National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD)’s Post

Today, the UWNYC Black History Month Spotlight features Dominique McNally, LMSW, Clinical Manager at Queens Community Justice Center . Dominique oversees the center’s Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program in partnership with our justice initiative, Atlas. FFT creates safer communities by strengthening bonds between justice-involved youth and their chosen families, helping to set young people on the road to a brighter future. How does Black history and your own lived experience inform your work at your organization? “When I think of Black Histor,y it brings me back to when my father had helped my brother with his school project and showed us a picture of our great grandfather with George Washington Carver. It was at that moment when I realized, “Wow, my family has a legacy.” That also reemphasized the ongoing struggle, that Black history is not just a phrase but a part of each of our family’s history. My own life experiences have heightened my understanding of the systemic issues that black families have faced throughout time. My experience understanding the depth of the mistrust, the context associated with the who, why, and the how within the justice system and other systems allowed me to take a different approach of rebuilding that same trust — while consistently striving to uplift individuals as well as families to broaden their perspective and or outlook.” In your efforts to create positive change in New York City’s communities of color, how has United Way of New York City supported your work? “United Way of New York City has afforded me greater opportunities to reach the broader community which I was born and raised in to provide continued support, providing further evidence through action to spark the mind of the next change agent to continue the work within our community.” #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #SocialJustice

Today is the first day of Black History Month, a time of year when we celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to U.S. history and culture. The annual celebration, also known as African American History Month, was first observed at Kent State University in 1970, at the behest of Black students and educators on campus. That event descended from Negro History Week, which was started in the 1920s by the Association of the Study of Negro Life, which is now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In February 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month as the U.S. celebrated its bicentennial. Although much progress has been made in the United States to reform and rebuild our civic, education, health care, and other institutions so they are more racially equitable, we are reminded daily of the work that remains. The best path forward is by knowing our past so we can learn from it. The Library of Congress, National Archives, and National Museum of African American History offer a trove of free online resources where you can explore the totality of the Black experience in America, from reading interviews with formerly enslaved people, studying the struggle for voting rights (which continues today), understanding what drives systemic racial inequities in health care (including health outcomes among older adults), and recognizing the contributions of Black researchers and scientists to the field of medicine. In that spirit, Hebrew SeniorLife is committed to actionable and meaningful change that will advance racial equity. Given the region’s history of redlining policies and restrictive zoning bylaws and their resulting impact on homeownership rates and the building of generational wealth in the Black community, expanding access to high-quality, affordable housing for older adults is a critical need. Hebrew SeniorLife recently added new affordable housing units to our Simon C. Fireman Community in Randolph. The first residents are about to move into our new Leyland Community, which is the first affordable housing complex for seniors in Upham’s Corner and was developed in partnership with Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation. And last week, we offered testimony before the state’s legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing in favor of House Bill 4138, the Affordable Homes Act, sponsored by Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. We celebrate Black history in February. But we do the work every day of the year. #BlackHistoryMonth

Honoring Black History Month! At #CSGJC, we are committed to advancing racial equity, justice, and second chances within the criminal justice system. Let's honor the past, amplify Black voices in the present, and build a more equitable future for all. One way we’re honoring our commitment to advancing racial equity is by uplifting practical strategies that address the systemic challenges and disparities faced by Black people in the criminal justice system. Check out our resource on applying the Stepping Up framework to advance racial equity for actionable steps leaders and decision-makers can take now. https://bit.ly/3SDlgxc We’re also doing our part to amplify Black voices and the perspectives of people doing the work to implement and maintain initiatives focused on racial equity at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health. Register for our latest webinar today to hear directly from the people working to foster a more inclusive and just society. https://bit.ly/4beH5KF #BlackHistoryMonth

As Black History Month begins, it’s important to recognise the contributions of Black communities to sectors like social care. Black professionals have played a vital role in shaping care systems. Read our latest blog to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BFicdC #blackhistorymonth #socialcare #southwark

In case you missed it: A #Juneteenth message from our CEO Lenwood V Long Sr. "Earlier this year, I called for a collective recommitment to our fight for racial and economic justice. In this current environment, where there is an assault on DEI programs that threaten the progress made, our commitment to fight even harder to preserve and advance economic justice and racial equity must happen now. As members, friends and allies of The Alliance, we must stand united in our resolve to confront and dismantle the barriers that hinder progress for Black communities. Each of us must advocate for equity, justice, and inclusivity in all facets of our work and beyond. We must continue to amplify marginalized voices, challenge systemic inequalities, and champion policies that promote fairness and opportunity for all. The late Malcolm X once said, “Armed with the knowledge of our past, we can with confidence charter a course for our future.” This Juneteenth, let us honor the legacy of resilience and resistance that defines the Black experience. Let us rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of justice and equality for all. Together, we can build a future where the progress made by Black individuals and communities is not only preserved but propelled forward. Let us continue to stand strong, united in our pursuit of a more just and equitable world." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ebAGJ97G

