaces Higher Learning U / AAYLS Metro DEEP Montbello Organizing Committee NAACP Porter-Billups Leadership Academy RTL Foundation Sims-Fayola Foundation SistahBiz SparqU Struggle of Love Foundation The Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Working Within YAASPA

Backlash against DEI work is happening across industries. With major DEI budget cuts and the elimination of equity promoting policies, the tangible impact on individuals and organizations has been clear. What has been less clear is a collective understanding of the contributing factors that have enabled such rapid backlash against genuine organizational change. One such factor is the deeply ingrained racial stereotypes that often influence institutions’ DEI resourcing strategies. Thank you, Donita Volkwijn, for this insightful and important analysis of how DEI roles can echo the “Magical Negro” trope in philanthropy. #DEI #CSR #philanthropy #racialequity #circleofchange

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of Black Americans throughout history. But it's also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equity, including in housing. For generations, Black communities have faced systemic barriers to fair and affordable housing. From redlining to discriminatory lending practices, these policies have created a deep wealth gap and limited opportunities for Black families. The impact of this legacy ripples through generations. As a non-profit affordable housing developer and property manager, HODC is committed to being part of the solution. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. Here's how we're working towards that goal: - Developing quality, affordable housing units in neighborhoods with access to opportunity. - Partnering with community organizations to empower residents in living their best lives. This Black History Month, let's recommit to building a future where everyone has the chance to succeed. Let's continue to invest in affordable housing that strengthens communities and opens doors for all. #HODC #AffordableHousing #SupportiveHousing #IllinoisHousing #Housing #Illinois #BlackHistoryMonth #HousingJustice #CommunityBuilding #Empowerment

Once celebrated as a beacon of opportunity and cultural vibrancy, Atlanta's landscape has undergone profound transformations over several decades, reshaping the very essence of historical Black communities such as Summerhill, and, completely erasing neighborhoods like Lightning and Johnsontown. Today, as Atlanta’s growth surges across the city, affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Regrettably, this evolution has contributed to a stark reality: a disproportionate number of Black people experiencing homelessness. Currently, Black people represent nearly 83% of Atlanta's unhoused population. As we navigate this nuanced terrain, it's imperative that we acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate community organizations, especially those led by Black leaders, who are dedicated to combatting homelessness in Atlanta. Through our collective efforts, we strive to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring, with special attention paid to Black Atlantans and other historically excluded populations. To learn more about how we plan to achieve this, check out the section of our strategic plan that outlines our culture goals: https://rebrand.ly/wxcwzxz #BlackHistoryMonth #endhomelessness #culturegoals

For Brisa L. Johnson and San Diego Black Worker Center, building a community of civically engaged Black workers in the city is about one thing: relationships. The center hosts several programs that reflect their belief in deep and ongoing community engagement, including focus groups with specific groups of workers (such as working mothers) to get a better sense of their needs and concerns. Brisa shares more about how the center fosters civic engagement and the importance of long-term, flexible funding from #philanthropy in this blog post: https://irvine.ly/4dExTAC 

🌟 Rising Together: Honoring George Floyd's Legacy Through the Transformative Power of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 🌟 It's been four years since George Floyd's murder, an event that shook the world and ignited a movement for social justice. In my latest article, I explore how this pivotal moment has transformed our workplaces and society, driving a deeper commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). 🔍 Sneak Peek: - Discover the impact of George Floyd's legacy on corporate and non-profit DEI initiatives. - Learn about the challenges and successes in DEI programs across various industries. - Understand the crucial steps organizations must take to ensure DEI is not just a buzzword but a fundamental part of their mission. - Get insights from my experiences leading DEI efforts and bridging gaps in various sectors. Join me as we reflect on the progress we've made, the challenges we face, and the actions we must take to build a more equitable future for all. #RisingTogether #GeorgeFloyd #DEI #SocialJustice #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Leadership #CorporateResponsibility #WorkplaceInclusion #Transformation #Accountability #DEIImpact #Progress #FutureOfWork