Ivy Hospitality’s Post

June is a month filled with celebrations and recognition, but it often feels like the focus on PRIDE overshadows other significant observances, particularly Caribbean Heritage Month. As someone of Caribbean descent, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of people from the Caribbean. For me, It’s frustrating to see the overwhelming support for PRIDE while Caribbean Heritage Month—and the issues of racial inequality and inequity—receives less attention. This is not to say that PRIDE shouldn't be recognized—it absolutely has its place. However, the challenges faced by Black and Brown communities, including those of Caribbean descent, are deeply ingrained and pervasive, requiring much more visibility and support. Being Black or Brown in America involves navigating a landscape of bias and systemic inequality that is often more visible and more complex. As we move through June, let's ensure that we are also amplifying the voices and experiences of people of Caribbean descent and committing to the ongoing fight for racial justice and equity. I am all for each having its rightful shine but not at the expense of another.

Today, Juneteenth, is an incredibly significant day in American history. This momentous occasion marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and stands as a symbol of resilience, liberation, and progress. At HRD*, we honor and recognize what today represents. As a leadership development company, we recognize the importance of fostering diverse perspectives, promoting equality, and amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized. We are committed to creating an environment that values and celebrates differences, empowering individuals to become transformative leaders who advocate for positive change. In observance of Juneteenth, we encourage everyone to take this opportunity to learn more about African American history, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate in events that promote unity and equality. Let us embrace this moment to deepen our understanding, challenge systemic biases, and promote a more inclusive society for all. After all, creating an environment that embraces diversity and encourages inclusion is JUST GOOD LEADERSHIP. 

Today is Juneteenth, and we are taking this opportunity as a time for reflection, education, and unity as we celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. We are also taking the time today to recognize all that Black and African American HR professionals do and celebrate their contributions to our industry. While the industry as a whole works hard to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces, we would love to see an increase in Black representation in HR leadership, as currently, only 7.7%* of HR leaders identify as Black. The more diverse leadership is, the more inclusive a business will be. Professional organizations, such as the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), are working to provide Black and African American HR professionals with job opportunities and support. Learn more about the NAAAHR and their work below! ⬇️ https://bit.ly/4bCrhS1 There is still much to learn and work to be done, but let’s continue to commit ourselves as business owners, to creating safe, equitable, and just work environments for our staff. #Juneteenth2024 #DiversityAndInclusion #CelebrateFreedom #UnityInDiversity *Stat from Zippia

Celebrating Black excellence in work-life culture: Today, we honor Dr. Mae Jemison, a trailblazer who transformed the way we view work and empowerment. Her groundbreaking journey as the first African American woman astronaut showcases the incredible potential that flourishes when diversity is embraced. At Culturefy, we're inspired by Dr. Jemison's perseverance and innovation. Her achievements remind us of the importance of fostering a work environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are not just included but are essential drivers of success. Here’s how Culturefy helps: 🌟 Empowering Diverse Talent: We provide tools and strategies that empower every individual, drawing inspiration from leaders like Dr. Jemison to create a culture of inclusivity and excellence. 🚀 Promoting Innovation and Creativity: Culturefy encourages an environment where diverse ideas are celebrated, leading to greater innovation and creativity in the workplace. 🤝 Building Inclusive Work Cultures: Our platform helps organizations cultivate a culture where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. Let’s continue to celebrate and learn from the extraordinary contributions of Black leaders like Dr. Mae Jemison. Join us in creating a work-life culture that champions diversity and fosters empowerment, in honor of those who have paved the way. #BlackExcellence #CulturefyInfluence #innovation #drawinginspiration #celebrateblack #createaculture #excellence #empowerment #journey #woman #success

🌟 Celebrating Black Heritage Month at Residence Inn by Marriott Greenville @ Carolina Point ! 🌟 Throughout this incredible month of February, we've had the privilege of recognizing and honoring the rich tapestry of Black history, culture, and achievements. At Hospitality America diversity and inclusion are not just words; they are embedded in our culture, and Black Heritage Month has been a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from embracing our differences. 🤎 Our #blackhistorymonth recognition featured inspiring stories from an employee, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and the unique perspectives they bring from their family hertiage. 📚 Learning & Development: We've had #blackheritage trivia during morning huddles and discussions every Monday morning to foster a deeper understanding of Black history, racial equity, and the importance of unity. Education is key to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive workplace. 🎨 Cultural Celebrations: We created hands of all colors with the world as a background and asked our team to right on the hand how they would foster change in the world. Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 🙌 Future Commitments: As we say farewell to Black Heritage Month, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains unwavering. We will continue to learn, grow, and take meaningful actions to ensure a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. 🌍 Embracing Diversity, Empowering Unity: At Hospitality America, we believe that diversity is our strength, and unity is our power. Let's carry the spirit of Black Heritage Month forward, creating a workplace where everyone feels not only accepted but truly celebrated. #BlackHeritageMonth #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #EmpowerTogether #wearepeach #community

