The Black Scottish Awards’ Post

Celebrating Black History Month with Her Blueprint Africa ✊ February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the immense contributions of Black individuals throughout history and their ongoing impact on the world today. At Her Blueprint Africa, we're not just celebrating - we're amplifying the voices and stories of Black women who are shaping the future of Africa. Here are just a few of the many reasons why Black women deserve to be celebrated: ⚜️Pioneering entrepreneurs: From tech startups to innovative social enterprises, Black women are driving economic growth and development across Africa. They are shattering glass ceilings and proving that they have a seat at the table in every industry. ⚜️Community builders: Black women are the backbone of their communities, working tirelessly to uplift and empower others. They are educators, activists, and changemakers who are creating a more just and equitable world. ⚜️Cultural icons: Black women are shaping the world of art, music, fashion, and literature. Their creativity and talent inspire us all, and they are breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes every day. This Black History Month, let's commit to: Supporting Black-owned businesses: Choose to spend your money with businesses owned by Black women. This is a powerful way to invest in their success and contribute to economic empowerment. Amplifying Black voices: Share the stories and achievements of Black women on your platforms. Let's use our collective voice to celebrate their contributions and give them the visibility they deserve. Mentoring and sponsoring Black women: If you're in a position to do so, offer your time, expertise, and resources to help Black women advance in their careers and businesses. Together, we can build a brighter future where Black women are celebrated, empowered, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. #BlackHistoryMonth #HerBlueprintAfrica #EmpoweringBlackWomen #CelebratingBlackExcellence P.S. Don't forget to tag Her Blueprint Africa in your posts and share your own stories of how Black women have inspired you!

HAPPY JUNETEENTH TO YOU ALL! ❤️🖤💚 Today, we celebrate the collective freedom of our community here and in the Diaspora. Let's honor this significant day with reflection, unity, and continued commitment to justice and equality. Here are some things to consider as you reflect about Juneteenth. ❤️ EDUCATE YOURSELF: Take the time to learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth as well as the experiences, challenges, and contributions of the black community here and in the Diaspora. 🖤 SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES:Take intentional steps to support black-owned businesses by shopping locally, dining at black-owned restaurants, and investing in products and services from black entrepreneurs. 💚 ADVOCATE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: Get involved in advocacy efforts that aim to address systemic racism and promote equality for black communities. This can include signing petitions, attending rallies, and engaging in conversations about racial justice. ❤️ AMPLIFY BLACK VOICES: Use your platform to amplify the voices of black creators, artists, activists, and community leaders. Share their stories, work, and perspectives to promote greater representation and understanding. 💚 SUPPORT BLACK ORGANIZATIONS: Donate to and volunteer with organizations that are dedicated to supporting and uplifting black communities like Nyansapo Wellness Institute, as it relates to eating healthier plant-based foods. Whether it's through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, or financial contributions, every effort counts in making a positive impact. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #SupportBlackOwned #AmplifyBlackVoices

2024: Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build Welcome to February - a month dedicated to honouring and celebrating the profound legacy of Black excellence. This year, the theme "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build" resonates deeply as we acknowledge the remarkable contributions and resilience of the Black community in Canada and beyond. As articulated by the Government of Canada's Canadian Heritage page, this theme underscores the importance of recognizing not only the significant past achievements but also nurturing future opportunities for generations to come. Throughout this month, we invite you to join us in commemorating Black History Month as we pay homage to the indelible mark Black Canadians have made on our society. What to Expect: Inspiring Stories: Prepare to be uplifted by the tales of perseverance, triumph, and innovation within the Black community. From trailblazers in various fields to unsung heroes making a difference, we'll spotlight stories that inspire and empower. Thought-provoking debates: Engage in meaningful discussions around issues of race, equality, and social justice. Let's challenge ourselves to confront biases, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster understanding and unity. Collaborative Initiatives: Together, let's take concrete steps towards building a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether it's supporting Black-owned businesses, amplifying Black voices, or advocating for policy changes, every action counts. Join the Conversation: We invite you to actively participate in this month-long celebration. Share your own stories, reflections, and aspirations using the hashtag #BlackHistoryMonth. Let's amplify Black excellence and honor the resilience and contributions of Black Canadians. As we embark on this journey of celebration and reflection, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where everyone, regardless of race or background, can thrive and succeed. Together, let's make this Black History Month one to remember! Stay tuned for updates, events, and exclusive content throughout February. Together, we can honour the past, embrace the present, and shape a brighter future. #BlackHistoryMonth #Celebration #bfannetwork

**Fueling Economic Equity: Join the AACC Movement to Empower Black Businesses ** Supporting Black-owned businesses fuels economic empowerment by narrowing the wealth gap, enriches the marketplace with diverse offerings, inspires future generations, and promotes quality and value through unique, high-quality products and services, all while supporting local connections for a sustainable economy. Contribute by advocating for policies supporting Black businesses, spreading awareness, amplifying Black voices beyond purchases, and joining AACC to be part of a network empowering Black-owned businesses, advocating for equality and access while raising awareness about the challenges they face. Remember, supporting Black-owned businesses is an investment in a brighter, more inclusive future. Ready to make a difference? https://lnkd.in/e2q_j4p4 Photo: Team Clean, Inc. #SupportBlackBusinesses #EconomicEmpowerment #CommunityBuilding #JoinTheMovement #AACCinAction

