The One Club for Creativity’s Post

This Black History Month, our Sojourn Speaks series is proud to shine a light on Black leaders in politics who are making waves and driving significant change. Politics is a critical part of our democracy and how we impact change, and we're inspired by the many Black politicians who lead this charge with vision and determination. Today, we highlight the remarkable Joanna McClinton a trailblazer and a source of inspiration as a Black woman in political leadership. As the first woman and the first Black woman to serve as the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, McClinton's journey symbolizes progress and the breaking of historical barriers. Her dedication to justice, equity, and community empowerment sets a powerful example of leadership that not only aims to represent but is responsive to the community. McClinton’s work in criminal justice reform, advocating for voting rights, and pushing for economic equity showcases the profound impact that Black leaders can have in crafting policies that uplift all communities. Her story reminds us of the power and impact of a reflective and inclusive democracy. We invite you to join us in celebrating Joanna McClinton and other Black leaders in politics who inspire and lead by example. Who are the Black political leaders you admire? Share their stories and the impact they’ve made in the comments below. Let’s amplify the voices and victories that drive us toward a more equitable and just future. #BHM2024 #BlackWomenLead #JoannaMcClinton #SojournsSpeaks #PoliticalInnovation #StatePolitics #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackFutures #SocialImpact

PUBLIC DATA RELEASE: New public opinion polling data as part of the Black Voter Project (BVP) survey series (in collaboration with Black Insights Research). The poll, administered by YouGov, is a nationally representative sample (N=2,004; MOE +/-2.7%) of Black Americans gauging public opinion across a wide range of political candidates and policy issues. Unlike most mainstream surveys, this poll provides solid, generalizable data about the Black community that Beltway pollsters rarely take the time to collect. Information about the poll (as well as top lines) can be found on both the Black Insights Research (https://lnkd.in/dQ-ZauYX) website. Please share and check the data out for yourself!

🚨A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT🚨 If you manage or work with Black women in digital marketing (social media, especially), we’re currently having to navigate doing our jobs while being exposed to: Footage of an unarmed Black woman being shot in the face by police And A plethora of racist and misogynistic content in response to Kamala Harris’ presidential run announcement. Unlike other industries, we can’t just opt out, stop scrolling or unplug. Being in these spaces is a requirement to do our job well, but we’re exposed to things that are hurtful, draining, and triggering on a nearly day to day basis. Do with that info what you will, but I would suggest offering a little grace and understanding to the Black women in your organization.

If you manage or work with Black women in digital marketing (social media, especially), please read the below. There is a lot in the news impacting Black women right now.

These words are not mine... but it is the truth: You may choose not to partake in big celebrations, picnics, barbeques, and festivities on Juneteenth because COVID is still active; however, here are some important things that you can do on Juneteenth: Register to vote. Contact elected officials to voice your concerns and advocate for change. Share resources. Serve when you are called to jury duty. While most people deem jury duty as inconvenient and try to get out of their civic responsibility, black and brown jurors are important now more than ever. The United States has a long history of racial discrimination in jury selection. Black jurors influence outcomes. Research shows that having even one black juror changes a trial’s outcome; in some cases, this is the one person who can save or change a person’s life. Some studies have found that seating just one African American on the jury has reduced the rate of convictions for black defendants by 10 percent. Buy Black. Large companies have a history of oppressing small and black-owned businesses and putting a heavy burden on low-income communities. By buying black, you are assisting in closing the racial wealth gap, which, in turn, strengthens local economies and has a positive domino effect, such as the creation of more jobs. Have Inter-generational conversations. Our community is hurting. It’s time to build better relationships and communication between younger and older adults. The conversation around what we can do together that we cannot do apart should be mindful, intentional, and strategic. Be sure conversations acknowledge the shared problems, but be mindful that each of us has had different experiences. While emotions may run high, the process must be purposeful to heal and define accountability systems. Support those on the front lines. There is power in numbers. While you may not run to your local protest since there is still an active global pandemic, you can still use your voice socially and digitally to help support those on the front lines fighting the good fight!

Every February, we are reminded of the profound significance of Black History Month. It's a time for us to reflect on the rich heritage, remarkable achievements, and ongoing struggles of Black people and communities. Throughout history, Black Americans have made indelible contributions to every aspect of society, from the arts and sciences to politics, business, and beyond. Their resilience, creativity, and courage have shaped the world we live in today. Yet, it's also crucial for us to acknowledge the immense challenges and injustices that Black Americans have faced, and continue to confront. One such challenge has been the long and arduous struggle for voting rights. For centuries, Black Americans have fought tirelessly for the right to vote, facing systemic barriers such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and outright violence and intimidation. Despite the passage of landmark legislation such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the fight for voting rights is far from over. Even today, voter suppression tactics disproportionately target Black and minority communities, threatening to undermine the principles of democracy and equality. As we honor Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals but also reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and inclusion. Let us recognize the importance of voting rights as a cornerstone of democracy and continue to advocate for equal access to the ballot box for all. Together, let us be true allies for our Black colleagues and communities, amplifying their voices, and working towards a future where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

It's #Juneteenth! Today we celebrate, reflect, and recommit to our work to build a more equitable, just nation, starting with our youngest. Check out our report led by Dr. Evandra Catherine "Review of Policy Effects on Black Families and Children: Advancing the Black Child National Agenda", done in partnership with the Equity Research Action Coalition. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gJxq8_ba

As we say goodbye to Black History Month, we must make a conscious effort to keep the struggles of Black and marginalized women top of mind all year round. Every woman's pain deserves equal attention and care, but the reality is that the experiences of Black women often go unrecognized and untreated compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Systemic biases and historical injustices have perpetuated this disparity, leaving Black women to navigate a healthcare system that consistently fails to prioritize their well-being. The history of gynecological experimentation on Black slaves is a harrowing reminder of the depths of systemic racism in medical practice. Driven by a perverse belief that Black women didn't experience pain in the same way as their white counterparts, these women were subjected to horrific procedures without anesthesia or consent. Their bodies were used as test subjects for surgeries and treatments, inflicting immense suffering and trauma. This legacy of exploitation and dehumanization continues to reverberate in modern healthcare disparities faced by Black women. It underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle the deeply ingrained biases that persist in medical research and treatment. We all need to stand together to amplify the voices of Black women, advocate for their rights, and demand equitable access to healthcare and support services. Together, we can create a world where all women, regardless of race, are seen, heard, and valued.

Historically, we know that Black Americans have not received equitable medical treatment. Black History month is a good time to spotlight our efforts to be part of improving how the medical community cares for Black patients. A Pew Research report recently reported on health care, noting that a majority of Black adults say they've had at least one negative interaction with a doctor or other health care provider. Among Black Americans, younger women are the most likely to say they have had negative experiences. You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ehYUvy7Q   Our patients can count on our office staff and medical providers to listen, respond to concerns and offer all the information needed to make informed decisions. As an organization and at each of our clinics, we're dedicated to making sure the people who walk through our doors receive the care they deserve. That's why we ask all our patients for feedback, review what they have to say (Yes...every. Single. Comment!) and if something's not right, we make a change. It's how we ensure we're delivering on our promise to provide care that is personal.