Jorden Smith’s Post

---------THIS IS FOR MY WHITE FOLKS. All are welcome to engage ------ Yesterday, I attended a White Allyship workshop, and it was a sobering experience. The workshop focused on understanding white allies' role in the fight against systemic racism and how we can better use our privilege. One of the biggest takeaways for me was a question that was asked at the beginning of the class - "When was the last time you boldly courageously stood up for a Black, Brown, or Indigenous person?" It was a simple question, but it really made me reflect on my own actions or, rather, inaction. I was embarrassed to admit I couldn't recall a single time in my recent memory that I boldly or courageously stood up for a Black, Brown, or Indigenous person. I wasn't the only one. The workshop facilitator then went on to ask us, when was the last time we saw ANY other white person boldly courageously stand up for a Black, Brown, or Indigenous person? The room was silent. Collectively, we could not recall a time in our lives that we have experienced a white person standing up for any BIPOC community. Personally, I was disgusted with myself and my community.  We all acknowledged that we all wouldn't want to be treated the way BIPOC folks are treated while simultaneously admitting we are actively doing nothing about it. Allyship isn't just about actively listening to the experiences of marginalized communities, educating ourselves on the issues, and using our privilege. It's about empathy; it's about action; it's about a lifelong opportunity and commitment to grow and learn about ourselves while building confidence in others. It's about getting outside our comfort zone and getting curious about other people's thoughts, words, and actions. I left the workshop feeling well aware of the gaps I still have to learn and the conversations I need to practice. It also helped me clarify what is at stake for me, dismantling white supremacy. I say all of this to encourage my white peers to take a minute and consider- what continues to be true in the world if you are not actively involved in dismantling white supremacy. What injustices does our complicity continue to perpetuate? What's stopping you from acting today? Is it for your own personal comfort, like me? The first step is recognizing it, friends; we can collectively move this; all we need is for us, white people, to do something. Because my friends, if you aren't outraged, you're not paying attention. 

Unleash the power of the Black community with information and resources on Black power. Explore the history, leaders, and movements that have shaped the Black power movement. #BlackPower https://lnkd.in/erwiPvMp

Racism can affect us in more than one way. There is its intended effect we associate with the feeling. (The What). Then there is something much more potent, how the idea affects our minds our responses and the way we think about ourselves. (The Why). The latter depends on our own defences, and ability to deconstruct the concept, to limit the effects on the mind. That is the part they don’t teach in school or university ! You will notice they don’t talk about it in politics either. Those that continue to speak of those matters without the deconstructing element are simply perpetuating the problem. It exists not because one person can mistreat another. It exists because of it’s psychological effects and the way it promotes separation. That was always its purpose. This is the knowledge we focus on sharing in Mindsmith Thinking .

#FridayFeeling: Reflecting on the silent echoes of #BlackHistoryMonth Read my recent article, where I outline ways that perhaps the greatest threat to dismantling ⚪ supremacy lies in the wavering resolve of ⚪ allies. 🚀 The Red Rover Effect: As a DEI practitioner, I've observed what I call the Red Rover Effect—a pattern of solidarity and apathy. This analogy illustrates the constant struggle for acceptance, akin to navigating life as a Black person. The aftermath of George Floyd's murder exemplified this experience, with promises of change giving way to performative actions. 💼 A Co-Opted Conversation: The retreat of white allies and the alarming rate of cuts to DEI teams reflect a disheartening cycle. While support for DEI efforts remains high among Americans, conservative pushback and fears of legal repercussions have stifled progress. ⚖️ The Legal Landscape: Recent legal challenges and the Supreme Court's decisions have created an atmosphere of fear, with corporations facing pressure to step back from DEI initiatives. Yet, as history reminds us, progress requires steadfast commitment—even in the face of discomfort. 🌟 Moving Forward: Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.'s words reminds us that true progress isn't about comfort, convenience, or maintaining order—it's about justice. #DEI #BlackHistoryMonth #Equality #Justice #Inclusion #Solidarity #ChangeAgents #Belonging #Inclusion #Equity #Diversity Let's keep the conversation alive and the commitment unwavering.  https://lnkd.in/gYD4GM2w

ONE DAY TO GO: PREPARING FOR CHANGE Tomorrow is the day we confront and challenge misconceptions about Black people. "DISPELLING MISCONCEPTIONS" promises to be an enlightening episode, promoting inclusive education and media representation. Let's be the change-makers! #InclusiveSociety #ChangeMakers

🎉 Today, as I celebrate my great niece's birthday, I find myself reflecting not just on the joy she brings into our lives, but on the kind of world I hope she grows up in—a world where equity isn't just an aspiration, but a reality. 🌍 In her eyes, I see the future—a future where our society has evolved beyond the deep-rooted systemic biases that perpetuate white privilege. It's essential that every child grows up in a world that values them for who they are, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or background. Everyone has the ability to call out racism, so do it. I’m constantly inspired by activist who continue to advocate and speak up as well as to educate people to stamp out racism. Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon - She became a prominent anti-racism campaigner following the murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence, in 1993. Her advocacy led to greater public awareness of racial violence and significant changes in the UK police service regarding how racist crimes are investigated. Reni Eddo-Lodge - An author and journalist, she is best known for her book "Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race," which discusses systemic racism in the UK and the challenges of talking about race across racial lines. One of my biggest inspirations is Phyll Opoku-Gyimah for many reasons but things like publicly declining an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2016 to protest the empire's legacy and its impact on communities like hers 🙌👏and founding UK Black Pride . Implementing EDI is not merely about compliance; it's about crafting a cultural fabric that appreciates diversity as a strength.

THERE IS SO MUCH BEAUTY IN SELF REFLECTION & MINDFULNESS. It really helps you to gather the pieces of where you're at...and rearrange them. Subscribe to the Black Minds Matter UK Youtube to catch the full episode tomorrow ----> https://lnkd.in/ejG7uPhG #WhyWeMove #MovingBlackForward #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

🔴 New Read Alert 🔴 Amidst the current era of heightened social consciousness and activism, the struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has emerged as a focal point, with Black civil rights organizations leading the charge. Spearheaded by influential figures like Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, these groups are confronting a mounting wave of opposition spurred by notable individuals such as Elon Musk and Bill Ackman. The pushback against DEI efforts has been swift and relentless. Musk’s assertion that DEI is “another word for racism” and Ackman’s perplexing interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision has ignited a contentious debate. Yet, amidst this discord, Black leaders and organizations have forged a united front, recognizing it’s imperative to have a coordinated response.

Debunking the Myth: Why Black People Are Not Lazy Join us as we challenge the stereotype that black people are lazy. Our discussion dives deep into the incredible workmanship of Afrodescendants throughout history and addresses the misconceptions surrounding their success and contributions to society. Let's celebrate the truth together! #BlackHistory #WorkmanshipExcellence #CulturalMyths #Empowerment #BlackVoices #DiversityMatters #SuccessStories #BreakingStereotypes #AfrocentricPride #CommunityImpact