Blanchard House Institute’s Post

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., MICEO is highlighting his efforts to create a more equitable life for black Americans. Dr. King was quoted as saying “Our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality.” Some fifty-plus years later, the United States is still woefully short on creating economic equality. Per the Department of the Treasury, the median income for Black American families was 67.9% of that of the average American family in 2020. MICEO is proud to work to correct this inequality through its W.K. Kellogg Foundation - supported project focused on creating employee ownership opportunities in Grand Rapids area black neighborhoods. The project seeks to assist businesses that employ black community members to pursue employee ownership as an exit strategy. A successful ownership transfer would provide the new employee-owners with improved income opportunities, an equity stake in the business, and a greater voice in the company operations. This, we hope, will start narrowing the income and wealth gap for Black American communities as envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. more than half a century ago. #martinlutherkingjr #employeeownership #Michigan

something to think about. a very practical and pragmatic man.

The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., called on societal leaders to break down the structural barriers – such as unequal access to education and healthcare – that prevent Black people from enjoying the same health outcomes as Whites. Yet many barriers remain, and deeply affect people living with schizophrenia. Both Black and Latinx patients with psychosis are under-prescribed antipsychotic medications, are less likely to receive newer antipsychotic medicines and are at increased risk of being prescribed inappropriately high medication doses. We advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to mental health resources for all people across all communities, including policies that support timely detection of psychotic symptoms, early intervention and equitable treatment. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKnMV5hV

Join us at Merriment Social for Policy in a Pub on June 10 starting at 5:00 PM! The program will feature our President & CEO Kevin Giglinto in discussion with Gregory M. W., a senior VP at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on how collaboration could improve among arts groups, and what role civic leaders might play in its future direction. More information can be found below!

Today we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Martin Luther King Jr. was a proponent of collaborative efforts to achieve civil rights and equality. He believed that partnerships, whether between individuals, organizations, or communities, similarly involve working together towards shared goals, combining resources, and leveraging collective strengths. In observance for Dr King's legacy, The Black Friday Network acknowledges the idea that positive change and progress are best achieved through collaborative efforts, focused on the principles of justice, equality (and equity), and respect for all individuals. Our partnership with Risk Placement Services (RPS) for the Black Friday - Charlotte event is representation of those collaborative efforts. The objective of Black Friday is to provide equal and equitable opportunities to Black Agents and Agency Owners that have experienced injustice in some form or fashion as they pursue direct access to capacity, captial or consultative resources. The "Path to Growth" initiative is our shared commitment to creating positive change. Change that will address the systemic issues preventing Black-owned agencies from growing and scaling. The change that will allow Black agents to advocate for the marginalized communities that they serve. The change that will promote fairness and inclusivity in the insurance industry. Join us at Black Friday in Charlotte for an event that goes beyond #networking to #solidarity and beyond #awareness to #action. We appreciate Risk Placement Services for their partnership and their commitment. We will make Black Friday Charlotte the most impactful yet! 📅 Friday, February 9, 2024 🕘 9:00a - 5:30p est 📍 Selective Insurance - Southern Regional Offices, 6210 Ardrey Kell Rd, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28277 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eYQb3nCu #RPS #BlackFridayCharlotte #insurance #insuranceindustry #BlackFriday #insuranceagents #TheBlackFridayNetwork #insuranceprofessionals #TBFN

Join the Coalition4Justice as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (1/15/24), and the National Day of Racial Healing (1/16/24).  Click on the link below to register. https://lnkd.in/efuums2g "RACIAL HEALING: How Can We Create A Culture Of Belonging In The US?"  Do not miss this Reflection, Discussion, and Learning about race relations, and black American struggles for Inclusion, Equity and Justice in the United States, as well as a call for ACTION.

When establishing the values of Zee Connects, Zenovia Nwosu made it a high priority to engage in service both institutionally and individually. The season from Martin Luther King Day and throughout February, Black History Month, is evidence of what service looks like in action. We do not collectively reflect because of mere lip service. The ability to imagine and execute a better world is what ministers to the needs of humanity.  During a recent panel with talented artists, it became clear that these creatives are working to illustrate a picture in this world that does not materially exist. In a way, they are helping others to enhance their lives whether they have yet realized there is a need or not. Now, imagine yourself holding the tools of your artistry. What visions are you willing to share with others? The term ‘creative’ has often been bound to certain attributes and expressions, but I submit to you that creative is showing up in your area of genius and refining that world with your influence. Strategically using one’s skills, talents, and gifts to be of service to others. It is without question that Maya Angelou’s creative abilities with pen, paper, and voice have transcended generations and audiences. Her poems tell the stories of countless people. I remember my grandmother and great aunts quoting the lines to Phenomenal Woman with such pride, I would have thought they co-penned the poem. Why? This story was intertwined with parts of their story. In essence, Ms. Angelou wrote an eloquent story that served as a powerful voice of liberty and pride – rising in beauty and power despite the trials of life. Another creative mind is attorney turned businessman, Reggie Lewis. Reggie Lewis had unparalleled success as a self-trained business icon defying the odds and participating in business on the highest level. His story has inspired countless others who aspire to put their mark on the marketplace and reimagine what business ownership looks like. During this time of year, we remember the legacies of men and women like the above-mentioned who gave so much to the fabric of history. How will we respond? The Creatives who championed education, storytelling, and business gave us a baton of service. Now, we have work to do. Created to Serve https://lnkd.in/dJkUyhzn

Connect the world to all learners with literacy. Language and vocabulary are the keys to literacy.

We all know the iconic words "I have a dream" from MLKs speech delivered 60 years ago. But do you know the whole speech? As an ally to my black colleagues and community this MLK day I encourage everyone to take the 6 minutes it takes to listen to one of the most powerful speeches ever given. It is both a measure of how far we have come and how far we still have to go and is every bit as relevant today as it was then. https://lnkd.in/dprefdDb