Ivory Toldson’s Post

June 19 commemorates Juneteenth, the day in 1865 on which enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the promise offered by the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after its issuance.   President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — “sincerely believed to be an act of justice” — offered not just freedom but hope for equality. Nearly 160 years later, we continue to work toward the promise of this monumental document, with much left to do.   At Greater St. Louis, Inc., we know that success for each of us is success for all of us. Achieving our North Star — inclusive economic growth — means that we must take into account the often painful history of both our region and our country and attempt to bridge the opportunity gaps left behind. Only by working together can we create opportunity, access, and equity for all. Explore Juneteenth events across the metro: https://lnkd.in/gpxAR354

Today is the 70th anniversary of Brown v Board. Here is a pdf version of the article I posted this morning in case (like me) you like a pdf version you can open on your devices or save to downloads. The paper is an excerpt from chapter 11 of Twelve Steps for White America: for a United States of America. I argue, like legal scholars such as Jeffrey Sutton, that in Brown we attempted to deal with race but without the later case called Rodriguez, which dealt with class (two sides of the same coin) Brown is limited. Therefore, Brown is limited in that we cannot effectively deal with race if we do not also deal with class. Furthermore, Brown signals progress but without Rodriguez it de facto masquerades hopes for democracy while sustaining a plutocracracy. I take the argument further than legal scholars to tie Brown and Rodriguez to principles of spirituality including: Ahimsa (nonviolence) which Brown represents and Asteya (non stealing) which Rodriguez could have represented. The highest court in the USA has said the violence of segregation is unacceptable but it is acceptable to value wealth accumulation over the rights of children to live in a democracy where race no longer predicts outcomes. #12swa #highereducation #democracy #inclusion #diversity

🌱 Through our residencies, fellowships, and public programs, The LP continuously uplifts our community's legacies while breathing life into an equitable future led by Black, Indigenous, POC artists and neighbors. Today, we recall Toni Morrison's brilliant essay titled "The Future of Time: Literature and Diminished Expectations". As part of her book titled The Source of Self-Regard, this essay asks us to reimagine ourselves as authors of time. Morrison creates space for us to consider a world that holds our collective past and the complexities of our present and creates space for a radical liberatory future: “Perhaps it is the reality of a future as durable and far-reaching as the past, a future that will be shaped by those who have been pressed to the margins, by those who have been dismissed as irrelevant surplus, by those who have been cloaked with the demon's cape..” pg. 126 ✨ Think & Reflect: How might we stray away from colonial representations of the past, and instead honor our ancestors, live into the present, and dream of a better future? Click the link below to visit to learn more about The LP programs our Read, Rest & Reflect picks inspire! https://lnkd.in/enpYWqZq [Image Description: Slide 1 - Hand holding book displaying book cover in front of LP bookshelves]

Looking forward to moderating this conversation with Leroy Lucas and Sara Dybris McQuaid on 28th February at 14:00-15:30 for the digital Memory Studies Association. Anyone interested in joining can sign up through this link: https://lnkd.in/d7DWQMpx Read more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/dy-K7GrB #MSA #dMSA #MemoryStudies #AarhusUniversity #AarhusUniversitet #MemoryActivism #MemoryPolitics

Today, I'm happy to reflect on this continuing journey of freedom and love. Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in history—the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It's a day to honor resilience, celebrate progress, and reflect on the ongoing journey toward true equality. As an alum of Xavier University of Louisiana and later Howard University, I had the honor of learning through a comprehensive lens that included the often overlooked contributions of Black and Indigenous Americans—from unwilling participants to brilliant researchers and inventors, particularly in the natural and social sciences. Xavier recently announced plans to create the 5th historically Black medical school in the US, expanding its commitment to equity in healthcare and science education. I feel grateful to have been a part of the legacies of two institutions that have had pivotal impacts on racial equity for BIPOC people around the world. Today, I cherish the freedom to love who I choose and be with my family, knowing that our ancestors paved the way for the opportunities we have. But as we celebrate, we must also acknowledge the injustices that persist. Let's honor Juneteenth by committing to justice for all, ensuring that every person has the chance to live with dignity and freedom. Together, we can continue the journey toward a more equitable and just future. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Justice #XULA #HU #YouKnow #Family #EqualityForAll

Today we honor Juneteenth and recognize the action that is still needed today in working to advance equity. The history of Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the complexities of the past while striving for a more just and united nation. Learn more about Juneteenth here. https://lnkd.in/gqvPZFF

This is why I continue to reiterate the importance of curriculum. It is THE single most important decision we make in schools today! #Juneteenth #curriculum #equity

Today, System1 commemorates Juneteenth, marking a day of profound significance in American history. This day serves as a reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality and justice, celebrating freedom, resilience, and progress. Explore the history & enduring importance of #Juneteenth on HowStuffWorks https://lnkd.in/gwcffgwu

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This day marks the end of slavery in the United States and is a testament to the enduring fight for freedom, equality, and justice. As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is essential to recognize the transformative power of education in this journey. Education has always been a cornerstone of progress, empowering individuals and communities to break the chains of ignorance and oppression. On this Juneteenth, let us reaffirm our commitment to: 📌Inclusive Education: Ensuring that our educational institutions celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. 📌Historical Awareness: Integrating African American history and the significance of Juneteenth into our curricula to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our collective past 📌Empowerment through Knowledge: Supporting initiatives that provide educational resources and opportunities to underrepresented and underserved communities. 📌Promoting Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to think critically about history, social justice, and their roles in shaping a more equitable future. Together, we can honor the legacy of Juneteenth by championing education that uplifts and empowers every individual. Let us use this day to inspire action, foster understanding, and build a future where freedom and equality are truly realized for all. Happy Juneteenth!

#BlackHistoryMonth2024! The life of Lincoln Alexander, the first #BlackCanadian elected to the House of Commons, is a story of overcoming adversity and achieving historic milestones. Born to Caribbean immigrants, he faced limitations but showed resilience from his early days in Harlem. His return to Canada marked the beginning of a transformational journey, including his service during WWII with the The Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war, Alexander embarked on an educational quest, earning a BA from McMaster University , followed by a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law Journal Law School. Alexander broke barriers in the legal profession before entering politics, where he made history as an MP and later as Ontario's first Black lieutenant-governor. He served as Chancellor of the University of Guelph from 1991 to 2007, holding the position for fifteen years, longer than any of his predecessors. In June 2007, he was granted the title of Chancellor Emeritus upon the conclusion of his tenure. He championed multiculturalism, youth, and seniors while advocating for equality. His legacy emphasizes the importance of determination, integrity, and education in combating discrimination. This Black History Month, Walk With Web honor and remember his contributions, committing to continue the fight for equality and justice. #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #LincolnAlexander #CanadianHero #Trailblazer #EqualityForAll #EducationMatters #CanadianPioneer #BreakingBarriers #CivilRightsChampion #HistoricAchievements #BlackExcellence #InspiringLeaders #CulturalHeritage #SocialJusticeWarrior #EmpowermentThroughEducation #ChangeMakers #LeadershipGoals #Leadership #Diversity #VoiceForChange #Advocacy #BlackHistory #Legacy