Strong Hold’s Post

Chuckling at my colleagues’ and my “baby photos” seen here made me reflect again how - rather than feeling like I should be thanked for my service - instead how thankful I am for what the Air Force has done for me. It taught me to fly, it taught me to lead, and it showed me the world. I’m grateful to stay connected through the amazing and fulfilling work I’m lucky to do today - which I couldn’t do without the skills built through service. I’ve often said that all it takes to turn America into Scandinavia is one enlistment, and on the level of individual experience, that’s true. No matter who you are, military service will grow you up, and equip you with connections, skills, and amazing resources (like the GI bill) for life. But it’s not without hardship and sacrifice, whether you serve in wartime or peacetime, at home or abroad. So each Veteran’s Day, I reflect upon this quote as well. At one time, I’d often recite in full voice a portion of it we’d been compelled to memorize, from the front-leaning rest in an Air Force Academy hallway; a context which can certainly make one miss the meaning. I’m glad I revisited it later, though, when its poignance was no longer lost on me: "To talk of such talent and effort raises in the minds, I am sure, of everyone, and the minds of all of our countrymen, why? Why should men such as you, able to master the complex arts of science, mathematics, language, economy, and all the rest devote their lives to a military career, with all of its risks and hardships? Why should their families be expected to make the personal and financial sacrifices that a military career inevitably brings with it? When there is a visible enemy to fight in open combat, the answer is not so difficult. Many serve, all applaud, and the tide of patriotism runs high. But when there is a long, slow struggle, with no immediate visible foe, your choice will seem hard indeed.“ -John F Kennedy, in an address to the graduating class of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, 6 June 1962

From a strategic communication point of view, President Joe Biden's decision to step aside and endorse Kamala Harris as the (likely to be) next Democratic presidential candidate will have profound and far-reaching implications. This move results in a non-white, young, experienced, and well-known woman (former Attorney General and Senator) taking the spotlight, creating perfect conditions for provoking Donald Trump's expected extreme and misogynistic reactions. She will gain total support from the Democratic Party and prominent figures such as Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, Hollywood stars, and economic systems. The remaining time allows for presenting tangible results achieved by the Biden-Harris administration in areas such as the economy, job market, innovation, climate change, and social achievements. All of this will have the potential to influence undecided voters.

FCCP's Manager of Programs and Communications, Jenna Patel, shares a powerful story, while highlighting the importance for philanthropy to support the movement for reparations. As we continue to honor and celebrate Black History Month, Jenna reminds us that "in order to truly actualize a multi-racial, just, and equitable democracy for all, we must grapple with the legacy of American slavery and recognize the philanthropic investments needed to repair persistent structural racism, way beyond the days and months commemorating Black history." 💯 Check out the full blog here: https://bit.ly/3OMfAOS

On July 2, 2024, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a pivotal moment in American history. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this landmark legislation represented the culmination of decades of relentless advocacy by civil rights leaders, addressing deep-seated racial inequality and segregation across the United States. We are reminded of the ongoing struggle for equality and the imperative of sustained advocacy and vigilance. The parallels between past and present underscore the urgent need for collective voice and action to realize a more just and equitable society for all. Read more from Imari Paris Jeffries Ph.D. on why the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 serves as critical moments to reaffirm commitments to justice and equality below.

This 4th of July, we proudly reflect on the freedoms and opportunities that define our great nation. As we honor these liberties, we also reflect on the opportunity for growth and improvement. Join us in this week's #DrivingDiversity with Elaine Spector to explore this important topic further. #WomenInLaw #WomenInIP #DiversityInLaw

In our newest blog, we asked Josephine Amusa, policy advisor to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, about her career journey to Capitol Hill. Read more below to hear her thoughts on the importance of uplifting women of color in policymaking:

Today marks @UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  At Corra, we are working to become an anti-racist organisation. We will continue to share our learning & progress and you can read more here: https://lnkd.in/eQN3C_VF Some key actions: Alongside internal staff awareness activities, we are sharing some of the listening, action & changes that Corra has made to become a more equitable place to work. This is just the start, as we know there’s more we can do. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eyRgTxJg Corra commissioned an independent report in 2023 authored by @DrStephenMullen. The report examines the links to historical Atlantic slavery, the British Empire & colonialism of the banking sector & institutions from which Corra emerged. 🔗Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewSyrmpu At Corra we are committed to furthering racial justice in Scotland. This includes listening critically how as funders we can do more. Lucien @crer_scotland supported by #SkyGrants 🔗https://lnkd.in/e6dNkWcH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 6, 2024 / Biden/Harris Talking Points - Statement from President Joe Biden on Donald Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda “We can always rely on Donald Trump for one thing: to lie to the American people in pursuit of power. We saw that on the debate stage when he set a record. He lied about the economy, about his role in the January 6 insurrection, and about disrespecting our heroic servicemembers. “Donald Trump is lying again now. He’s trying to hide his connections to his allies’ extreme Project 2025 agenda. The only problem? It was written for him, by those closest to him. Project 2025 should scare every single American. It would give Trump limitless power over our daily lives and let him use the presidency to enact ‘revenge’ on his enemies, ban abortion nationwide and punish women who have an abortion, and gut the checks and balances that make America the greatest democracy in the world. It’s extreme and dangerous. “Trump’s conservative Supreme Court has already given him a blank check to do virtually whatever he wants with no regard for the rule of law. If he wins, there is no question Trump will use it to pass his Project 2025 agenda. Together, we must defeat him.” ###

Embrace the spirit of liberty and celebrate the essence of our rights. ✨  Cherishing our past, shaping our future—today, we unite in the name of freedom.  𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐃𝐀𝐘! 🇮🇳   #PAREENARealEstate #republicday #republicday2024 #26january2024