Premera Blue Cross’ Post

Today is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marking when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. For a deeper understanding of the significance of this day, check out JuneteenthKC's website, https://lnkd.in/gJ3-5jpq

What does it mean to be an ally in today's environment? It may be more than you think. You don't need to identify as part of the community you stand by, you just need to show your support and help leverage the voices of those in said communities. During this Pride Month, hear what three self-identified Zebra allies say goes into allyship, what efforts can be done, and how to make sure your actions are in line with your words. https://lnkd.in/g2YKyaP4

https://lnkd.in/eN734MTM As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect on the remarkable strides we have made in 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member and our invaluable corporate partners. Your unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind the success of Black-owned businesses across the nation, fostering growth, innovation, and a stronger economic landscape. Yet, our work is far from over. As we stand at the precipice of a pivotal year in American history, it is crucial to address the current challenges to the principles of equality and diversity we hold dear. Recent events remind us of the fragility of the rights that combat discrimination, rights that are now under threat. It is our duty, both individually and as a community, to protect and promote the values of equity and inclusion. Looking ahead to 2024, we see that the fight for affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is ongoing. The symptoms of discrimination and inequality that have persisted for centuries are still present in our society. We must come together, bridging the private and public sectors, major corporations, and minority-owned businesses, to defend and strengthen these initiatives. Remember, "The only way to have a Great America is to have a great Black America, and the only way to have a great Black America is to have strong Black businesses." The strength of our nation is inherently linked to the strength of our diverse communities and businesses. To fortify our Black businesses, we must collectively work to break down barriers that hinder progress. In 2024, USBC is committed to advocating for affirmative action programs and advancing DEI initiatives. We will engage in collaborative efforts with businesses, public institutions, and grassroots organizations to ensure that our progress is not undone. We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast trust and support. As the Global Voice of Black Business, our mission remains to economically empower and sustain African-American communities through entrepreneurship and business development. Excitingly, the upcoming year will see the launch of the USBC Media Network, encompassing The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) which is now a division of USBC, USBC Radio Network, and USBC Digital Media. This empowers us to amplify our stories, advocate for our issues, and optimize the Black media ecosystem. Members can also look forward to an engaging USBC National Conference as we celebrate our 15th year anniversary, along with informative events for networking and learning. Remember to renew memberships, get certified with ByBlack, follow us on social media, and engage with your local Black Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, take advantage of the resources offered by the USBC Community Economic Development Corporation to jump-start your business success.

To continue our #blackhistorymonth resource sharing, we're highlighting NHPCO’s Black and African American Outreach Guide, free to download for members and non-members. This guide provides an overview of the concept of outreach and outlines strategies hospice and palliative care providers can use to build meaningful relationships with Black/African American populations to increase trust and care utilization. Strategies for providers include: listening to the communities they serve, building partnerships, embracing the faith community, participating in and hosting community events, and connecting with Black/African American media. Download the full guide: nhpco.org/diversity  

What does it mean to be an ally in today's environment? It may be more than you think. You don't need to identify as part of the community you stand by, you just need to show your support and help leverage the voices of those in said communities. During this Pride Month, hear what three self-identified Zebra allies say goes into allyship, what efforts can be done, and how to make sure your actions are in line with your words. https://lnkd.in/gK66YTvy

What does it mean to be an ally in today's environment? It may be more than you think. You don't need to identify as part of the community you stand by, you just need to show your support and help leverage the voices of those in said communities. During this Pride Month, hear what three self-identified Zebra allies say goes into allyship, what efforts can be done, and how to make sure your actions are in line with your words. https://lnkd.in/eXAq_F5f

What does it mean to be an ally in today's environment? It may be more than you think. You don't need to identify as part of the community you stand by, you just need to show your support and help leverage the voices of those in said communities. During this Pride Month, hear what three self-identified Zebra allies say goes into allyship, what efforts can be done, and how to make sure your actions are in line with your words. https://lnkd.in/gB9wRkQm

The Boxser Diversity Initiative is concerned about the #Sarasota County Commission's recent funding decisions, particularly regarding the exclusion of important community programs like the Embracing Our Differences, Inc. exhibition, the Chalk Festival, and WSLR+Fogartyville. These programs play a vital role in cultural enrichment and community engagement in Sarasota County. While we appreciate the Commission's support for arts and cultural initiatives with $2.1 million in #tourist tax dollars, we believe excluding funding for these programs may overlook their significant impact. Embracing Our Differences, for instance, attracts hundreds of thousands of #visitors and promotes #humanrights and diversity through artistic expression. We urge the Commission to reconsider these decisions and ensure equitable support for all community programs that foster #dialogue and celebrate #diversity. Cultural diversity and artistic expression are essential to our community's fabric, and inclusive funding decisions will better reflect our shared values of tolerance and cultural vibrancy. Please read the op-ed from Embracing Our Differences, Inc.'s Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer: https://lnkd.in/e6rPdG2e The Boxser Diversity Initiative remains committed to advocating for fair and inclusive funding practices in Sarasota County.

What does it mean to be an ally in today's environment? It may be more than you think. You don't need to identify as part of the community you stand by, you just need to show your support and help leverage the voices of those in said communities. During this Pride Month, hear what three self-identified Zebra allies say goes into allyship, what efforts can be done, and how to make sure your actions are in line with your words. https://lnkd.in/eFJcbRw2

As Rabbi Hillel would say, “if I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I?” Instead of trying to convince people to do something purely for someone else, organizers in the DART network train grassroots leaders to do what Rabbi Hillel alludes to: how to be both for themselves and for others. Organizers do this through building deep relationships with people to help them see how standing up for their own interest is interwoven with standing up for the interest of their community as a whole. By guiding individuals through discovering what it is that calls them to fight for justice, organizers help people articulate what they value or need – and how that relates to the needs of the community. Through doing so, they invite people to be in solidarity towards creating the kind of community that we all want: to be both for themselves and for others in the pursuit of justice. Sound like something you’d find meaning in? Check out our open positions at thedartcenter.org. #communityorganizing #justice #localpolitics #solidarity