In celebration of Black History Month, join us for our next FREE Devex Pro event for which we will sit down with Black leaders working in global development to discuss how greater inclusivity and representation can be fostered in the sector. Some of the themes we will explore include: ▪️Systemic barriers: Examining the hurdles that Black professionals face in entering and advancing within the global development sector. ▪️DEI dynamics: Exploring the rise and backlash of diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives in the United States, and their impact on global development. ▪️Promoting equity: Discussing actionable steps that organizations and donors can take to foster equity, including case studies of successful initiatives. ▪️Navigating race complexities: Addressing the challenges of U.S.-centric perspectives on race in the context of global development. ▪️Empowering Black leaders: Advising Black professionals and their allies on how to promote Black leadership and representation in the global development sector. ▪️Building sustainable communities: Discussing the role of Black leadership in creating resilient and self-sufficient communities globally. The conversation will be open for all community members to join for free. #blackhistorymonth #BHM #blackleaders #event

Breaking the stigma: how Black men can shift their mindset and lead with advocacy. In a world often plagued by stereotypes and misconceptions, Black men have the opportunity to: ➝ Redefine leadership through advocacy. ➝ Shift your mindset and embrace your unique experiences. ➝ Leverage your voice and emerge as a powerful advocate for change and progress. Here's how: 1. Empowerment through self-awareness. 2. Amplifying voices and elevating causes. 3. Lead by example. Just because you grew up with one way of seeing the world, doesn’t mean you cannot reimagine what it gets to look like today. P.S. Get your newsletter here ➝ bit.ly/3uwfAvm

This *free* Devex Leader roundtable on Black Leadership in Global Development is bound to be a powerful and insightful conversation. Registration information is below. I hope to see you there!

What does "Reclaiming Narratives" mean to you? #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK #ReclaimingNarratives “Reclaiming Narratives” means reshaping how we are seen, heard, and represented. As the founder of The Black Tri Tribe (BTT) and someone deeply invested in the construction industry, it’s about taking ownership of our stories, identities, and achievements, which have often been overshadowed or distorted by others. In both my work as a construction professional and as a community organiser with BTT, I actively challenge perceptions and break down barriers that often exclude Black voices. In construction, I bring real-life experience to the next generation, demonstrating that we belong in every aspect of the industry—from site management to project management—redefining what it means to be a leader. In spaces like sports and construction, where Black voices are underrepresented, we reclaim our narrative by showing that we belong, we excel, and we define our own journey. Through BTT, we not only participate in triathlons but also show that our community is capable of much more than society often acknowledges. It’s about rewriting the story on our terms and celebrating our contributions unapologetically, whether in sports or in building the cities around us. #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK

Yesterday marked the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth and the third year since becoming a national holiday. Here are some big takeaways on where we stand today: ▪ There is consensus that brands/businesses/corporations are doing “just okay” in supporting Black communities. ▪ We can do more than just a social media post. In fact, this was ranked the least helpful activity brands can do to support Juneteenth. ▪ Since Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday, way more Black Americans have started participating in cultural celebrations for Juneteenth—more proof that representation and acknowledgment matters. If you're looking for ways you and your teams can support, these insights really show where your actions, empathy, and energy can make a big difference. Happy Freedom Day 🎉

🎤💡 Black Leadership in Global Development: A Special Roundtable Event for Black History Month 🎤💡 In honor of Black History Month in the US, we're excited to invite you to February's roundtable, featuring a powerful lineup of US-based Black global development leaders. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, tackle challenging discussions, and participate in a dialogue focused on inclusivity and representation with a powerhouse group of influencers. 📅 Date: Wednesday, 21 February 2024 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST 🔥 Free registration to attend 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eRPSg7Rf 🚀 Themes We'll Explore: Systemic Barriers: Understanding the obstacles Black professionals encounter in global development. DEI Dynamics: The impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in the U.S. and beyond and rising backlash. Promoting Equity: Actionable steps for organizations to enhance equity, with real success stories. Navigating Race Complexities: Addressing U.S.-centric views of race in a global context. Empowering Black Leaders: Strategies to elevate Black leadership in the sector. Building Sustainable Communities: The role of Black leadership in fostering global resilience. 🌟 Featuring Esteemed Panelists: Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, CEO, Mercy Corps Loyce P. Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Aaron S. Williams, Senior Advisor Emeritus, RTI International 📺 How to Watch: Live: Join us via Zoom livestream (link sent post-registration). On-Demand: Can't make the live stream? Register to receive a recording link. 🔥 Though normally for our Pro members, this month's event is FREE to attend. #BlackHistoryMonth #GlobalDevelopment #DiversityInLeadership #Inclusivity #Empowerment

Equitable and inclusive development in Black communities requires leadership grounded in local understanding. BLP’s mission to support Black and brown professionals in public sector roles allows these leaders to advocate for policies that align with community needs and drive economic inclusion. By crafting development policies that uplift Black neighborhoods, Black Pennsylvanians build a foundation of social and economic impact that extends beyond individual projects. This approach leverages community knowledge, resilience, and ingenuity to ensure dynamic growth.

Starting the conversation to education and growth.

📣📣📣Many years ago, when I stepped into the workplace, I wish someone could have explained to me on a deep experiential level how difficult it would be to be safe, seen, heard, and valued as a Black professional in a white dominant workforce. I had no idea that I would, at times, get left out! I hadn’t even heard the word “marginalized” outside of a mathematical context. I had no idea I would face discrimination, othering, being silenced, my work being taken and someone else getting credit for it. I was not prepared to handle being wrongfully fired by someone who didn’t appreciate that I went from being the token Black girl, to a perceived threat to their career, as they didn’t expect me to excel. The “Pet to Threat” phenomenon. I didn’t know that what I had experienced by an “overzealous” micromanaging supervisor was actually bullying, mobbing, and microaggressive abuse. I could go on about my experience, and the experience of my mother, her mother, and many Black women and folks in the workplace, but instead I will invite you to pre-order this incredible book with stories from Black professionals on how they, and myself, have thrived and survived in a dominant work culture. This is the book of 2024 that everyone, and I do mean everyone, should read. If you’ve read the books by the incredible Elizabeth Leiba, (I’m Not Yelling, Protecting My Peace), you won’t want to miss this as she has brought many brilliant folks together to share our stories in this anthology so we can start to heal, help to heal others and #Triumph in the Trenches. We have to get serious about telling the hard truth and being intentional about creating safety, fairness, and inclusion for everyone. To me, the first step is to listen to the stories of impacted people. It may change your life. #triumph #triumphwithsacheen #blackprofessionals Pre-order now! https://lnkd.in/d8gVBcug

This will be an important conversation on racism in the workplace and what has happened to the D&I community. Register at the link below. #Whistleblowers, #racism #diversityequityinclusion #diversity , #equality #humanrights