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! ✊🏾❤️🖤💚 Representation within the Retail Real Estate field matters. Today, as we observe Juneteenth, let's reflect on the significance of this day in our history. Racism and oppression may not be easy topics to discuss, but acknowledging our past is crucial to forging a brighter future for all of us. To all my peers in the industry, here are some tips on being active allies to BI-POC communities: 📍 Support local black/minority owned business! Some of my personal favorites in the DMV/Baltimore region include businesses like Papi Cuisine, The Breakfast Club, Milk & Honey, and Potomac Cookie Co. 🍽️ FYI - Black Restaurant Week in DC begins July 14th-28th! 😉 🏛️ Learn about African American history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. ⭐ Advocate for diversity by considering predominantly black markets for retail offerings and site selection. Don't let biases hinder deals; these communities are eager for more diverse food and retail options. I know personally, because I’ve worked and lived in these markets. I hear the requests firsthand and on a regular basis. 🌍 Broaden your horizons by exploring places with larger black populations. Immerse yourself in different cultures to gain a deeper understanding. I recently visited Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴 in March. I was absolutely enamored by all of the spectacular architecture, vibrant art, and beautiful people that I saw. We often forget that there are black communities that exist outside of the United States, and share a similar history as AAs. I visited the Village of Palenque ✊🏾 and learned the history of one of the first revolutionary towns in the Americas, where many Afro-Colombian slaves escaped to Freedom. It was certainly an experience I’ll never forget. Last but certainly not least — 🫶🏾 Show empathy and demonstrate active allyship. Let's continue working towards a more inclusive and equal future. Acknowledge the progress we’ve made, but remember, there's still much more work to be done. Let's celebrate diversity, learn from our past, and strive for a better tomorrow together. #Juneteenth #RepresentationMatters #DiversityandInclusion #RetailRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #BlackLivesMatter

Effectively navigating cultural dynamics, differences and nuances isn't just beneficial—it's essential. At inQUEST, our mission is to build workplaces that work for everyone. But realistically what works for some of us may not work for all of us. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing insights on a pivotal topic: Cultural Competency. (https://lnkd.in/gUfVnQDS) By fostering cultural competency, we strive to create environments where individuals can thrive together. Big thanks to Pari Karim for sparking this conversation in her Black History Month post. (https://lnkd.in/d2Y_JhJw) #CulturalCompetency #ThrivingTogether #InclusiveWorkplaces Image Description Pari Karim shown smiling next to the inQUEST definition of Cultural Competency: ‘behaving in a way that reflects awareness, respectful curiosity, and acknowledgment of cultural dynamics, differences, and impacts'.

Celebrating Alain LeRoy Locke - The Architect of the Harlem Renaissance On this beautiful first Monday of Black History Month, I am shining a spotlight on Alain LeRoy Locke, the philosophical architect of the Harlem Renaissance and a beacon of cultural leadership. As professionals in the event industry, we find inspiration in Locke's vision of amplifying diverse voices, creating environments where art, concepts, and unity thrive. His legacy teaches us the influence of community and imagination in transforming events into memorable experiences that resonate with people from different generations and cultures. 🔹Locke's efforts in promoting African American artists and intellectuals laid the groundwork for a cultural revolution that went beyond boundaries, shaping the global conversation on inclusivity and multiculturalism. 🔹 Let's embrace the pioneering spirit of Locke as we organize and carry out events worldwide. Our goal is to create platforms that embrace diversity, amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals, and cultivate a sense of belonging and connection. #blackhistorymonth #leadership #diversity #inclusion #culture #diversityinevents #alainleroylocke #harlemrenaissance

As we observe Black History Month, we have to grasp the depth of 'diversity' and how it's pivotal to leadership. The composition of our boards has changed for the better. The data for the past decade is clear — the more diverse voices, the better decisions you make, which creates greater value for shareholders. From my experience, when I’m in boardrooms across America, I make the case for diversity not as a matter of consciousness, but as one of competitiveness. In other words, you can’t beat the competition if you’re cutting yourself off from a large portion of the talent because of background or belief. And, all that said, we certainly shouldn’t make it harder for people to recognize their potential. Take Bill Norwood, for example, United Airlines' first African American pilot. In a casual conversation with Bill, what seemed like just yesterday, he told me: 'Growing up in lower Alabama, you learned that you had to work twice as hard to get half as much.' I don't need to explain how that statement reflects the experiences so many have lived, the disparities that so many experience today. But, our Nation has come a long way, and there's a lot of leaders still striving towards more equality at their organizations. At United, I committed to more than just acknowledging diversity, but to hearing every person like I heard Bill; understanding their unique perspectives and ensuring their voices contribute to our collective narrative. Diversity and inclusivity are not passive acts; they require an active commitment to continuously ensure everyone is part of the conversation — part of the solution. Build a process at your organization where diverse experiences are not just heard but are integral to your success. #BusinessAdvice #Diversity #LeadershipLessons #BlackHistoryMonth

🏳️🌈Pride is almost here, and I am really curious: How's your organization planning to celebrate Pride Month this year? Comment below!