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June is a powerful month, marked by varied significant celebrations: Juneteenth, commemorating when the news of the end of slavery reached the remaining enslaved Black people in the US, and Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQIA+ fight for equality. At CHALICE Premium, these celebrations are deeply intertwined. We celebrate the spirit of these moments – the resilience of Black Americans and the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality – not just in June, but throughout the year. Intersectionality, a framework developed by Black feminist scholars like Patricia Hill Collins, reminds us that social identities like race, gender, and sexual orientation overlap. Black LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges navigating a world with prejudice based on both race and sexual orientation. The iconic rainbow Pride flag, while powerful, doesn't fully encompass this complexity. #Juneteenth #PrideMonth #BlackPride #CHALICEPremium #Intersectionality #CelebrateDiversity

In the discourse surrounding the decriminalization of oppressive laws, transparency and the pursuit of practical solutions are paramount. However, it's essential to acknowledge that Black transgender individuals should have the same privilege to voice their concerns in spaces. To address this disparity, a proactive approach is needed to create inclusive environments that invite and amplify the voices of Black transgender individuals. By fostering these spaces, we can ensure that their perspectives contribute meaningfully to the discussions surrounding decriminalization, fostering a more equitable and just society.

Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions the Black community has made to this country's development. Whether in science, arts, politics, business, technology, or the military, members of this community have excelled, if not thrived, despite the historical and socio-political context of racism and discrimination. While we celebrate their excellence, culture, and heritage, the community still faces challenges in the space of mental health. According to a 2018 survey, 60% expressed a greater willingness to use mental health services if the professionals were Black. However, underrepresentation of the community persists in this profession, aggravating the gap in accessing mental health services. Consider the kind of resources available to a Black disabled member of the LGBTQ+ community. Who is looking into the intersectionality within the Black community? Where is the latest research on the mental health of Black community members in Canada? Let this Black History Month be an opportunity to reflect on the historical contributions, appreciate the role Black communities continue to play in our society's development, and serve as a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to stand against discrimination and racism in all spheres, always and beyond this month. There is still much work to be done to elevate the generational trauma and pain this community has endured. #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #EqualityForAll #BlackMentalHealth #BlackLivesMatter Survey link- https://lnkd.in/gbPzV7wv

Uniting voices against racism – what did I learn? 💡 “If it’s not intersectional, you’re missing the whole story.” In my experience, many companies host intersectional events as a way to combine budgets rather than taking a human-centred, holistic approach. But we’re not “one thing.” Putting inclusion at the heart of decision-making avoids alienating individuals based on their identities—and yes, it’s often more cost-effective too! Some trailblazing Black LGBTQ+ figures to look up: James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, and Audre Lorde. #ReclaimingNarratives 💡 Being anti-racist works at three levels: 1. Interpersonal (behaviours, microaggressions, unfair treatment) 2. Institutional (systems, processes, policies) 3. Internalised (absorbing societal racism) Not sure where to start? Pick one of these areas and do something. People often get overwhelmed by the scale of racism and feel stuck. But you can make a difference—just break it down, like you would with any big task. 💡 Black LGBTQ+ people often come out later than their white peers. Cultural expectations, religious beliefs, and fear of rejection play a big role. So, while we celebrate Black History Month, we should aim for intentional recognition of all parts of the Black community, making sure no one feels left out. We attend events and webinars all the time, but how often do we put that learning into action? My personal pledge is to share what I learn with my professional community as soon as I can. I hope you find this useful! PS: A huge thank you to Lydia Puricelli and panellists Jacqueline Alcindor and June Allen for your openness. June is also a qualified integrative therapist who specialises in racial trauma and helping those who are struggling with the daily realities of systemic oppression. Should you wish to know more, you can view her services here: https://lnkd.in/gTDqWNjk #inclusionconsultant #londonnetworking #continuedprofessionaldevelopment #learningtogether #BHM2024

Black women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people are leading movements confronting intersecting oppressions with unparalleled creativity, power, and brilliance. Nowhere is this more evident than in the powerful, catalytic work of Black feminists and the intersectional movements they've built. Black feminists are building powerful grassroots movements addressing issues like sexual violence, reproductive justice, reparations, mass incarceration, police brutality, and economic inequity—imagining a more just and equitable world for us all. At Urgent Action Fund, we are honored to support organizations working for Black liberation in the U.S. like: ▪️Activists in Tennessee dedicated to nurturing autonomous power-building projects and campaigns spearheaded by racially and gender-oppressed working-class leaders and youth. ▪️Black-led, multi-racial, intergenerational coalitions seeking to build a replicable and sustainable model to eradicate police terror in communities of color. This Juneteenth, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black feminist activists, thinkers, and movement leaders—past, present, and future—to the work of liberation. Their vital efforts are ushering society towards justice and equity liberation for all.

