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
Spanish Teacher at Douglas County School District | Expert in Lesson Planning
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