Pohlad Family Foundation’s Post

Today, we acknowledge Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery and honoring the Black community's strength. At Be Well Kentucky, we value inclusive care for all. Let's work together for a future where everyone gets the support they need. Learn more about our approach to racial-based stress and trauma: https://lnkd.in/ecPPU7yT

Our Eight Essential Outcomes for Black Child Development ensure that every Black child has access to nutritious meals that nourish their bodies and honor their culture. This summer, many will face “summer hunger” without federally-assisted meals at school, impacting their health, well-being and academic performance. Integrating culturally relevant foods into their diets, Black children can thrive and maintain their health and well-being, supporting not only physical health but fostering a strong sense of identity and community. By addressing “summer hunger” and supporting food-insecure families, we can empower Black children to thrive year-round. Learn more about this pressing issue and how others are advocating to make a meaningful impact here: https://bit.ly/4eDar7g

When educators speak, we should listen! Thank you to the Black Educators Advocates Network for their recent report. It highlights key steps/activities schools and leaders can do to create more equitable, affirming and professionally satisfying working conditions for Black educators. Among the findings, it's telling that 45% of Black educators reported that their school values the expertise of educators of color and supports their professional development. Educators also reported that mentoring (60%), pathways to leadership (53%) and more time to collaborate (51%) would be most impactful to their professional growth and development. These data are consistent with other national surveys of Black educators. As leaders and policy makers evaluate their retention strategies, it's critical they listen to the voices of educators to ensure their solutions align, otherwise they're likely fail.

Charting a path toward redesigning public safety systems can be difficult, especially for communities lacking the necessary resources and funding to get started. Our roadmap provides a jumping-off point for exploring new models of funding public safety while centering communities in the conversation. Every Black community deserves the investment needed to undo the widespread harm caused by racist systems. Reallocating public safety resources will take time, bold action, and a commitment to Black liberation and equity for all. Explore our toolkit: https://lnkd.in/dwTm6QQh.

NEW RESEARCH STUDY 📚👩🏽💻 📖 As Black mothers raising our kids in predominantly White towns in the Northeast, we have experienced, first-hand, the challenges of finding supportive and justice-oriented educational environments for our Black children. Through informal conversations with other Black mothers, it became clear that there are larger patterns worth exploring about the racial justice advocacy & emotional work Black mothers do to ensure our children's socio-emotional & academic success, particularly within private, predominately White pre-K-6 schools. In our efforts to shed light on these patterns and offer suggestions for structural interventions, we would love to hear from you! - Dr. Kristie A. Ford and Dr. Jallicia Jolly

JAE will attend this important panel discussion on Embrace Boston's Harm Report, February 27, 2024 - Addressing the seven injury areas of significant historical and contemporary consequence for Black Boston.

Will you be attending AACC's Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky next month? Join my session, with Karen Stout titled “Realizing Black Learner Excellence at Community Colleges" at 9 a.m. on April 7. Black learners have been underserved and, as a result, have left America's postsecondary system. Community colleges, a critical entry point for first-generation, low-income, and Black students, have experienced the most significant loss. The new Level Up Report and get REAL framework will be discussed to engage participants in a renewed commitment to Black learner success. This call to action is an important step in establishing institutional, system, and policy change to support reforms to improve the outcomes for Black students pursuing postsecondary programs and degrees. American Association of Community Colleges

🔔 Check out this upcoming webinar to ring in Black Philanthropy Month!

Standing Together Against Attacks on Black-Led Organizations Dear Community Members, It is with a heavy heart and a resolute spirit that I address you today regarding the ongoing attacks on Black-led organizations within our community. The systematic racism and hatred that continue to target these essential pillars of our community are abhorrent and unacceptable. Time and time again, we witness the relentless assault on Black leadership and organizations that aim to uplift and empower our community. Every moment of Black joy and excellence is met with disproportionate scrutiny, excessive policing, and unjust penalties, stripping away the very foundation of normalcy and freedom that should be inherent to all. The unfair burden placed upon our political and community leaders is evident for all to see. The obstacles they face simply for daring to pursue a better future for our community are unjust and must not go unchallenged. Now, more than ever, we must stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity. We must uplift one another, support our Black-led organizations, and collectively strive to move our community forward towards a more just and equitable future. Together, let us be unwavering in our commitment to combating racism, supporting Black leadership, and creating a community where all can thrive without fear of persecution or discrimination. In unity and strength, Jon Henry Both Sides Of The Conversation Changing The Narrative From Our Voices.

Report Now Available: Black Agenda for Change: 2024 Policy Priorities – https://bit.ly/3woQ9wo The Forum presents its 2024 legislative priorities, advocating for Black-Centered solutions in education, economic security and wealth building, and public safety. Policy priorities will guide The Forum’s advocacy efforts during the 2024 Minnesota Legislative session which kicks off today; enjoining elected leaders to support enacting policy changes that empower the state’s Black communities and advance their collective uplift.