Jaws Youth Playbook’s Post

On June 19, 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and told the enslaved people that they were free, and that the Civil War was over. The first Juneteenth celebration was the next year in Galveston, and today Americans everywhere honor this day. How you can celebrate and support on Juneteenth and every day: Educate yourself: Learn about and understand the history and significance of Juneteenth. Support black-owned businesses and creatives: Help impact economic disparities and catalyze positive social change. Participate in events: Join local events, parades, and gatherings. Donate: Support organizations working toward equity and racial justice. Amplify voices: Share learning opportunities, stories, art, and achievements of Black individuals and communities. Juneteenth is an American holiday–a chance for us to honor and acknowledge the fullness of America and its history.

As we continue to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, I wanted to share this nugget with you... Most who have been taught about Huey P. Newton & Bobby Seale, the founders of the Black Panther Party, only know them for being the founders of a black militia group that the FBI declared war against in 1969 calling them, at that time, the greatst threat to our society. What many don't know is that what the Black Panther Party stood for was in fact, the ending of police brutality, uplifting & self-determination of African Americans. As such, one of their programs was the "Free Breakfast for School". From its inception, they went from feeding a few hundred children before school per day to feeding several thousand before school per day across 45 chapters. Food wasn't the only thing. They expanded to cover free medical clinic to community ambulances and legal clinics as well. Through the Free Breakfast for School program, school officials immediately began reporting the results it was having on their students. Students were not falling asleep, crying due to stomach cramps, and focus levels were dramatically increased. By the mid 1970's the BPP had fed tens of thousands of children through the Free Breakfast for School Program and these efforts catipulted the now existing federal free breakfast program for students. This program was permanently authorized in 1975. Today the School Breakfast program has helped to feed over 14.5 million children before school! - #TheCorporateMillennial #BlackHistoryMonth #FeedTheChildren #Education #CreatingPositiveOutcomes

I am thrilled to announce the official launch of Eva's new strategic plan. While continuing to support all youth who walk through our doors, "Stepping into our Own," is designed to guide our work as we embrace our identity as a Black youth-focused organization. Black youth make up 72% of the youth in Eva’s programs, as compared to only 9% of Torontonians who self-identify as Black, and Eva’s is acknowledging this fact through a stated focus that addresses the specific barriers Black youth face. At the heart of this plan is our commitment to bringing the best of ourselves to the community we serve. As a White leader doing this work, this means remaining dedicated to decolonizing philanthropic practices, being committed to deep personal and professional growth, and working together with the community and the youth themselves. Our goal is to develop and deliver culturally responsive programs that cultivate and nurture youth agency at every intersection of their identities.
 With this roadmap, I can confidently invite others to join Eva's in our mission. Special thanks to our allies, community partners, donors, funders, volunteers, and corporate partners. Your generous and consistent support is the backbone of our efforts. I invite you to explore our "Stepping into our Own" and join us in our commitment to advancing real strategies and solutions for youth homelessness. https://stratplan.evas.ca #SteppingIntoOurOwn #YouthAgency #StrategicPlan #CommunityImpact

So many seem to either not know, or forget, about #BlackWallStreet. One of the most impactful teachings of my MBA education was my finance class. “Compounding”, as it relates to interest, wasn’t new to me, but the repetitive application of it forced me to really understand it’s long term impact, and that life itself is an act of compounding; from your relationship with your significant other, to your ascension in your career. When we revisit the Tulsa Massacre, it leaves me to question what would compounding have produced in the last 103yrs if our grandparents and great grandparents had the opportunity for “Black Wallstreets” across the country. My father (71) who became the neighborhood electrician, told me about not being able to get into the electrical trade as a young Black guy from the Southside of Chicago because “those white boys wouldn’t sponsor Blacks”. My mother (76) told me about a particular day of being chased home from Lindbloom HS by a group of white men, utterly terrified. She also told me the only reason my grandfather was able to drive a bus was because he was fair skinned enough to pass for white and that he didn’t “look” Black. The stories of our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents doesn’t mean that Black folks in America NEVER EVER had opportunities, or that white Americans NEVER opened any doors for us. We know that’s not true. But when you think about compounding in life, what did compounding produce for my fellow Americans who freely went to institutions of higher learning, purchased homes, started businesses, invested in businesses, bought land etc? The anti discrimination laws in housing, employment, and education came into existence for a reason. What do you think that reason was? Highlighting America’s dark history isn’t about being a “victim”. I have three degrees and speak two languages, ain’t nothing “victim” about me, (yes I said ain’t). But I’ve witnessed firsthand the luxuries compounding has granted non Black Americans, like receiving hefty down payments on their homes from their parents and grandparents, or debt free college education. My student loan balance would make your jaw hit the floor and knock your teeth out. Young, educated and over qualified, Black men, women, and nonbinary folks across the country don’t want a handout, we just want an opportunity to “compound”. You’d be misguided to think racial biases, and racial hierarchy is not alive and well in 2024. America used us to build a mansion, and then told us to sleep outside.