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”, invites us to honour the remarkable contributions and achievements of Black Canadians throughout history while looking forward to a future of progress, inclusivity, and opportunity. At Watson, we see the importance of diversity and representation in boardrooms every day; boards that embrace different perspectives and backgrounds make better decisions. As we celebrate Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to helping boards shape a positive future for their organizations by promoting equity and inclusion at every level. From breaking barriers in boardrooms to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Black leaders have left an indelible mark on Canada’s corporate landscape. As we honour their accomplishments, we also acknowledge the work that remains to be done to address systemic barriers and create more opportunities for Black Canadians to access leadership positions. To learn more about the contributions of Black Canadians in the corporate world and the challenges they face, we encourage you to explore the following resources: 🔗 Organizations led by Black women in Canada: Black women have created many important organizations that have advanced equity and human rights in Canada. Visit Canada’s Black History Month website to learn about the legacy and impact of some of these organizations: https://lnkd.in/gQNAYwH 🔗 BlackNorth Initiative: This organization is dedicated to combating anti-Black racism and creating opportunities for Black Canadians in corporate Canada. Visit their website to learn about their initiatives and resources: https://blacknorth.ca/ 🔗 Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce: The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce advocates for the economic empowerment of Black businesses and professionals. Explore their website to discover resources and networking opportunities: https://blackchamber.ca/ 🔗 Canadian Council for Diversity and Inclusion: This organization promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, offering resources and training programs to support organizations in creating equitable environments: https://ccdi.ca/ As Black History Month comes to a close, let’s honour the legacy of Black excellence and commit to building a future where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is embraced, and opportunities are accessible to all. #BHM2024

*Dear #LinkedIn #Community* Help me celebrate Mrs Edna Lyatuu Hogan Your journey is truly inspirational. When you are intentional, great things happen. #blackexecellence #blackleadership #womenppower #womenleadership #powerhouse #trailblazing #blackcommunity #globalblackcommunities #minorities #success #growth #linkedincommunity #linkedincreators #linkedingrowth #eaqulaopportunities

This incredibly insightful piece from Nonprofit Quarterly spoke to the incredibly difficult challenges faced by Black women in nonprofit leadership. Dr. Shauna Knox hit the nail on the head with her assessment of the current state and future of Black leadership: “Many Black women in positions of leadership earnestly believe that they cannot afford the luxury of a more integral moral ecology because they are being made to choose between their livelihoods and their ideals.[...]We cannot reorder the conditions of the labor-industrial complex, or, frankly, any other establishment, to make ourselves acceptable as we are—that is not our work. But if that work continues to be neglected, we will continue to lose our hair, our minds, our souls, our bodies, our voices, and our futures—and oh what a tragedy that would be.” Nonprofits who continue to ignore the multi-faceted challenges faced by the leaders of their organizations will only further wane in their influence and community trust, partially when well-reasoned grievances go unaddressed. #BlackLeadership #Nonprofit #Leadership #Justice

🌟 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 🌟 As a proud Black woman and mother, attorney, and investment advisor who owns the area’s only Black woman-owned registered investment advisory firm, I’m thrilled to kick off Black History Month! This month is more than just a reflection of our past; it’s a beacon for our future and the legacies and wealth we are creating. It’s a time to honor the resilience, innovation, and enduring spirit of the Black community. But let’s not stop at celebration. Let’s take action. This Black History Month, I encourage you to join me in a mission to #AmplifyBlackWomen. Here’s how we can make a difference: 1. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬: Seek out and invest in businesses owned by Black women. Your support can be a game-changer for these enterprises. 2. 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: If you’re in a position to mentor, reach out to young Black women aspiring to careers in law, finance, or any field. Your guidance can light their path. 3. 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: Let’s educate ourselves and others about the contributions of Black women in our society. Share stories, books, and content that elevate their voices. 4. 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞: Consider donating to organizations dedicated to the empowerment of Black women in education, business, and community leadership. As we move through this month, let’s remember that our actions, big or small, can have a profound impact. Together, we can create a future where Black women are not just seen and heard but amplified and celebrated every day. #BlackHistoryMonth #AmplifyBlackWomen #Empowerment #UnityInDiversity

In preparation for National Black Business Month, I wanted to share an article I wrote in 2021 addressing inequity in Atlanta’s philanthropic community; particularly during the pandemic. The data at the time revealed that 74% of funding went to white-led organizations, while only 10% went to organizations founded by Black women. We have made headway since I first wrote this piece; the conversation has expanded and informs how we support our black women executives through our Legacy Leadership program currently hosted at the Lola.  However, the data continues to illustrate the inequity in funding allocation towards Black women-led organizations. I am honored to have led this close examination of Atlanta’s giving practices. Collaborating with local powerhouses: Sagirah Jones, Kate Little, Wande Okunoren-Meadows, Cicely Garrett, Malaika Wells, and Yonina Gray, MBA to address these deep-rooted biases and broken processes was a dream come true. Check out our recommendations on the link below for better operational strategies as we move forward. 🙌 https://lnkd.in/g2ERE7nx

Let it be known: Despite continued obstacles, Black talent thrives in every industry. We are present throughout the economic spectrum, excelling at all levels. Yet, despite our significant contributions, our experiences continue to be diminished. Through conversations and roundtable discussions facilitated by The Black Network, we have uncovered the pervasive inequalities that shadow our professions. I’m in the business of change not charity and that’s what Black Out is about. We're engineering transformation. Black Out represents a critical opportunity for organisations, for budget holders to actively partner with us and participate in change, creating a more inclusive future and for the Black community to be part of it in real time. This is history in the making, join us as we practically change the face of advertising and media. Apply - https://lnkd.in/ekTWj-ap Partner - bn@cephaswilliams.com #BlackOut2024 / #TheBlackNetwork The Black Network / Together We Are Stronger Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity #BlackOut2024 / #CannesLionsFestival