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲🫶 As we stand together every October to celebrate Black History Month UK, we take a moment to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black individuals in the healthcare sector🏥 From nurses and healthcare support workers to pioneering students, their dedication and resilience have profoundly shaped the industry🥼 Historically, the NHS was established in post-war England to address pressing social and economic challenges, including ill-health and disease. Following the devastation of World War II and significant labour shortages, it became essential for hospitals to recruit staff from the Caribbean. Many individuals answered the call, arriving in the UK to help establish and strengthen the NHS, highlighting the crucial role of diverse backgrounds in healthcare🌍 However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also confront the ongoing issues of racism, inequality, and injustice within the healthcare system. Evidence shows that Black individuals often face worse health outcomes and receive inequitable care. Hunter Gatherer AHP are committed to promoting diversity in the workforce and fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and supported🫂 We encourage our community to participate in learning opportunities, share their experiences, and continue the conversation around the importance of Black History Month UK in shaping a better future for all. #Blackhistorymonth #Huntergathererahp #HunterAHP #Westandtogether #Celebration #Inclusiveenvironment #Promotingdiversity

🌟 DMAA is Celebrating Black History Month: Spotlight on Community Resilience! 🏠✊ This February, let's honor the rich history and enduring spirit of the Black community in the realm of multi-family housing. From vibrant neighborhoods to close-knit communities, African Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of shared living spaces. 🏡 Legacy of Unity: Multi-family housing has been a cornerstone for fostering unity and strength within Black communities. Through generations, families have created spaces that not only provide shelter but also serve as hubs for cultural preservation and communal support. 🌆 Architects of Change: Black leaders in housing have tirelessly worked to break barriers and build bridges. From visionary architects to dedicated advocates, their contributions have transformed the narrative, creating inclusive spaces that reflect the diversity and resilience of the Black experience. 🔗 Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: As we celebrate the past, let's also acknowledge the present and look towards the future. By embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and advocating for equitable housing, we can continue the legacy of community building and bridge the gaps in multi-family living. ✨ Together We Thrive: This Black History Month, let's honor the legacy of those who paved the way by fostering a sense of community in our own living spaces. Share your stories, celebrate your neighbors, and let's continue to build a future where everyone has a place to call home. Throughout the month of February, DMAA will be sharing how our members embody these pillars! #DMAA #WeAreFamily #HappyBlackHistoryMonth #CelebratingBlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth #CommunityResilience #MultiFamilyHousing #InclusiveLiving 🏠✨

There has to be an updated branch of studies about advocacy that focuses on the experiences of Black children and youth. As someone who appreciates cultures, and recognizes prejudices, stereotypes, and various forms of discrimination, leveraging data-oriented approaches at the intersection(s) of positive social impact is beneficial to improving society. Existing work in the area of youth advocacy affords us the opportunity to research the deficits and assets permeating this field of study. Revisting impacts of the myriad of Black experiences in/on places and spaces (digital and physical and beyond) re-teaches us a lot about our approaches (disciplined and chaotic) to innovation. Imagine that communicating solutions-based approaches considering Black people as a Black person during Black History month requires re-education in 2024; this speaks to the need for breathing fresh air into our advocacy. Looking forward to pursuing collective impact goals advancing youth development. Remember that a little kindness leads to a lot of kindness.

As February unfolds, we embark on a journey to honor the impactful achievements, resilience, and contributions that have shaped history – Black History Month. It's a celebration of the indomitable spirit that defied adversity, from Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad to Martin Luther King Jr.'s Civil Rights Movement, showcasing courage in the face of injustice. In arts and culture, the influence of black creators, from jazz to Maya Angelou's poetry and Jean-Michel Basquiat's art, resonates globally. Black History Month isn't just about the past; it's a celebration of the present, acknowledging the ongoing contributions of black individuals in business, Hollywood, science, and technology. Education is crucial, recognizing achievements of black inventors like George Washington Carver and scholars like W.E.B. Du Bois. The month also encourages unity and allyship, fostering inclusivity by amplifying historically marginalized voices, challenging stereotypes, and breaking down systemic barriers. Black History Month is a mosaic of triumphs and resilience, reminding us that humanity's story is enriched by diverse narratives. Reflecting on African Americans' contributions, let's carry these lessons forward, working towards a world where equality, justice, and unity prevail. #payforwardcoaching #blackhistorymonth

This year’s theme for Black History Month, “Reclaiming Narratives,” signifies a pivotal shift towards acknowledging and rectifying the histories and cultures of Black communities. It's clear that many individuals delivering care services come from minority backgrounds, including the Black community. However, statistics reveal a stark contrast: while 26% of the adult social care workforce comprises people from Black, Asian, or minoritised ethnic backgrounds, only 17% hold managerial positions as registered managers. This disparity highlights an urgent need for reflection and action during Black History Month. This month serves as a crucial platform to advocate for systemic change that promotes fair treatment, equitable access to services, and culturally responsive care tailored to the needs of all individuals, irrespective of their racial background. It’s essential to celebrate and elevate the voices of Black care workers, whose invaluable contributions significantly enrich the social care sector. At Roseberry Kare, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable members of our society. We prioritize understanding the cultural and historical contexts of our carers and those we serve, thereby improving cultural competency and fostering a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.