MKE Black’s Post

ICYMI: In February, our Development and Communications Coordinator, Ladonne Montelione, wrote a piece for our blog about the underrecognized work of Black Women for Black History Month. Now, during Women's History Month, the piece continues to act as a reminder of the too-often-overlooked and multifaceted contributions Black Women have made historically including the Civil Rights Movement but also far beyond.  You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/g6Gys8v3

In Phase 3 of our Black Women's Economic Mobility series, we learn that Black women are incredibly resilient. However, when they are raised to internalize the "strong Black woman" identity, many women learn that they are expected to attend to others' needs first, to put themselves last, and to sacrifice for others' comfort and needs. Learn more with us on our website. https://lnkd.in/gUFxRuNc

S1E28 is Out!! View the full conversation with Lulu Gwagwa whom is the first black town planner in SA, is the Chairman of Barloworld, CEO of Lereko Investments and a Philanthropist as we discuss how the provincial borders were determined, challenges as a black women and Traversing Liminality which supports black women between 21 and 30. https://lnkd.in/d5Se7fce

Let me tell you something about Black women right now: We are so sick and so tired of being the protagonists of your cautionary tale. I’m technically on break, but I couldn’t hold my silence on this. Silence is literally killing us. There are no words for the polarizing existence that is being needed, sought after and even desired at the same rate at which you are being dismissed, dehumanized and un.al.ived—often by the same people. The amount of bystanders that fail to intervene on our behalf on both a systematic AND systemic basis is exasperating. A reminder of the assignment you were given for 2024: Less REACTIVE activism. More PREVENTATIVE activism. Stop waiting until after the tragic, untimely and preventable deaths of Black women to talk about protecting Black women. Period.

Listen to Black Women. Amplify Black Women. Protect Black Women. When we work backwards from making systems that work for and also protect Black Women in corporate America, we will have made systems that work for all of us.

I am starting to believe IWD and allyship are just nice to have words with performative actions. When the right thing is required, the right thing is never done. What Diane Abbott, the longest serving Black MP has endured throughout her whole career is unacceptable. Can you imagine such detest being spouted about you coupled with a threat to your life? Let's not forget two MP's have been murdered. Can you imagine being in a place of work where the leader of your organisation takes 24 hours to respond to a vile and public attack which you are the centre of. THEN states that the racists apology should be accepted. Can you imagine that in your workplace there is a discussion about you and what happened to you openly but you cannot speak. You try 46 times to speak and no one listens! If you haven't seen the video find it and watch it. No one, especially not a 70- year old Black woman should have to try this hard to speak. CAN YOU IMAGINE!!!! IWD and allyship is all about acknowledging women. Their achievements and disparities. Making the invisible, visible. Showing support and standing up for them and with them. This is not a one day show. This is an everyday requirement. This is racism and sexism shown openly. This is not a debate. This is fact. Parliament is the most toxic organisation. They are meant to set the bar for standards and best practice because they are the policy makers and time and time again all I see is bad management, toxic behaviour and the rest... the list is endless. It is unacceptable. It is frustrating and what has really changed? People still don't get what racism means. If people STILL don't understand then we can all expect more of the same. Painful and tiring.

I have debated addresssing this on a “professional” platform. The more I thought about it the more I realise this situation does affects me, not just as citizen of the UK but as a Dark skinned Black woman and I will be doing myself, my career in HR, and people that look like me a deservice by not standing up for what I beleive in. I’ll be honest, last few days have been rather (very) triggering and I find myself angry about a situation out of my control. The handling of Diane Abbott's situation is sadly predictable yet deeply disheartening. The hidden toll of navigating hostile environments on one's mental well-being should never be underestimated. It's astonishing how Diane Abbott has persevered in such a hostile and toxic environment and still carries on. It's frustrating to witness her strength, especially when others with fewer qualifications and less concern for their constituents seem to thrive effortlessly. Do you remember when she had a can of mojito on the train and the uproar we had in the media for weeks after. Institutional racism pervades the UK, highlighting the importance of why diversity is not complete without true inclusivity. If they were inclusive yesterday whilst discussing matters of racism about her she would have been allowed to speak. But yet again we have other people speaking about our experiences and how we should react and what’s racist and not racist and standing up 46 times! 46 To speak for yourself and be met with silcence. Advocating for oneself as a Black woman is often met with hostility and indifference as seen in Abbott's case. I can’t help but wonder If a highly accomplished MP like her faces such treatment, one can only imagine the contempt and disregard faced by ordinary civilian women who resemble her. Nonetheless, we refuse to yield. #solidarity #dianeabbott #racism #institutionalracism #blackwomen

Today we recognize Juneteenth alongside the 60-year anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Juneteenth is a recognized state holiday in Minnesota as of 2023 and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. Nearly 100 years later, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination “on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin”. In 2024, African American women and men make up a large and essential part of the labor force, but according to research, earn significantly less than their white peers. Recent data from the 2024 Status Report on Women and Girls by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota shows that across a lifetime, Black women lose out on $1,000,000 in income compared to the average white man. This Juneteenth, the Office on the Economic Status of Women supports the commitment to narrowing the disproportionate wage gap that remains an influential factor on the economic status of Black women in Minnesota.

Have you ever wondered how many black women are in NJ? Black women make up approximately 12% of the population in NJ. We are truly a minority. With only 21 counties in New Jersey, it's important that we unite to maximize our impact not just in our local communities but statewide, countrywide, worldwide. It's been said that when women unite nations RISE! This group was created to bring awareness to the amazing things Black Women are doing locally and in New Jersey. Our model is NO county left out! Our Goal is to: •Bring awareness to all the amazing things Black Women are doing Local and Statewide •We will create opportunities for women to advance and develop strategies that will increase theirs and others sphere of influence. •Highlight Black Women Making an impact in their lanes of influence. •Support and help Minority women in areas of need. •Create a platform that will bring awareness to challenges and barriers Black women face and provide authentic support and solutions. Find gaps in the state where there is a need for more minority resources for women and advocate for those needs.