Ashani Mfuko (She/Her)’s Post

This Black History Month, we renew our commitment to racial equity and inclusion. By awakening awareness in ourselves and those around us, we believe we can cultivate a generation of service superstars who are equipped to challenge their own bias, engage with uncomfortable truths, and advocate relentlessly for justice. If the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, it may be only because of the hard work of generations of activists, leaders, and communities…which means progress relies on the next generation continuing to work hard to bend the arc once more. Learn more about our values: https://lnkd.in/ekuSy4F8 - Ryan & Thomas Growney SG’24 #NewServiceAcademy Image description: Against a dark blue background, a white box displays the words "We Center Justice," echoed by receding layers of the same sentence, copied, which fade into transparency at the back of the white box. Behind the white box, the words "Youth Service" are repeated over and over horizontally, in an orange Varsity/Letterman-style font.

Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to ask ourselves and each other challenging questions about addressing racial barriers and inequity today. What silencing do you witness in your daily life? How can we amplify marginalized voices? Can you take a small action today that will help fuel racial justice? Share your insights in the comments, or reach out to us directly: https://lnkd.in/esidyDdd - Ryan & Thomas Growney SG’24 #NewServiceAcademy Image description: The words "How do we lift every voice?" against a field of blue pennants.

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month: Spotlighting Black Psychologists 🌟 Throughout this Black History Month, I am thrilled to showcase the contributions of Black psychologists who have paved the way for progress. Our journey begins with Drs. Kenneth & Mamie Clark, whose groundbreaking "doll test" study, shattered misconceptions about racial identity and equality. They revealed the profound impact of segregation and discrimination on Black children's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. The Clark's research played a pivotal role in the historic Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case in 1954, leading to the desegregation of U.S. public schools. It demonstrated that segregated schools were not only legally unequal but also had devastating psychological effects on Black children. Their work inspired generations of psychologists and activists to confront issues of racism and inequality head-on. Today, we continue to build on their foundation, striving for a more equitable and inclusive world. Join me in honoring Drs. Kenneth & Mamie Clark and reflecting on their enduring impact. Together, we celebrate these pioneers and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future. *Photo Credit - American Psychological Association #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackPsychologists #Trailblazers #InclusionMatters

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DO #2 If you are a white person, with a Black partner or child (or who loves to date Black people)… DO RECOGNIZE YOUR OBLIGATION TO INVEST IN ANTI-RACISM EDUCATION! It is NOT optional, it is your OBLIGATION and RESPONSIBILITY! PERIOD! YES, you can be racist AND have a Black partner, child, friend, or family member! Invest in anti-racism education today to learn how and why, and start unlearning the white supremacy culture programming you’ve been taught, for your entire life. Here are some options to get you started on your journey: - Sign up for my 14-Day Anti-Racist Journaling Challenge. - Get my Anti-Racist Action Plan and Digital Journal. - Join my Patreon community. - Register for my IN-PERSON, Anti-Racist Conversations Confidence Challenge Workshop, in New York City. Link in the comments below. #antiracismschoolisinsession #blackhistory365 #diversityequityinclusion #dei #socialjustice #education #workculture #womenleaders #blacklinkedin

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DON’T #9 DON’T PRETEND TO BE AN EXPERT ON ANTI-BLACK RACISM, IF YOU ARE NOT BLACK! Now there’s some nuance here that you should be aware of. Black people are not a monolith, and there ARE Black people (and other people of color), who are agents of white supremacy, and uphold the lie of white supremacy culture. That being said, if you are white, PLEASE do MORE ACTIVE LISTENING to, and BELIEVING Black people, when we talk about being the target of anti-Black racism, and systemic racism, than talking. Focus on the rule, NOT the exception. If you’d like some guidance and support on managing your uncomfortable thoughts and emotions about white supremacy culture, and anti-Black racism, join my 14-Day Anti-Racist Journaling Challenge today! Link in the comments below. If you would like to send me a tip to say, “Thank you for your labor, and the free, daily education!”: Venmo, Ashani-Mfuko CashApp - $AshaniMfuko PayPal - Link in the comments below. #antiracismschoolisinsession #blackhistory365 #diversityequityinclusion #dei #socialjustice #education #workculture #womenleaders #blacklinkedin

Did you know systemic racism not only hinders the progress of African American communities but also holds back our entire society? 🤔 Let's dive deeper this Black History Month. Systemic racism is like a hidden force, subtly embedded in our institutions, culture, and everyday interactions. It's not just about individual prejudices but about how our systems—education, justice, healthcare, and employment—create and perpetuate inequalities. The impact? Limited opportunities, widened disparities, and a cycle of disadvantage for Black communities that ripple out, affecting us all. But here's a ray of hope ✨: Understanding is the first step towards change. By recognizing and addressing these systemic barriers, we can create a more inclusive workplace and society. So, what can we do as allies and learners? Start by listening—truly listening—to the experiences and voices of Black colleagues. Educate ourselves on the history and ongoing effects of systemic racism. And most importantly, take action. Whether it's advocating for fair policies, supporting Black-owned businesses, or simply amplifying marginalized voices, every step counts. Let's challenge ourselves this week: Engage in a conversation about systemic racism with someone from a different background. It might be uncomfortable, but growth often is. What will you do to be part of the change? 🌱 #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #BeTheChange #SystemicRacism #PathwaysToChange #AllyshipInAction