"If not Habitat, then who?" Check out this great video from Habitat for Humanity International on how Habitat affiliates across the nation are working to advance Black Homeownership, from national advocacy to local partnerships. Click the link to watch: https://lnkd.in/g4Gimf6c

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, also known as the National Lynching Memorial, stands as a stark reminder of the racial terrorism that once plagued the United States. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the memorial is a testament to the 4,400 Black people who were killed in racial terror lynchings between 1877 and 1950. The memorial's location, overlooking the city's Confederate statues, symbolizes the deep-rooted racial divide that still persists in our society. It serves as a call to action for social justice, urging us to confront the legacy of slavery and the systemic racism that has shaped our nation's history. The memorial's exhibits explore the history of lynching as a tool of oppression and control over Black Americans, a legacy that continues to impact our society today. The spilling of innocent blood is a reminder of the shameful history of racial terror, perpetuated by law enforcement and elected officials. George Wallace, once a segregationist governor, serves as a reminder of the potential for change. After a change of heart, he sought forgiveness from the Black community, acknowledging his role in perpetuating racial hatred. However, the question remains: did he challenge the white power structure to change? As we reflect on the legacy of lynching, we must ask ourselves: have we truly repented and taken steps to correct the systemic issues that continue to plague our society? The memorial's message is clear: we must remember the past to ensure a better future. What are your thoughts on the role of the white church and community in ending the legacy of lynching? How can we ensure that the lessons of the past are not lost in the present? #lynchingmemorial #racialjustice #socialjustice #georgewallace

Legal Lynchings continue to plague Black Americans today, especially when it comes to gun rights. Qualified Immunity ensures that these rights are not truly afforded to Black Americans, stemming from the vestiges of slavery and hatred. Education is crucial in understanding the roots of the Second Amendment and its connection to white supremacy and fear of slave rebellions. Unfortunately, this fear still exists today, as seen in the continued violence against Black Americans. It's time for America to confront this issue and work towards a better future. #BlackLivesMatter

Today April 16 is #DCEmancipationDay. On April 16, 1862, slavery was abolished in Washington DC - our nation’s capital built by enslaved Black laborers We at Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs honor the courage and struggle of those who fought to end slavery in DC and across the nation Today in 2024 the fight for #racialjustice continues. The Access to Justice initiative has long provided free #legalservices to low-income families on housing, education, disability, employment, immigration and #publicbenefits matters. In 2024 this initiative is facing steep cuts, jeopardizing the safety and stability of families and communities. Join us on calling on lawmakers to restore funding for this critical initiative: https://lnkd.in/gxrqkX9d

Stand Together for Justice: Sonya Massey✊🏾! We are deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old African American woman, who was unjustly killed in her home by police officers. This incident, captured on body camera, is yet another stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing our society. We cannot afford to remain silent when such injustices occur. Each of us has a role to play in advocating for change and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their race, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. What if this was your mother, sister, daughter, niece, or friend? At Nonprofit Fundraising Management (NFM), we are committed to supporting efforts that address these critical issues—it’s one of the primary reasons we do what we do: support Black Churches in their efforts to increase education, health, prosperity, safety, and growth in their communities and beyond. We believe in the power of community action and the importance of standing together against injustice. By coming together, we can drive the change needed to prevent such tragedies in the future. Let's honor Sonya Massey by committing to justice and equality for all. #JusticeForSonya #EndPoliceBrutality #NFMforChange #BlackLivesMatter #DoSomething

May 31-June 1 marks the commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre of “Black Wallstreet” in Tulsa Oklahoma. The last 2 survivors were given citizenship by Ghana when in America they are still fighting in court as centurians. I have a friend who’s grandmother was 4 years old at the time of the bombing. The 2 times America dropped bombs on Americans in America was to destroy Black communities. A Massacre Map is available (Did you know where Central Park is in NY was a thriving Black town?). The narrative that we don’t know how or are disinterested in building communities is untrue. Today there are many affluent Black neighborhoods throughout the U.S. but an actual infrastructure where Black communities can keep wealth generated through commerce in Black communities to benefit Black peoples is a different story that is hard to manifest due to subtle, and structural violence by discriminatory policies and practices. In Canada “Juneteeth” (June 19th) when Black Americans commemorate this massacre and celebrate resiliency of Black communities is also observed here. Hogan’s Alley, Amber Valley, Africville, Chatham, Niagara are where formerly enslaved people cleared the land and built settlements all destroyed in Canada.