The Wilderness Society’s Post

New in FOCUS: Inside Black DC, we explore the tri-caucus effort to restore the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, showcase new data on civility in Congress from the Congressional Management Foundation, and more. https://lnkd.in/e5gE2jY2

New in FOCUS: Inside Black DC, we explore the tri-caucus effort to restore the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, showcase new data on civility in Congress from the Congressional Management Foundation, and more. https://lnkd.in/e5gE2jY2

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must also acknowledge the invisible chains that still bind our country due to systemic racism. The legacy of slavery continues to impact the lives of Black Americans today, from disproportionately high rates of incarceration to limited access to quality education and opportunities. We must all commit to being actively anti-racist and dismantling the systems that uphold white supremacy. This means advocating for policies that promote equity and justice, supporting Black-owned businesses, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. As a professional in the corporate world, I recognize the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued. We must actively work to dismantle the barriers that prevent Black professionals from advancing in their careers and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities for success. Let us use this day of celebration as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a truly equal and just society. We must continue to educate others, have difficult conversations, and take action.

Absolute honors the importance of today, Juneteenth, and we'd like to take this opportunity to recognize the historical injustices and discrimination faced by Black Americans in the construction industry. Enslaved folks were highly involved in the construction of many of our National monuments in Washington DC. But throughout the early 1900's, Black contractors faced much discrimination within the United States, and were often denied financing or bonding access, which lead to their being excluded from the market. Stemming from the momentum of the Civil Rights movement, resources and opportunities started to become more fair in the 1960's and 1970's. Today, we still see that folks who identify as Black or African American make up only 11.1% of our industry nationwide -- there's still plenty of work to do in pursuing equity! Absolute is committed to fostering an environment of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We celebrate freedom today, and stand with our Black community. #juneteenth #constructioninclusion #belonging #webuildcolorado

On the heels of the launch of our Black Liberation and Just Transition Certification Program and relaunch of our community tools such as the Resource Hub, Policies for the People, and BIPOC in ECJ, The Chisholm Legacy Project will be closed September 2-6, 2024 to give our staff a moment to rest, recharge, and reflect. This rest will allow us time to replenish our physical and mental health ensuring we have the endurance and clarity needed to effectively advocate for systemic change.     When we rest, it is a form of resistance and healing in a society that often exploits the labor of Black people. Our intentional rest defies the historical and ongoing pressures to be perpetually productive. It acknowledges our humanity, affirming our right to well-being and joy. By prioritizing rest, we are modeling sustainable activism and demonstrating that self-care and community care are integral to long-term movements. 

Actions to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for Black History Month - Part 4 Engage in dialogue: Have open and honest conversations about race and inequality. Engage in discussions with friends, family, colleagues, and community members to foster understanding, empathy, and unity. Be willing to listen, learn, and challenge your own beliefs and biases.

As Black History Month concludes, it's crucial to recall that February serves as a time to celebrate Black culture, community, and the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to society. During this time, Fact Forward affirms our commitment to center Black voices and culture to provide culturally responsive evidence and practice-based approaches to adolescent sexual health. Centering Black communities in this work includes creating spaces that embrace cultural diversity and work to dismantle systemic racism. When we center Black culture and history in programming, we connect to the lived experiences of Black people, create equity, and honor equality in our work. We must continue amplifying and uplifting organizations that support Black public health practitioners, center Black voices in building community, and creating space for equity and social justice in public health.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, #ForritCU would like to help honor the past and uplift the voices that shape our community. Oregon's history includes laws that once forbade Black people from living, voting, or owning property until 1926, with discriminatory aspects lingering until 2002. Despite facing such obstacles, the Black community has been instrumental in shaping the state's development and cultural landscape. The Civil Rights Movement brought legal reforms, yet Oregon's historical policies have left enduring effects on racial disparities and the distribution of wealth. Areas like Albina and North/Northeast Portland, which were once vibrant centers for the Black community, have seen many of their Black residents move away due to gentrification. Over time, this changed the area's culture and community makeup, as these neighborhoods have become less accessible to the people who once gave them their identity. Efforts to improve these situations continue, involving changes in law and community action. A prominent Black figure in Oregon was Letitia Carson. Her story is a testament to resilience and courage, highlighting her significant but often overlooked role in Oregon's early history: https://lnkd.in/gUUJEj6F Ways to Support: Discover local Black-owned businesses: https://ow.ly/Js9r50QAS8Z Delve into Oregon's Black history: https://ow.ly/Hug950QAS8W https://ow.ly/vy1Y50QAS8O https://ow.ly/Mas850QAS8P https://ow.ly/rehw50QAS8N

Observing #BlackHistoryMonth requires more from us than simply acknowledging its place on the calendar. It requires us to actively seek out the impacts of Black contributions to society within our own communities--and we look forward to sharing more stories of Black History in Delray Beach this month. 📆 On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, the EJS Project, along with a group of community leaders, organized and led one of the largest peaceful protests to ever occur in Delray Beach. It was important for us to participate in this movement against police brutality and injustices to demonstrate to our students and community that we were and are willing to walk the walk of our core values, which include creating equity of opportunity and challenging systems. 🪧 By organizing swiftly, we aimed to convey a clear message that Black Lives Matter, even before the national momentum peaked. Through proactive leadership, including the involvement of Delray Beach's first Black Police Chief, Javaro Sims, and community engagement, we created a platform for individuals to unite, voice their concerns, and stand in solidarity during this challenging historical period. 📸: Pictured on the front lines of our peaceful protest are a Pastor, the first Black Police Chief in Delray Beach, leaders from Haitian Community, and hundreds of others following as far as the eye can see. #BlackLivesMatter #BlackHistory #DelrayBeach #FloridaBlackHistory #PeacefulProtest

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate Black freedom, resilience, belonging, and hope, as it marks the day that ended the enslavement of Black people throughout the United States. Today, we can see how the inequities experienced by the Black community in the U.S. have been shaped by a long and systemic history of racial injustice and the extraction of labor from Black people. Despite our country’s painful legacy of racism, Black citizens have persisted and built thriving, vibrant communities. But there is still work to do—by all. In order to build a more just and equitable society, we must directly address these ongoing impacts through the systems, structures, and policies that have perpetuated such inequitable conditions and outcomes. As we celebrate and honor Juneteenth, let it also remind us that a new legacy is possible—and we all have a role to play in achieving it.