Celebrating Black History Month: “The Grift” by Clay Cane - A Must-Read on Advocacy and Policy Engagement As we continue to honor Black History Month, today’s book feature, “The Grift” by Clay Cane, is an essential read for professionals interested in the intersection of political history, cultural analysis, and advocacy. This book provides a nuanced exploration of Black Republicanism, charting its journey from the balanced critique and community-building ethos of post-Civil War America to the present day. Clay Cane’s work is particularly relevant for those of us committed to Advocacy and Policy Engagement, one of the eight facets of freedom highlighted by Black Web Street. “The Grift” challenges us to reconsider the roles and responsibilities of Black figures in positions of political power and the impact of their decisions on Black and brown communities. By examining the trajectory of Black Republicanism, from its revolutionary roots to its manifestations in today’s political landscape, Cane encourages a critical dialogue on the importance of genuine representation and the need for policies that truly liberate and uplift. As professionals, we have the opportunity to influence and engage with policy in ways that can drive meaningful change. “The Grift” serves as a reminder of the complexities of political identity and the urgent need for informed, principled advocacy in shaping our collective future. I encourage my network to read “The Grift” and join the conversation on how we can actively contribute to building thriving, empowered communities through thoughtful advocacy and policy engagement. Let’s use this Black History Month to commit to a future of informed action and engagement. #BlackHistoryMonth #TheGrift #Advocacy #PolicyEngagement #BlackWebStreet #Leadership

February provides a time to reflect on the immense contributions of Black Americans throughout history and their ongoing fight for equality and justice. At Berrett Koehler, we believe the celebration goes beyond a single month; it's a commitment to amplifying diverse voices year-round.   This month, we encourage you to explore the rich tapestry of Black experiences through powerful reads that delve into diversity, equity, and inclusion through these three books. 👉🏽 Subtle Acts of Exclusion, Second Edition by Dr. Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran, PhD Overt discrimination is relatively easy to spot. But the less obvious but more common actions that make people feel left out or stigmatized in our workplaces, commonly called microaggressions, can be hard to identify and even harder to deal with. 👉🏽 Race Rules by Fatimah Gilliam What if there were a set of rules to educate people against race-based social faux pas that damage relationships, perpetuate racist stereotypes, and harm people of color? This book provides just that in an effort to slow the malignant domino effect of race-based ignorance in American communities and workplaces to help address the vestiges of our nation’s racist past. 👉🏽 Emotional Justice by Esther A. Armah It is time for an emotional reckoning on our path to racial healing, sustainable equity, and the future of DEI. Here’s the tool to help us navigate it. - #BlackHistoryMonth #BKAuthor #AuthorSpotlight #DEIJ #BlackVoicesMatter #CelebrateBlackAuthors #BerrettKoehler

Imagine, shackles broken, yet no land, no capital, no safety net. Imagine navigating a system rigged against you, where "equal" meant separate and unequal. That was the reality of Reconstruction, a period often painted as a rosy utopia, but marred by broken promises and systemic barriers. Fast forward to today. The echoes of slavery reverberate in the wealth gap, the education gap, the incarceration rates. We celebrate Black excellence, but the playing field remains uneven. Is that true equality? It's uncomfortable, yes. But ignoring the past, the present struggle, is a disservice to the heroes who paved the way. This Black History Month, let's be honest: Honest about the legacy of slavery: Its impact isn't confined to history books; it's woven into the fabric of our society. Honest about the systemic barriers: From redlining to implicit bias, these hurdles hold back Black potential. Honest about our own biases: We all have them, but acknowledging them is the first step to dismantling them. The call to action isn't just for February. It's for every day. We must: Educate ourselves: Read, listen, learn from Black voices, and challenge our own assumptions. Build economic equity: Create more initiatives like OneTen. And pay reparations (no more studies/research). Advocate for change: Speak up against injustices, support policies that dismantle systemic barriers, and hold ourselves and others accountable. Remember, true freedom isn't just the absence of chains; it's the dismantling of the systems that perpetuate them. Let's make this Black History Month a catalyst for real change, not just a performative gesture. #BlackHistoryMonth #BeyondFreedom #CallToAction #EqualityMatters P.S. Share your thoughts, your experiences, your call to action in the comments. Let's keep the conversation going.

This Juneteenth, I am taking time to learn! I am celebrating the day as a symbol of a significant milestone in American history and considering what can be done to continue to improve our country's legacy. Reading the Harvard Business Review article “How Your Organization Can Recognize Juneteenth” was a joy and such a helpful resource for information. Here are my key takeaways on how we can honor Juneteenth in the workplace: Educate and Reflect: Share the history of Juneteenth and foster open conversations within teams. Promote Equity: Use this day to evaluate and strengthen DEI initiatives, supporting Black professionals and building partnerships with HBCUs. Active Commemoration: Engage in learning activities and support Black-owned businesses. Celebrate Intersectionality: Recognize and celebrate the diverse identities within our workplace to create an inclusive environment for all. By making Juneteenth a day of education and action, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable workplace. I hope we all use this opportunity to learn, reflect, and drive meaningful change together! https://lnkd.in/gKghaRx8