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“One of the beauties of being human is that there are so many perspectives to learn from. You can’t learn everything about everyone, but just take a step to learn about people’s struggles, victories, and contributions to the world at large." Check out this inspiring piece on Juneteenth and creating a more inclusive future from McKinstry's Lavell Flamon:

Knowledge is power…

Bridgerton's Alternative History: A Vision of Acceptance and Inclusion In this video, we explore Shonda Rhimes' vision for Bridgerton, offering an alternative history where the black race was accepted earlier in our culture. Discover how this captivating series portrays a different narrative that challenges societal norms. #Bridgerton #AlternativeHistory #ShondaRhimes #InclusionMatters #AcceptanceCulture #RepresentationMatters #HistoricalFiction #RaceInSociety #DiverseNarratives #ChallengingSocietalNorms

One of our organizational values is Justice, and on Juneteenth we'd like to recognize the meaning of justice within our organization: “We are well aware that the social, political, and financial biases of humans make the balance of justice easy for some and very difficult for many. The scales of justice, be it legal or social, have a heavy human hand on one side of the scale that many do not have the resources to gain the supportive weight needed to offset the preconceived attitudes toward them. We see the shelter and its staff as the balancing force needed to help people get the fairness they deserve.” As you commemorate, celebrate, or reflect upon the significance of Juneteenth today, we want to recognize our team for their devotion to all our values, and our mission. They are on the frontlines of so many social and spiritual issues at St. John’s Ministries, and it is important to slow down and consider how all this weaves into the greater moral issues of our time.

Just a little over a month after Juneteenth, I am reminded of the urgency of radical imagination. Juneteenth offers a paradigm for us to continuously consider what might be and what can be when confronted with what is. It is what happens when folks refuse to stop imagining, refuse to understand themselves on white supremacist terms, and refuse to allow the conditions of the time to constrain their capacity to be present in their humanity. Juneteenth embodies an imaginative practice that recovers the possibilities and potentialities of Black life (what might be); it represents an imaginative practice that honors the ways Black folks insist on loving ourselves and each other (what can be); and it is an imaginative practice that reckons with the realities that work to violently undermine our liberation (what is). To radically imagine is to urgently love Blackness, and to value Blackness is to embrace the urgency of radical imagination. I reflect on both in my recent keynote at the University of Colorado Boulder: “Loving Blackness and Humanizing Imagination: (Re)engaging Shared Equity Leadership." I invite you to watch the address here: https://lnkd.in/gAy3bHUa   How are you radically imagining today? Nancy Maingi Ngwu, College of Media, Communication and Information, Communication Department #Juneteenth

Have we hit the limits of DEI and Black History Month? Wilkerson argues that race is deeply embedded within the larger framework of caste. If you haven't yet read Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, or even if you have, you'll find that there’s a lot to chew on and understand from this paradigm. Our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) often falter because we haven't fully acknowledged the breadth of the challenges involved. A new clarity about race, prejudice, and bias can emerge when you consider them within the context of caste. To truly grasp this, we need to zoom out to a broader perspective. It's not that we're failing or losing ground; we're simply not tackling the issue on the correct scale. In mathematics and engineering, we'd refer to these as “boundary conditions” or “limits.” DEI initiatives make sense within specific boundaries and limits. It’s like we’re on the edge of the set in The Truman Show. Wilkerson and DuVernay are shining a light on the encompassing structure of caste. I hope you support the film and novel. #CasteTheOriginsOfOurDiscontent #AvaDuVernay #IsabelWilkerson #DEI #BlackHistoryMonth #UnderstandCaste #SupportTheArts #Leadership #SocialJustice #Equality #Inclusion #Learning

Today, we honor Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the U.S. This day represents freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for justice. As a minority-owned business, Juneteenth holds special meaning for us at Buckner and Sons Masonry. What Juneteenth Means to Us: Heritage & History: We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way, allowing us to build and grow in an industry once inaccessible to many. Community & Unity: Just as masonry connects stones to form strong structures, Juneteenth unites us in the shared pursuit of equity and community strength. Progress & Innovation: Inspired by our heritage, we are committed to advancing diversity and creating opportunities in our field.

