Autumn Brennan’s Post

There’s a few more days left for Black History Month. I’ve been thinking a lot this month about how the rights of the Asian community in the US (which I am a part of) was built on the backs of Black civil rights leaders. Fellow Asian community members, we need to step up our game when it comes to amplifying other marginalized community members. Racism is part of our lived experience, so we understand it, but we also have access to spaces that other marginalized folks don’t. We have the power and privilege – let’s use it wisely. We don’t use it nearly enough.   We owe it to Black leaders who paved the way for our own rights to confront anti-Blackness in our own communities and show up for Black folks when it comes to pushing back against systemic racism. And the thing is we’re stronger when we fight against oppressive systems together. Saamiya Seraj, Ph.D and I are hosting a workshop on this topic tomorrow in collaboration with Asian Family Support Services of Austin. It’s free! Come join us if you want to learn about how to be in solidarity with Black folks and uproot Anti-Blackness in your communities. Link to the workshop in the comments.

On this year's Black History Month it’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, and remember how much we still must do. It’s an honor to remember all the great Black heroes, achievers, and victories. We must never let society sideline the incredible history and impact that the Black community has had on our society and the world at large- often without acknowledgement. We must also look at the racism of today dead in the face and fight against it. We must push for equality, equity, and give voice to the voiceless. Injustices continue to occur in all facets of life. From business, to education, to the legal realm the Black community continues to find themselves disenfranchised. It is our duty to speak up whenever we see these injustices, to not allow silence or apathy, and to create a better world. Black History Month therefore, is a time of coming together to celebrate our diversity and love for one another, but also to look at what else must be done to ensure a prosperous and equal future. #blackhistorymonth

On this year's Black History Month it’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, and remember how much we still must do. It’s an honor to remember all the great Black heroes, achievers, and victories. We must never let society sideline the incredible history and impact that the Black community has had on our society and the world at large- often without acknowledgement. We must also look at the racism of today dead in the face and fight against it. We must push for equality, equity, and give voice to the voiceless. Injustices continue to occur in all facets of life. From business, to education, to the legal realm the Black community continues to find themselves disenfranchised. It is our duty to speak up whenever we see these injustices, to not allow silence or apathy, and to create a better world. Black History Month therefore, is a time of coming together to celebrate our diversity and love for one another, but also to look at what else must be done to ensure a prosperous and equal future. #blackhistorymonth

Black History Month, observed in February, originated from the pioneering work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Black historian who sought to highlight the contributions of Black Americans often overlooked in history books. Established in 1926 as "Negro History Week," it expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976. The history of Black Americans is woven with strength, resilience, and accomplishments, despite facing centuries of systemic racism and adversity. From the harsh realities of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to the ongoing police brutality and beyond, Black individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping the cultural, social, and political landscape of the United States. At KIPP Capital, we believe in the power of education to inspire understanding and dismantle stereotypes. As we honor Black History Month, we engage in meaningful conversations about the struggles Black communities have faced and continue to endure today. While this month serves as a reminder to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and amplify Black History– it is important to note that the acknowledgement and celebration of Black History, Black Voices, and Black Excellence is not limited to February. #KIPPCapital #BlackHistoryMonth

February marks the beginning of a special time of remembrance and reflection. As Black History Month kicks off, I invite you all to join us in honoring African Americans' indelible impact and influence today and through the ages. This month is about so much more than achievements alone - it is a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and courage in the face of immense adversity. From revolutionaries who fought tirelessly for equality and justice to brilliant scientific minds who pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, the contributions of the Black community span all areas of life and culture. Though discrimination and its ugly echoes still persist, taking time to educate ourselves on Black history gives us insights into how far we've come as a society. It also reminds us of the work still left to be done in championing diversity, empowerment, and true unity. As Dr. King said, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. So, let compassion and understanding guide us in the weeks ahead. Learn about inspiring figures like Shirley Chisholm, Benjamin Banneker, or Frederick Douglass. Support Black-owned businesses and amplify Black voices. Notable Black advisors and wealth managers, including William Huston, Ekenna Anya-Gafu, Mellody Hobson, Chris Browning, Patrice Washington, Dasarte Yarnway, and Elizabeth Salas Evans. Most of all, honor the legacy of leadership through non-violence by continuing the vital conversations around racial equity.

