Tracy Blackstock’s Post

excellence in action...

Office of the Provost: Afrodescendant Institute of Human Rights This is one of the main reasons we must assert our “Afrodescendant Status” as proscribed by the Organization of American States and its court, the Inter-American Court. The international laws says that we have a right to self-determination over the land that we have perennially lived on that includes all decision making over all of our property and institutions. Civil rights is not enough and can never be enough because all of the court, legal, and administrative decisions are made by an entrenched customary racial system. In order to have excellent schools, housing, banks, and employment systems and services we must govern them as “indigenous Afrodescendant people”. We now have the laws in place and an unbiased court called the Inter-American Court which will rule in our favor concerning our human rights underlying the indigenous status.

I was left thirsty after this film... Monk is a frustrated novelist who's fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. The film tackles important issues of: 1. High achievement and social mobility 2. Family trauma, gender roles & aging parents 3. Authenticity and the burden of authentic living. Earning a wage and navigating a society that requires a bright mind to confirm to damaging stereotypes. I fully appreciate the popularity of the film. BUT I was left curious and disappointed by the ending. Here are my takeaways: 1. He conceded to the stereotypes by giving the studio the violent ending they required. Therefore playing into their hands. 2. I was unclear how he remedied conceding to the studios demand for flat lining the black experience 3. What's the takeaway message for aspirational black folks who battle with the same issues. Should we concede? #americanfiction #jeffreywright #cordjefferson I took away a few messages unhelpful messages. 1. Concede 2. Give them what they want 3. Get paid. And what was the symbolic.meaning of the man in the straw hat?

This popped up on my feed this morning, and what better day than Do it for Dolly Day. Today is an important reminder of the profound impact small acts of kindness can have someone’s life. In a world where everyone wears a different mask, it’s easy to overlook the battles others may be facing behind their smiles. Remember that kindness has the power to uplift, heal, and restore faith. You never know the weight that someone may be carrying or the battles they are silently facing. Let’s make a conscious effort to spread kindness like wildfire. By extending kindness, we create a ripple effect that can transform someone’s entire day, or potentially their life. Let’s honour the memory of Dolly Everett by being beacons of kindness in a sometimes dark world. Let’s make our kindness our default mode of operation, not just today, but every day. One of my all time favourite quotes that is etched in my brain is ‘Kindness can make a bad day good, and a good day better’.

I highly recommend viewing this powerful documentary. Much to consider. Stream South to Black Power on Max https://lnkd.in/eaXtKeNZ

Wow Black History Month and Reggae Month in one - cultural and history overload! Many people ask why we have to celebrate black history. Quick answer - because no one else is and everyone needs to have their story told. It's the same thing with reggae. I come from a small nation that punches way above its weight and a lot of our punch comes from our music. This month I want to stretch my thinking and learn some lessons from popular reggae songs and some history. I am not sure that I have a whole month in me but let's see how far we go....... Day One! No Woman nuh Cry by Reggae Legend the late Robert Nesta Marley. At long last we are paying attention to mental wellness. According to the National Library of Medicine "It is increasingly being recognized that the mental health of employees is a crucial determinant in their overall health and that poor mental health and stressors at the workplace can be a contributory factor to a range of physical illnesses like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, amongst others. In addition, poor mental health can also lead to burn-out amongst employees, seriously affecting their ability to contribute meaningfully in both their personal and professional lives". So how is mental wellness at your workplace? Are the women (and men) crying out for help? Do you have facilities in place to support them? Do they know about these resources? Can they use them without being shamed? Do your leaders know how to recognise when people are crying out for help? Where do you score on this list and what do you need to do?

A complete guide on playing as a Bunny character in The First Descendant, including her class skills, role, and everything you should know. https://lnkd.in/e2yHqVkC

As we celebrate Angela's achievement, it is crucial that we also take a moment to reflect on the challenges that women continue to experience in the entertainment industry. Despite their immense talent and contributions, women still face systemic barriers and biases that hinder their progress and limit their opportunities. Angela Bassett's success serves as a reminder of the immense power and impact that women can have when given the opportunity to shine. Her talent, determination, and unyielding spirit has inspired countless individuals. Let us use this moment to celebrate Angela's groundbreaking achievement and to fuel our commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive industry for all women. Together, we can amplify underrepresented voices, challenge outdated norms, and cultivate an environment where women have a fair chance to succeed. #Womandla

Really interesting to see the way people, organisations and institutions invoke anti-racism and black intellect when they want to maintain incompetence. They are way less interested in black intellect and anti-racism when it doesn’t serve their purposes. Way less interested when black students are being failed daily on our campuses because of racism. Even more interesting are the black colleagues who allow themselves to be used with the view that they are being represented. They don’t care on any other day. Why would they care today? Where ARE they when black women are being silenced in the workplace, making complaints, and getting terminated? Where are they when black staff are getting ignored every possible way for academic promotion? Where are they when black staff report bullying and racialised discrimination in the workplace and said black staff had to leave? Being anti-racist isn’t always inclusive… “You really wanna know?) Do you want peace? (How I get so low?) Then watch us in the street (Only one way to go) One protest for you (Higher) Three-sixty-five for me” - Kendrick L #givemeabreak