ULI New York’s Post

Honoring Black History: A Legacy of Strength, Innovation & Resilience As we step into Black History Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable contributions, unwavering resilience, and boundless innovation of Black leaders, past and present. This year, I want to begin by honoring the indomitable Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History,” whose vision and dedication led to the establishment of this very month of celebration. Woodson understood that history—our history—is power. He knew that representation matters, that the stories of Black excellence must be told, not just in February, but every single day. “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” – Carter G. Woodson His words resonate now more than ever. Black history is not just a recounting of struggle, but a testament to triumph. It’s the legacy of those who refused to be erased, who built against the odds, and who continue to shape the future in every industry, from science and technology to arts, politics, and beyond. This month, let’s not just remember—let’s engage, uplift, and amplify. Let’s support Black-owned businesses, mentor the next generation, and continue pushing for equity in all spaces. Who is a Black historical figure that has inspired you? Let’s celebrate our history, our culture, and our future—together. ✊🏾 #BlackHistoryMonth #HonoringThePast #BuildingTheFuture

1993: First Black US Deputy Secretary of State. 1987: First Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company. 1978: First Black president of the Nation’s largest university system (State University of New York – SUNY). 1969: First Black president of a major – majority white – university (Michigan State University). 1958: First Black person to receive a PhD in economics from the University of Chicago. 1948: First Black person to receive an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School of Strategic and International Studies (SAIS). All remarkable breakthroughs. All by one man. Clifton R. Wharton Jr. (September 13, 1926 – November 16, 2024) We lost a titan this week. Our Quiet Pioneer. He was a powerhouse intellect and unflappable in the face of adversity. There’s so much we need to learn from his legacy. His story must be told. As I said in my column today honoring Dr. Wharton’s legacy, “an effective merit-based talent system does not mean the absence of diversity. It actually means the opposite. When DEI is done well, it surfaces the Clifton Wharton Jr’s of world, even when they don’t have the same level of exposure that he had.” Please pass along and keep Dr. Wharton’s legacy alive.

Should we care about Black History Month? Understanding and appreciating the history and culture of different communities creates allyship. This allyship creates a culture of people who consciously and actively value others. We all want to be valued, especially in the organisations that we work in. We also recognise that many organisations either start focusing on Black History Month too late or avoid, overlook, or forget to celebrate it due to a lack of awareness, competing priorities, limited resources, lack of diverse leadership, or cultural inertia. To help organisations address this we have created our Black History edition of Equally Yours, our innovative learning experience that combines playfulness and conversation, inclusive for all people. The session will educate staff about the history, struggles, and contributions of Black individuals and pioneers which in turn will enhance cultural awareness and sensitivity. It will increase cultural competence throughout your organisation, most importantly, it will provide a sense of belonging as all your colleagues will feel valued and included. If this has sparked your interest then please join our free demo on 18th September. You can sign up here 👇🏿 https://zurl.co/OvDu

🎯The Black History Month is not a marketing strategy to advance your diversity agenda. Black History Matters. Today, I am reminded of a quote by Susanne B. Anthony that I have adapted for this post. 🎯"One day, we will be noticed, and everyone will think it has always been this way. Just as many young people today believe that all the privileges Black people possess today have always been ours. Every inch of ground we stand on was gained through the hard work, contribution, and sacrifices of great women and men in the past and present." 🎯To create an equitable future, we must be aware of and acknowledge the influence of Black people on the past, present, and future. Our stories need to be told and heard to promote understanding of our societal norms and constructs. This month is meant to highlight, recognize, and celebrate the contribution of Black people in the world. 🎯Without our history, we ultimately lack our identity. The Black History Month Matters. #BlackHistoryMonth #Leadership #WhatInspiresMe

IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR ORGANISATION'S PLANS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH THIS IS FOR YOU! The 'Soca Sign' did the rounds and people loved it. So many people commented on the way we broke down one small part of carnival's origins and history but now we are here to bring even more to the table! This 3-part seminar series is a reboot and evolution of something we did a few years ago. Last time we had 50 teachers go through the education series for classrooms and about 35 people join to bring the good stuff to their organisations. 'Using Black British History to Transform your organisation's approach to EDI' is an opportunity to bring meaning, application and LEGACY to Black History month this year. The 3 sessions will cover: --> The Windrush Generation’s Influence and Impact on the UK’s Economic Development. --> How the Notting Hill Carnival became one of Europe’s greatest examples of resistance and activism. --> Black faces in political places: The journey for the UK’s first black MPs to get elected. We are only going to work with 5-7 organisations for this and sessions can be delivered in-person and online so please register on the form below and we will be in touch. https://lnkd.in/egUY3fyd