Storytelling isn’t just a form of entertainment. For George M. Johnson, writing has the power to change lives. The award-winning Black non-binary author was named to the TIME100 Next, TIME‘s annual list of rising stars, and Out’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ People. Their New York Times bestselling memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue, is a powerful recounting of George’s adolescence growing up as a young Black queer boy in New Jersey. In this quote, George emphasizes the incredible power of storytelling, and how it opens paths for others to live their life more authentically. In talks, they illuminate issues that Black queer people still face today—like toxic masculinity, LGBTQIA+ policy and law, and intersections of oppression—and how these issues play out in communities on the ground. With honesty and openness, they show us how we have the power to create a world where all young people are free to be fully themselves. To learn more about George or to book them for your next event, check out their speaking page here: https://lnkd.in/gP7hgXQZ

As Black History Month comes to a close, it’s crucial we remember that the journey towards diversity, inclusion, and equality doesn't end here. It's a beacon for ongoing change, a reminder that every day is an opportunity to weave inclusivity into the fabric of our worlds. This month has shed light on the remarkable contributions and the unwavering resilience of the Black community. Yet, the conversation and actions towards equality must continue beyond this dedicated time. It's not just about looking back at how far we've come; it's about pushing forward, ensuring that our progress is not just momentary but embedded into our everyday lives. Especially important is recognizing the intersection of race and disabilities - a crucial aspect of the inclusivity conversation that often remains overshadowed. Persons with disabilities within the Black community face unique challenges, bridging gaps between race and disability rights that necessitate thoughtful, inclusive strategies. Creating a world full of inclusion means actively dismantling the barriers that exist at these intersections. It means advocating for accessible spaces both physically and mentally, promoting diverse hiring practices, and fostering environments where every voice is not only heard but valued. As we move forward, let's challenge ourselves and those around us to not confine our efforts to a month. Let's carry the torch of inclusion and diversity throughout the year, integrating these values into our actions, decisions, and interactions. Every step we take towards building a more inclusive world helps in constructing a reality where everyone, regardless of race or ability, can thrive. Let’s continue the work, continue the conversations, and continue to create a world that reflects the richness and diversity of all its members. Together, we can make inclusivity not just an initiative, but a core part of our existence. #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusiveWorld #Intersectionality

Building our own for our own is legally possible under Art 1 of the Convention on Civil and Political Rights. Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognizes the right of all peoples to self-determination. This includes the right to: Choose their own form of government Pursue economic, social, and cultural goals Manage and dispose of their own resources Not be deprived of their means of subsistence Civil rights is not enough as it is the OPPOSITE of self-determination in this country which has made us beggars for the crumbs the white people may decide to throw to us. Our lawyers must study international humanitarian law in addition to American law to discern the path to the political and economic freedoms of the White people who exercise self-determination to our detriment

🕰️ This video might be almost 20 years old, but the message still rings true today. Most of you know that I work full-time for a digital marketing agency. Working for a large corporation can often make you feel like a tiny grain of sand in a vast operation. That’s one of the reasons I truly cherish my personal ventures. As a black business owner and landlord, I've seen firsthand the disparities in housing, especially in Philadelphia. When I started purchasing properties in Philly, I was appalled by how poorly black tenants were treated. Many lived in homes with rats, severe root damage, and rotting doors, all while paying as much as $600 a month. It was heartbreaking to discover that these conditions were often perpetuated by black landlords. I now own three properties and counting, ensuring my renters have homes I'd be proud to live in. I primarily work with programs like the rehousing program, which helps women, often black women, escape abusive relationships and find healthier environments. It's unimaginable that anyone escaping trauma should end up in a rat-infested home, especially one provided by a fellow BIPOC. Providing quality living conditions restores dignity and can even save lives. It's unacceptable to prioritize profit over the well-being of those in desperate situations. We must do better for our communities, lifting each other up and ensuring everyone has a safe, dignified place to call home. Let's take better care of all, especially by uplifting our own communities. 💪🏾🏠 #BlackBusinessOwner #CommunityFirst #HousingEquality #PhiladelphiaHousing #UpliftOurCommunities

Create your own Financial Independence in a game that hasn’t been created for the majority and still be a winner. Always remember to Thank God as the True Source. #financialindependence ##financialwealth