Danielle Arceneaux’s Post

(modern) slavery is not only one colour/ one gender though, PM

You want to know what happens when you put Black women in positions of Power without addressing the systems of oppression and racism in which they navigate? Claudine Gay. In these positions we have responsibility, but rarely do we have Authority and true support. We may have allies who show up when it’s aesthetically pleasing or self serving. But in times of conflict, we rarely have accomplices who are willing to do what’s right. To disrupt systems, policies, and narratives they benefit from. The closed door support means NOTHING! Why am I only talking about Black women when it happens to others? Let’s not forget, in order to get in these positions where we are the FIRST and ONLY (which is often unsafe for us), we have endured and navigated terrian you couldn’t imagined. We’ve out performed, out produced and sacrificed far more than our predecessors…only to sit under a lens of zero tolerance and scrutiny. When I say I specialize in organizational wellness THIS is why. This is trauma and organizations and institutions have a role in dismantling the systems that maintain it.

Rest, Joy, Ease, and Thriving Aren't Luxuries—They Are Our Birthright. ~ Rachel Cargle In leadership, prioritizing rest and care isn’t just an act of self-preservation—it’s an act of resistance and survival. For Black women, who are often leading in systems not designed for our well-being, reclaiming rest, joy, and ease is essential. Studies suggest that engaging in intentional self-care can improve both mental and physical well-being, allowing us to thrive, not just survive, in our professional lives. Prioritizing care is an act of resistance, allowing Black women to reclaim our time, bodies, and mental well-being. Let’s lead from a place of wholeness, knowing that thriving is our birthright. https://lnkd.in/gEXzt8Uh

Enough ! beyond appalled. How is it that we are not all completely outraged by the blatant and horrific attacks on outstanding and devoted Black women like Diane Abbott? Here we are yet again, having to take to social media to call out and hold to account those who are shameless and sit cozy in their hateful misognoir against Black women, thinking they can spew such disgraceful and dangerous statements without consequences. So-called "apologies" that pop up only after they've been caught and called out are meaningless. These expose merely disingenuous self-serving cover-ups, adding insult to the deep and real injury they've caused. The fact that these vile attitudes often go unchallenged speaks volumes about a society that continues to demean, suppress, and harm Black women and girls. It's a stark reflection of where we stand, and how far we have to go. The damage inflicted on mental health and well-being can be deep and should never be overlooked. Enough is enough. Stop attacking, attempting to silence and stifle Black women and girls. Understanding real change is not that complicated, but, it's a tough shift for many to grasp. It starts with giving Black women the respect, support, and protection they deserve. This means listening to and believing their experiences. And it involves promoting Black women into significant roles where they can make a real difference. It's now we need to acknowledge the immense power, value and incredible contributions of Black women. Credit: Photo by Misan Harriman for British Vogue

Reflecting on Dr. Antoinette "Bonnie" Candia-Bailey's story and its broader implications, it's a stark reminder of the systemic failures that disproportionately affect Black women across the globe. This reflection is not just about acknowledging the pain and struggles but also about recognises the resilience and the fight against these injustices. Dr. Candia-Bailey's experience underscores the critical need for genuine policy changes and a shift in organisational cultures that currently prioritise self-preservation over the well-being of individuals, especially those from marginalised communities. The fact that Black women are often at greater risk in these flawed systems, where their voices are marginalised and their well-being is compromised, calls for a collective reckoning and action. It's about the loss of what Dr. Candia-Bailey represents: a beacon of hope, intelligence, and leadership for many Black women and an example of what is at stake when systems fail to protect and uplift those within them. In memory of Dr. Candia-Bailey and in solidarity with those who continue to suffer in silence, there's a renewed commitment to advocating for systemic change. This includes holding those in power accountable, demanding policies that genuinely protect and serve all individuals, and creating spaces where Black women can thrive without fear of being undermined or endangered. The journey towards justice and equity is long and fraught with challenges, but the legacy of Dr. Candia-Bailey and the ongoing struggles of countless Black women fuel the determination to fight for a future where systems are not just equitable in theory but in practice. It's about honoring their stories, learning from them, and ensuring that their experiences catalyse the change necessary to prevent further injustices. The fight for justice, respect, and systemic change is a testament to their resilience and a commitment to ensuring their sacrifices were not in vain. #SheDISRUPTS

As a white woman who’s been working in DEI for almost 18 years, I’ve been through a few cycles of the supposed pros and cons of DEI. This latest attack- specifically and viciously focused on Black women- hits differently. I encourage you, allies, to think differently about how we might help. How can we spotlight or uplift the great work of our Black colleagues? How might we stand up for our Black colleagues to take the brunt of these attacks? How might we proactively shield them before the next attack? Most importantly, how can we disempower those who are doing the attacking?? This is not their problem to fix. Its ours.

For centuries, black women have defied oppression with creative hairstyles, turning restriction into freedom. From headwraps to intricate braids, black hair is a symbol of resilience and self-expression. Read more about the journey of black hair and its cultural significance. https://lnkd.in/g4bCwhWG

Black Women Are Not Cosplay: Rejecting Caricatures and Cultural Appropriation https://loom.ly/F8IuQpo In recent years, there has been a disturbing trend where elements of Black culture, particularly those associated with Black women, have been adopted, imitated, and commodified by individuals outside the Black community. From hairstyles and fashion choices to vernacular and body aesthetics, what many see as homage to Black culture is, in reality, a form of appropriation that reduces Black women to mere caricatures. This blog seeks to highlight why Black women are not cosplay and should not be treated as such, and why it's crucial to recognize the harm this behavior inflicts on the Black community.

Behold the Harsh Realities Faced by Black Women in the West. In various spheres—Hollywood, schools, communities, workplaces—Black women face a relentless burden, often compelled to surpass their non-Black counterparts. They endure unwarranted scrutiny and, at times, abuse. In my interactions with numerous Black women, the depth of their trauma due to systemic racism is staggering. Even young teenage Black girls carry this weight, highlighting the profound impact of discrimination. Furthermore, older Black women recount distressing experiences of being disregarded during childbirth by some medical professionals—a poignant illustration of systemic neglect. I pen this in solidarity with silenced Black voices, drowned out by colonial mentalities and institutionalized structures. I implore those with empathy to speak out and advocate for Black women navigating oppressive environments. This message isn't to be brushed aside but to encourage action—be a champion for social justice, standing with marginalized groups facing obstruction, abuse, and, tragically, murder. Let's unite and address these injustices together. For those interested in effecting change, consider joining our upcoming Leadership & Workplace Equity Congress on Jan 24 and 25, 2024. Visit https://lnkd.in/d4f3MH23 for more information.

https://lnkd.in/ebRPrPAS There is a long history of media misogynoir in sports. Black women are not often given the space and the grace to be vulnerable about their trials, tribulations, and traumas. The media has a responsibility to report in ways that are as ethical and bias-free as possible. It should be a mandatory requirement for those working in the media to be educated about racial biases and stereotypes like the Angry Black Woman trope and the adultification bias, and understand how easy it is to engage in misogynoir when providing commentary about a Black woman.