Elizabeth May, will you stand with Black workers? A sustainable future must include equity and fairness. We’re calling on you to demand that Justin Trudeau settle the Black Class Action and take real steps toward systemic change. Tag Elizabeth May below and call for her support. A just future starts with accountability. Share this post and demand real change: https://lnkd.in/gvrQ5vWP

Love this 😍 Thanks Stephen Akinsanya for posting These totally apply to careers in the legal profession: 1. Be focused 2. Have passion 3. Find your guardian angel ! If you’re a new student starting out or you haven’t started demonstrating these attributes yet here’s some top tips as to what you could be doing! = prepare for workshops and engage fully. Consolidate your knowledge after. Understand anything you missed. Speak to your tutor, ask questions to understand after you’ve read the prep materials. Be a consumer make sure you get your moneys worth, university isn’t free! = demonstrate passion by showing up for talks, speaker events, network opportunities to find out what your passion in law might be. All you have to do is show up; your university is doing the rest, so again make sure you act like a consumer and get what you paid for! Why not commit to doing one thing each week? = Further demonstrate focus and passion, by keeping a record of everything you do on LinkedIn, following the people you meet and talking about your insights. Apply for summer vac schemes, or mini pupillages; join Aspiring Solicitors Bridging The Bar = take up mentoring opportunities that are offered to you, these will guide you. Mentors were people like you one day and often come from under represented backgrounds and want to help you ! Get one by showing up to events, ask your university for opportunities. = use you university careers department they are there for you and it’s staggering how many students never do, and leave getting graduate employment till after they graduate! Careers help is often open to graduates too, so it’s never too late! Go to fairs, work on your CV; enhance the future you! = volunteer - it could be your local food bank (my local one has volunteer solicitors advising clients) Citizens Advice Law Centres Network Remember, nothing demonstrates passion more than a commitment to helping vulnerable people, and this pays forward so its time well spent. If you can’t regularly volunteer secure time to watch court cases, and try and network whilst you’re there. Top tips from Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones translated into careers in law by moi! The City Law School LawIRL @ City, University of London

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and education. It honors the legacy of Black pioneers, the rich cultural heritage, and the ongoing fight for equality. For me, it’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that highlight the contributions and struggles of Black communities throughout history. It’s a platform to speak, share experiences, and inspire positive change, while recognizing that these discussions are vital year-round. Speaking during Black History Month offers a chance to empower others, foster understanding, and remind us of the collective responsibility to uphold justice and equity for future generations. Here is a sneak peak into one of my keynote addresses for Black History Month titled: Breaking Barriers, featuring one of my favourite role models - Kofi Annan Kofi Annan, the first Black African UN Secretary-General, made a profound impact on global diplomacy and peacekeeping. Advocating for human rights, conflict resolution, and sustainable development, he strengthened the UN’s role in addressing global crises. His leadership and vision remain a powerful legacy in Black history and world affairs.

✨ Black History Month Reminder ✨ As February begins, let’s be clear: It is not the responsibility of Black employees to plan or curate the workplace Black History Month experience. Honoring Black history in the workplace should be a collective effort, not an added burden on Black staff. A meaningful celebration requires thoughtful planning, proper resources, and recognition that Black history is not just for February. So, ask yourself: How is your workplace ensuring that Black contributions, stories, and voices are acknowledged year-round? Black history is world history ✊🏾 #BlackHistoryMonth #BeyondFebruary

Black History Month: Founded for Us, By Us—And It Can’t Be Canceled Black History Month is not a trend, a favor, or something to be given and taken away—it is an essential part of American history. It was founded in 1926 as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson, a Black scholar who recognized the urgent need for African Americans to understand and celebrate their own contributions to society. Woodson, one of the first Black Americans to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard, dedicated his life to ensuring that Black history was not erased or overlooked. His efforts led to the expansion of Negro History Week into Black History Month in 1976, when it was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford. This month was created by us, for us, to honor our resilience, achievements, and the truth of our history. No one can “cancel” what has always belonged to us. The legacy of Black excellence is not up for debate—it lives on in our contributions, our culture, and our continued fight for progress. #BlackHistoryMonth #OurHistory #CarterGWoodson #BlackExcellence