Proud To Be A Black Place Maker in My Community! - Article by Selma Elkhazin Placemaking takes on many forms and manifests in different ways and levels across the Black community. There are multiple definitions of Black placemaking, including institutional initiatives led by Black people who are trained in land-use professions such as Urban Planning, and multi-disciplinary Black people who are trained in land-use with other specializations, operating within the broader landscape of land-use ecology and how place is allocated. There is also the type of grassroots placemaking that happens with groups like Noha Collective, leading fluid memory-making, and storytelling. Peripheral to that, there is the kind of Black placemaking that is about the individual having an opportunity to develop a Black sense of place within an organization or community context that is culturally responsive and supportive, like Nia Centre for the Arts with Apanaki Temitayo. Additionally, there is the kind of placemaking that facilitates economic development and entrepreneurialism within the Black community, with initiatives led by individuals like Imani Dominique Busby through “The Gift Shop”. Check the candid interview about the significance of being a Black Placemaker in Toronto. #HeritageToronto #BlackPlaceMaker #WeAreThePeople #blackculture https://lnkd.in/g8vAsDAw

Justice is one of Culture Connections Core Values.⬇️⬇️ This quote is from Clara Luper in a 1998 interview discussing the Katz Drugstore Sit-Ins. On August 19, 1958, Clara Luper made history when she lead a sit-in to protest racial segregation at Katz Drugstore, 1.5 years before the famous Creensboro, North Carolina sit-ins. Luper was and remains a legend in Civil Rights history, helping to bring justice and inclusion to our city. This Black History Month, and every day in between, we think of Clara Luper and the many Oklahoma Civil Rights activities who ensured we all have a little more access to human dignity. You can learn more about Oklahoma Black History here: https://lnkd.in/gPQAXwK5 or visit the link in our story. We embrace and highlight Culture Connection’s Core Value “Justice.” We understand that there is no justice without diversity, equity, inclusion and true belonging for ALL. We understand that systems of power with power over models create an unsafe and inequitable power structure, providing some with easy access and others with extremely limited and/or no access. We create accessibility and inclusion by actively questioning our own internal bias, acting to amend and adjust our behavior, and remaining open to feedback. Need Legal Counsel? Email is linked in our BIO. #blackhistorymonth #blackhistoryokc #cultureconnection #cultureconnectionlaw #justice #democracy #corevalues #legalcounsel #legalcounselokc #okc #oklahoma

Bernie Foster: A Trailblazer of Change in Portland's History Bernie Foster's reflections on his journey emphasize the importance of being a part of the solution rather than the problem. Drawing on lessons learned from various publishers and mentors, Bearnie underscores the need for personal investment and responsibility in helping others. Born and raised in Arkansas, Bernie’s background includes his family's land ownership and his educational journey through the publishing industry. He recounts experiences in the advertising business, military service, and interactions with influential figures, highlighting the resilience and contributions of Black individuals in various fields. Bernie notes the challenges and discrimination faced in the past, emphasizing the significance of trust and integrity in journalism. He shares the impact of transistor radios during the Vietnam War and the lessons learned from historical events and personal experiences. Addressing issues of social justice, Bernie discusses the role of the Black community in America and the ongoing struggles for equality and representation. He stresses the importance of being proactive, taking risks, and surrounding oneself with supportive, solution-oriented people. Bernie concludes by discussing his legacy and the importance of contributing positively to society. He encourages others to strive for meaningful change and to support their communities, leaving a lasting impact on the city he calls home. Key Points: Personal Investment and Responsibility Background and Education Challenges and Resilience Social Justice and Equality Legacy and Positive Contribution Follow: Find us on all social platforms @oregonhiddenlegacy for upcoming episodes and exclusive content updates. Listener Feedback: Share your thoughts and stories about Bernie Foster's journey on our website www.oregonhiddenlegacy.org. We'd love to hear from you! Hashtags: #BearnieFoster, #PortlandHistory, #TrailblazersOfChange, #VoicesFromVanport, #BreakingBarriers, #JazzToJustice, #StruggleForEquity, #PioneeringSpirit, #BridgingCommunities, #RootsOfResilience, #CulturalCrossroads, #GuardiansOfGreen, #CivilRightsHeroes, #MusicSceneLegacy, #CommunityActivism, #InnovatorsOfPortland, #UnionLeadership, #AlbinaHistory, #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs, #EnvironmentalActivists https://lnkd.in/gxe_q7-b