💫 Honoring Black History Month! 💫 This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and within our communities today. Black history is embedded into the fabric of our society. It is not just about the struggles of our past—it's also about the present and the future. It's celebrating Black contributions to government, science, art, culture - the list goes on. It’s esteeming Black leaders and intellectuals, Black families and children, and Black businesses. And, it's recognizing the ongoing struggle for justice and working together to create a more  equitable world. Here are 3 ways to take action: 💡Learn: Educate yourself on the multiplicity of cultural practices, values,  and perspectives within the Black c ommunity. The Black community is not a monolith. There is so much diversity within it! 👂🏾Listen: Actively listen to the lived experiences of Black friends, community members, and colleagues. Listening with the desire to understand is an important step in allyship. 🔁 Reflection: Reflect on and confront biases. Have conversations about race and racism and unpack your own racial positionality. As we celebrate this month, let's commit to taking meaningful action, learning, listening, and reflecting authentically. Together, we can build a more humanizing future. #BlackHistoryMonth #Diversity #Equity #Justice #Celebration #Unity #Community

As we bid farewell to Black History Month, let’s reflect on the power of knowledge. While February is almost over, our continuous learning and allyship doesn’t have to be. Here are a few ways to actively support and engage beyond Black History Month: Learn and Educate: Explore Black history beyond societal narratives. Read books, watch documentaries, and engage with educational resources. Acknowledge and Amplify: Celebrate Black achievements. Share their stories, art, and accomplishments. Engage in Allyship: Listen to diverse voices. Stand against racism and discrimination and foster a more inclusive community. Together, we contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world. #Crayon #blackhistorymonth2024

Black History Month • This February is #BlackHistoryMonth, & we’re celebrating the voices & achievements of past, current, and future Black leaders & changemakers. Join our efforts this month by learning how #MentoringAmplifies inclusion and racial equity tinyurl.com/peym5479 • As we enter #BlackHistoryMonth, let’s commit to educating ourselves about the journeys, struggles, & sacrifices that have shaped our history and the Black communities of this nation. Continue learning with our resources tinyurl.com/peym5479 #MentoringAmplifies • How will you celebrate the rich tapestry that Black culture has weaved through time? This #BlackHistoryMonth, you can commit to elevating the countless voices of the past and present and continue forging inclusive & respectful relationships. #MentoringAmplifies • This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re elevating stories of mentorship from Black communities to bring light to how #MentoringAmplifies representation and inclusion. Share your experiences with us tinyurl.com/5n7pdaae. • As we come to the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, let us not only recognize its significance, but also its symbolism in acting as a reminder to continuously strive for greater equity, every day. #MentoringAmplifies

I hope you all had a wonderfully extra long Black History Month this year! Here are some reflective thoughts on why Black Lives Matter. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼 Everyone has blind spots. How we deal with these blind spots, behave and choose to move through the world matters. How we talk and celebrate each other matters. How we show up for ourselves and village matters. How we consistently engage with our blind spots matters. How we show up for ourselves and our brothers and sisters from different walks of life matters. How we speak about their experiences in their presence and when not in their presence matters. How we systematically practice sharing love, joy and opportunities with historically underrepresented and marginalized communities matters. How we advocate, prioritize and amplify voices different than ourselves matters. How white people show their love and support for the diverse melting pot of culture, people and talent in this country matters. How white people respond to our American brothers and sisters unique struggles matters. Black Lives Matter is about emphasizing value and inclusive power for the unique talent and experiences that comes with the African-American Diaspora. When people respond with their own reactivity they wash over priceless perspective while refocusing conversational attention to external privilege feelings. This pattern comes across as juvenile and often racing defenses disable them from listening to black history, beauty and talent while doubling down in their own toxic xenophobic bias. Wishing you much Black History empowerment, culture and peace today and everyday! ✌🏿✌🏾✌🏽✌🏼