Black Enterprise Women of Power’s Post

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

"Historically, Black Americans actively pursued home and land ownership as a symbol of liberation, self-reliance, and economic independence; however, as Black Americans migrated from the South to the North to pursue industrial jobs, the responsibility of the land and the long-range estate planning went largely unaddressed. Research reflects Black Americans lost 80% of land, rural and agricultural, acquired between 1907 and 2007 – significantly widening the wealth gap." - Houston Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas #heirsproperty #landloss #blacklandloss #cities #communites #wealthgap #racialwealthgap #communities #legacy #legacyplanning #housing #equitabledevelopment #blackcommunity

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

Here's the tea on what happened after #Juneteenth: Although General Order No. 3 was an important milestone, slavery didn't truly end that day. While it promised Black Texans equal rights, it also told them to stay on plantations as "employees." The formerly enslaved were encouraged to sign labor contracts with their former enslavers, leading to sharecropping — a system that often trapped Black folx in debt and poverty. Despite these challenges, freedpeople persisted during the Reconstruction period (1865-1874). They voted, organized, demanded fair wages, educated themselves, worshiped freely, and held political office. However, increasing violence and diminishing opportunities led many to establish their own communities, known as Freedman's Towns or Freedom Colonies. Between 1865 and 1930, over 500 Freedom Colonies were established across East Texas. These colonies provided safe havens where African Americans could reunite with loved ones and escape debt bondage and violence. One notable community was the Tenth Street Historic District in #Dallas, #Texas. The settlement expanded as freedpeople purchased lots and built beautiful bungalow and craftsman-style homes. This area became a hub for social, political, and economic organizing. Excluded from white society, families here created a vibrant world of their own. They built their own economy with Black-owned businesses providing essential services and social spaces. As the nation's largest and most-intact Freedman's Town, Tenth Street offers a rare view into Dallas's past and highlights the resilience of Black American communities everywhere. Our work continues to document, preserve, and amplify Tenth Street's rich history. We — along with our partners Remembering Black Dallas + Katie Cross — recently received Juneteenth coverage highlighting these efforts. Check it out here: * https://lnkd.in/gVYqXBuy * https://lnkd.in/g4NsSDmV * https://lnkd.in/gvdrzTKk * https://lnkd.in/gQUJHCX3 #FreedomColonies #BlackHistory #TenthStreet #Reconstruction #History #Preservation

Today, in honor if Juneteenth, we reflect upon how far we have come, how far we have yet to go, and how we can continue to advance the cause of freedom and justice across our communities and around the world. #juneteenth #werthwealthplanning

Preserving History Against All Odds: The Courageous Fight of Descendants to Save America’s Vanishing Historic Black Communities" For Black communities in the United States, a pressing question looms over the horizon: What does the future hold for these culturally rich enclaves?Daufuskie Island, a dwindling Gullah community in South Carolina, sheds light on a broader, national issue. NBC News examined. Descendants of these communities are battling against a tide of challenges including gentrification, legal hurdles, and socio-economic disparities. The survival of less than 30 incorporated historic Black towns out of an original 1,200 is a chilling reminder of what's at stake. Cultural Erosion: Without active preservation, we risk losing the rich cultural heritage embedded in these communities. The Gullah community,holds a unique linguistic and cultural identity that is irreplaceable. Socio-Economic Shifts: Analyzing trends we see, rising property taxes and development pressures will further displace long-standing residents, leading to a loss of community and support systems. Historical Loss: Erosion of these communities means a significant loss of historical context, essential for understanding the full narrative of American history. What Can Be Done? Community Initiatives: Grassroots movements and legal battles, like those on Daufuskie Island and St. Helena Island, are crucial. These efforts not only protect land but also preserve the community's autonomy and heritage. Policy Reforms: Addressing systemic issues such as unfair property appraisals and zoning laws that disproportionately affect these communities. Cultural Tourism & Education: Promoting and supporting cultural tourism is an opportunity to provide economic support while educating a wider audience about the significance of these communities. We must be intentional about preserving historic Black communities. It is not just about preserving the past; it’s about securing a future where cultural diversity and historical truth are valued and protected. Gillian Marcelle, PhD Jillian H. Dr. Susan Swayze UCLA PhD, Duke MBA Elizabeth Leiba Joe Ventrone Joe Cardillo Samantha Katz #blackstoriesmatter #blackhistory

On this Juneteenth, please consider or share your alignment to the following: Reflection is meaningful but action is necessary!!! It's time to show that we learn from history and demonstrate understanding that we know it is inappropriate to try and rewrite history. We must ensure that truth prevails and we must respond in kind by leaving a legacy of FORWARD and not BACKWARD movement for younger generations. Is this not OUR moral imperative? #forward; #Juneteenth; #DEI

🎉 Celebrating Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection 🎉 Today, we honor Juneteenth, a key milestone in American history symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice. On June 19, 1865, the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, ending slavery in the United States. This powerful day, Juneteenth, reminds us of the long journey to freedom and our continued pursuit of true equality. Juneteenth isn't just a historical milestone; it's a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true equality. Here’s how we can honor this day: 🔍 Educate and Reflect: Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth. Reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight against racial injustice. 🤝 Support Black Communities: Amplify Black voices and support Black-owned businesses. Invest in initiatives that promote equity and justice. 📚 Commit to Inclusion: Foster inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated. Encourage open dialogues about race and equality in your workplace and community. 💡 Take Action: Advocate for policies and practices that dismantle systemic racism. Use your platform to drive meaningful change. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and recommit to the pursuit of justice for all. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF #Juneteenth #BIPOC #DEI #FreedomDay #Equality #Inclusion #Diversity #Justice #BlackHistory #CelebrateDiversity #TogetherWeRise

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, received news of their liberation in 1865, two and a half years after the declaration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today is not just a commemoration of the past but a call to action for the present and future, and a time to reflect on the progress we've made and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. I encourage you to take a moment to educate yourself about its significance, support Black-owned businesses, participate in local events, and engage in conversations about racial justice. Let us listen, learn, and take meaningful actions to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.   I found the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, linked below, to be informative, and if you have any other resources or creators you'd like to share, please add them to the comments below. Together, we can honor this day by building a future rooted in understanding, unity, and equality.   Read more at https://lnkd.in/eNMwQqtJ

The significance of this day and its legacy is never lost on me as I continue to learn and work to be better. It's not just a day of celebration but a call to action for all of us. In marketing and media, I consider it a big responsibility to amplify diverse perspectives and invest in platforms that support this crucial dialogue. Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, is a reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black communities throughout history. Yet, despite these contributions, Black voices continue to be underrepresented and misrepresented in our culture and media. You don’t need to be too aware to see what research shows us, that Black Americans often face stereotypes in media portrayals, and their stories are frequently marginalized or overlooked entirely - even today. As marketers, we hold the power to reshape this narrative. By consciously investing in Black-owned media outlets and inclusive storytelling, we can help elevate these essential voices and foster a more equitable society. It's about more than just representation; it's about genuinely listening and reflecting diverse experiences in the work we do. Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture https://lnkd.in/ewYsmBsz. Let's all commit to being part of the change.