The Economic Development Association for Black Communities’ Post

Juneteenth is rapidly approaching in the U.S. It can feel disheartening to see some of the trends in DEI/ESG/CSR space of late…which is why it’s more important than ever to have hard conversations around race, equity and justice…even if we don’t have all the answers. Join us for this important RealTalk next week!

#systems! Ecosystems! SSREI focuses on systems! What is a Black ecosystem? According to Frantzces Lys, a Black ecosystem is "a thriving Black ecosystem is looking to answer the question of how do we break the #economic paradigm that keeps #money out of reach for the Black community to build multi-generational #wealth. These systems impact our ability to create a thriving Black ecosystem. -Interpersonal Systems -Institutional Systems -Structural Systems How are you creating equitable systems? Read more! ....... https://lnkd.in/eDtgkxhg #management #innovation #systemsthinking #sixsigmaindy

Time for only 2 questions? 1. Does your organization focus on #programs or systems? 2. Are your programs part of a larger ecosystem intentionally designed for the change you want to see? #management #innovation #systemschange #changeleadership #equity #sixsigmaindy #optimistindy

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 Today, we join in commemorating Juneteenth, a day of profound historical significance marking the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the news of emancipation finally reached Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day stands as a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. At Business Minds, we honor the resilience and achievements of Black entrepreneurs and communities. We recognize that the journey towards true equity and inclusion is ongoing, and we are committed to fostering a diverse and supportive environment for all entrepreneurs. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝘆: - Reflecting on the historical significance of this day and its impact on our society. - Supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs within our community. - Continuing the conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entrepreneurial world. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’s 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱. \#Juneteenth \#FreedomDay \#BusinessMinds \#Empowerment \#Equality

At Haven Tower, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion every day of the year. As we commemorate Black History Month, we honor the contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and within our communities. This month, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We celebrate the achievements and successes of Black professionals in the financial services industry and beyond, recognizing that diversity is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic advantage in the financial sector, fostering innovation, creativity, and better outcomes for all. Our firm and its team members remain steadfast in our dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the wealth management industry. We are committed to amplifying diverse voices, supporting minority-owned businesses, and fostering opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive. Let's celebrate the past, embrace the present, and work together to build a more inclusive, equitable and just future. #BlackHistoryMonth #WealthManagement #DiversityandInclusion #FinancialIndustry #Leadership #Equity #Empowerment #Innovation #HavenTowerGroup

Juneteenth is the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, culture, and achievements. This day holds profound significance, not just for its historical importance, but also for its ongoing relevance in our pursuit of equality and economic empowerment. Juneteenth reminds me of the resilience and strength of the Black community, qualities epitomized by the legacy of Black Wall Street. In the early 20th century, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as Black Wall Street, became a thriving hub of Black entrepreneurship and economic success. Despite facing systemic racism and the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, the spirit of Black Wall Street lives on as a symbol of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination. Today, I reflect on the progress we've made and the work still ahead. Morgan Stanley and Wall Street play a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. By investing in minority-owned businesses, supporting policies that address economic disparities, and fostering an inclusive workplace, we can contribute to a more just and prosperous society. On this Juneteenth, let's commit to upholding the values of equality and opportunity that Black Wall Street exemplified. Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the chance to thrive. #Juneteenth #BlackWallStreet #DiversityAndInclusion #WallStreet #EconomicEmpowerment

🤎 "I don't see color." Well, you should. Executive Hub by Tracy Cole is a black-owned, woman-owned business. Why is that significant? Black-owned businesses enhance diversity in the marketplace, offering unique products and services that reflect the culture and experiences of the Black community. This representation helps to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive economy. Throughout history, Black-owned businesses have demonstrated resilience and creativity in the face of systemic challenges. Supporting Black-owned businesses can help to reduce the racial wealth gap, as these businesses typically reinvest in their communities and contribute to broader economic equality. African-Ameican woman-owned businesses foster the the "Because they can, I can" mentality. Successful Black entrepreneurs serve as role models, inspiring the next generation to pursue business ownership and entrepreneurial endeavors. Black-owned businesses are vital for fostering economic growth, community well-being, and cultural richness within society. ✨️ Executive Hub by Tracy Cole is breaking down stereotypes, crashing through glass ceilings, and creating a legacy and generational wealth.

Our CEO Kelly Burton, PhD, painted a clear picture about how money and funding allocated for social equity initiatives never truly reaches communities of color. "They might call the Black-led organization that is actually doing the hard work to get their advice. Advice. No money, no checks, no budget for their support, or their brain trust, or their relationships, or their network. You look up, and three to five years down the road, all the money is gone. And very little of it actually trickled down to communities of color." Last month, Kelly joined a panel of distinguished guests for the Center for American Progress and the National Partnership for Women & Families conversation titled "Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America." The Black innovators and leaders discussed leveraging funding and capital to implement groundbreaking strategies to promote Black economic advancement. #blackbusiness #blacktech #blackentrepreneurs #DecadeofBlackInnovation #BlackEconomicPower #BlackInnovators

Last month, our CEO Kelly joined a panel of distinguished guests for the Center for American Progress and the National Partnership for Women & Families conversation titled "Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America." The Black innovators and leaders discussed leveraging funding and capital to implement groundbreaking strategies to promote Black economic advancement. #blackbusiness #blacktech #blackentrepreneurs #DecadeofBlackInnovation #BlackEconomicPower #BlackInnovators

This is a fact and a sad reality!!! I have deep respect for and stand in full solidarity with Kelly Burton, PhD - too often ideas, networks, and strategies are extracted from smaller BIPOC led nonprofits by larger well resourced entities that never intend to move money to the people and places they get funds to serve. If we look even closer, it fares even worse for Southern based leaders of color and Black women. We need to incentivize collaboration instead of extraction especially in the name of “public good” and “philanthropy.” Scores of articles continue to underscore the anemic deployment of funds that actually get to communities. Let’s invest differently if we want different outcomes. Leaders - let’s demand payment for advice.