FIRST THINGS FIRST’s Post

Go Jags is all good for most football fans in Jax. As an individual, I say, at what price for the two percenters stadium? Research shows that the NFL Games do not impact taxpayers' quality of Life or the city. Plus, the folly to invest in Eastside is fool gold unless the Eastside dollars are simulating with the stadium renovation. To elevate a community, four pillars are required - rebuilding the family infrastructure, Afrocentric education, preventative health, and collective economics. African American leadership must demand more from the city when addressing unmet promises unfulfilled. Let Go, Jaguars, but put the citizens First. The African American leadership on the Eastside is dysfunctional. Albert Einstein once said we cannot solve our problems using the same thinking that created the problem when it comes to elevating the thinking and embracing stem education through workshops. The Jaguars or the city cannot save the Eastside without community activists, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts who live in the community. Donna promises the Urban Core. Real talk.

Are you a #smallbusiness in South Carolina? I just learned about this great resource. The South Carolina Department of Commerce, initiative called Launch to Legacy. Check it out if you are looking for resources or if you want to be a resource to businesses in South Carolina. #themoreyouknow

Shout out to Michael D. Watson II, CLTC® Diverse financial advisors + Culturally nuanced financial literacy and planning. One of the many keys to closing the #racialwealthgap

Throughout South Carolina, we’ve been building upon a track record of economic development success for several decades. While that momentum has continued to push us onward and upward, the South Carolina Department of Commerce recognizes that no one — no company, nor industry — is immune from the technological advancements happening throughout all business sectors.     With a nod to our heritage, an eye toward the future and a spirit of embracing innovation, S.C. Commerce today unveiled our new agency brand and tagline, Launch to Legacy. Ultimately, we want businesses to know that Launch to Legacy reinforces the fact that you can start, thrive, expand and build a legacy right here — and S.C. Commerce will be there to support you, every step of the way.    The rebranding process has taken over a year and involved many of our key partners and stakeholders to ensure representation across as many industry verticals as possible. It’s been a thoughtful and deliberate process, uncovering and focusing on some of South Carolina’s greatest attributes. We’re proud of the result, and we’re excited for what the future of economic development holds throughout our state!    Learn more about #LaunchToLegacy, including what it means according to a few South Carolina CEOs, in their own words: https://lnkd.in/ebmuS-vJ 

What are the most effective economic development strategies? WDCEP President & CEO, Derek Ford, will explore this topic on a panel during the Congressional Black Caucus tomorrow! The conversation will focus on equitable approaches to workforce development and economic opportunity. Special thanks to WOC Worldwide for hosting this important discussion.

BSR offices in the U.S. will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America, as Union soldiers marched on Galveston, Texas in 1865. 159 years later, we acknowledge the continued impact of racialized systemic oppression on Black communities throughout the United States and beyond. Whether your company chooses to recognize or observe this holiday, there is an opportunity to approach its commemoration in a way that advances DEI and social justice efforts within your organization. For BSR members, several resources developed by our Equity, Inclusion & Justice (EIJ) team are available in the member portal to help you get started, such as: Allies+: Ally, Advocate, and Accomplice: https://lnkd.in/gZnn_95H; and Inclusive Leadership: https://lnkd.in/gXmT9wrm. For all viewers, we're also pleased to share The Social Justice Guide for Business: Moving Beyond Crisis to Action, developed by BSR's Center for Business and Social Justice: https://lnkd.in/d-ZyUKtZ. We welcome you to engage with these resources and/or reach out to our team, ready to partner with you to further your DEI ambitions and programming. Email us at web@bsr.org. We stand resolute that to achieve sustainability, we must promote equity and justice. #happyjuneteenth, #DEI, #sustainablebusiness

Great interaction with the group at the keynote session today! A big focus on privacy and transparency for AI.

On March 18, Frank McCourt, founder of Project Liberty and founding donor of the McCourt School, will engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Norah O'Donnell, Anchor and Managing Editor of CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell, on technology, democracy and the future of the internet. Their conversation will dive into the critical themes explored in McCourt's powerful new book, "OUR BIGGEST FIGHT: Reclaiming Liberty, Humanity, and Dignity in the Digital Age." https://bit.ly/3VoU7jt

Equity is at the center of ATD’s work. With the nationwide call for racial justice, colleges now — more than ever — are taking action. Community Colleges realize they must examine and redesign structures, processes, and attitudes that fuel inequities in order to create spaces where every student can thrive. Learn more about ATD’s equity work: https://lnkd.in/gr5XjwPZ

Check out this post from SAFY of America, sharing the incredible work done by Parent Partners. Don't miss the rest of the "Video Perspectives from the Field" series, offering engaging insights from family court judges, peer support partners, clinicians, and others working to reunite families: s.uconn.edu/nfrm2024 #ReunificationMonth #ReunificationMatters #ReunificationMonth2024