Women Unite!’s Post

Black History Month is a time when people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate and honor the contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. There are many ways to celebrate this month and show your support for the black community. One way to celebrate is to attend local events and activities that highlight the achievements of African Americans in your community. Many museums, libraries, and community centers offer exhibits, talks, and performances that showcase black history and culture. Another way to celebrate is to educate yourself about black history and culture. You can read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that explore the experiences of African Americans throughout history. You can also support black-owned businesses and organizations. By shopping at black-owned stores, eating at black-owned restaurants, and donating to black-led charities, you can help support the economic empowerment of the black community. Lastly, you can also take action by volunteering with organizations that work towards social justice. By taking these actions, you can help create a more equitable and just society for all people.

Join us in empowerment and transformation with The Collaborative Partnership Philanthropy Fund. This groundbreaking effort sees us teaming up with philanthropic allies to amplify support for Black girls and women. Here's how it changes lives: Educational Opportunities: Unlocking doors to quality education and scholarships, enabling dreams and academic excellence. Economic Empowerment: Providing grants and resources for entrepreneurial ventures and career advancement, fostering financial independence. Health and Wellness Support: Prioritizing mental and physical health with access to wellness programs and healthcare resources. Cultural and Creative Expression: Supporting artistic and cultural endeavors, celebrating and nurturing Black creativity and heritage. Community Building and Leadership: Fostering leadership skills and community engagement, empowering future change-makers. 📢 Get involved! Learn more, donate, or become a partner in this transformative journey. Every step counts towards building a world where Black girls and women can thrive.

In celebration of Black History Month, we asked our Black staff the following question: In what ways can the foundation sector do more to support Black-led nonprofits? Adell Neal, our wonderful Operations Director, responded: "I'll just talk about one way the foundation sector can do more to support Black nonprofits by sharing a quote I love: "Those closest to the challenge are those closest to the solution." With that in mind, the foundation sector must embrace as partners Black nonprofits who identify specific needs. No more savior complex mentality on the part of foundations. No more jumping through hoops to qualify for funding on the part of grantees. By definition, philanthropy is "the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes." The foundation sector can expand that definition by giving gifts of time and talent along with funding, strategically seeking long-term solutions, and by collaborating (locking arms) with Black nonprofit leaders so that people and situations actually improve."

The culture of giving among Black folks is not limited to a specific type of giving, nor can it be designated and compartmentalized. This graphic and blog delve into the different ways Black philanthropic endeavors take form. Explore the framework! We hope that this artifact allows us to more fully celebrate the power, breadth, and depth of Black Philanthropy this month, and always. Happy Black Philanthropy Month! https://lnkd.in/evwTRQxd

Black in Marine Science is dedicated to uplifting Black voices in marine science, fostering diversity, and empowering the next generation of thought leaders. Our mission is to celebrate, educate, and amplify, creating an inclusive community that addresses underrepresentation in the field. THE POWER OF $1 Every dollar is a ripple that creates waves of change. At Black in Marine Science, we champion the collective power of community support—one dollar, one million voices strong. By donating just $1, you join a million-strong movement dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in marine science. Your contribution is more than monetary; it’s a stand for diversity, an investment in future leaders, and a commitment to reshaping the landscape of scientific exploration. Together, we can transform the tides of underrepresentation into oceans of opportunity for all. While our ask is a modest $1, if your heart is moved to do more, we warmly welcome your enthusiasm! Whether contributing beyond the dollar or sharing our mission with others, every extra bit accelerates our journey toward our million-person goal. Ride the wave with us—amplify our call and help us reach further and faster. Together, we can make an even greater impact and turn the tide towards a more inclusive marine science community. Ride the Wave today https://lnkd.in/dZdaGHqc !

Such an important topic. This gift is a game changer and we absolutely need more like this if we are to make our health system more equitable. That said, it can’t be up to doctors of color or underrepresented groups to change the system. We need all hands on deck because firstly, it will take years for the numbers to increase to a point of having an impact. Secondly, all doctors need to be trained about how bias shows up in their day-to-day and how to mitigate it. Lastly, beyond training individuals we need mitigate bias in our systems and structure so we aren’t reliant on individuals.

MINDING THE GAP. BLACK LEADERSHIP IN UK CHARITIES One pertinent discussion I have had this Black History Month in 2024 is the dearth of Black senior leaders in the C-suite of Charitable and Civic Organizations. When I say Black I don't been BAME or other ethnic minority groupings, I am specifically talking about those who identify as Black from African and Caribbean heritage. This year alone, I have known at least eight Black CEOs who have stepped down from such positions. Even more troubling, they are in the mental health, education, and community sectors. I know of quite a few struggling whether they want a CEO role in a charity again. The reasons are complex but three things tend to stand out. 1. Salary is well below market rates. 2. Navigating Racism in the sectors and with their boards.  3. Professional Development is almost negligible. Having coached a few I know how hard it is to even get sign-off on that. ACEVO’s Pay and Equalities Survey 2023, identified that less than 1% of CEOs in Charities were Black, down from 2% last year. I have advised many Black senior leaders to explore speaking, consulting and advisory roles, and even sharing their knowledge through online courses. Truth is it’s hard to find the time to do this when already up to your eyeballs managing the current charity. Also ensuring external earnings don’t conflict with the charity’s governance policies. In addition to those senior leaders stepping down quite a few have been involved in horrendous court cases around unfair dismissal and discrimination. In many of those incidents, the defending organisations have thrown huge weight into lawyering up and delaying tactics in court. Often leaving jaded and burnt-out leaders to accept signing NDAs and receiving payouts to move on. But try telling that to people who believe Britain is post-racial? This leadership gap worries me. I would love to see more Black senior Charity leaders, especially in areas like mental health, education and housing where representation is crucial. How we close that gap is a big complex question but I am curious as to who or what is already doing things to address this, and if no one how can we collectively do something to address this? How do we reclaim this narrative, if we even had one to begin with? Feel free to bring your plantain, jolloff and oxtail to the comments.

In our ongoing commitment to showcasing and highlighting support for the Black business community beyond February, we’ve posed a pivotal question: Question: Where can one discover these Black-owned businesses that cater to your daily needs? Answer: We have been following a truly impactful resource for a few year now, the non-profit organization Fifteen Percent Pledge. Established in 2020 amidst the social awakenings surrounding racial injustice, their mission is to advocate for major retailers and corporations to allocate 15% of their annual expenditure to Black businesses, as a result fostering economic parity for Black business owners and employees. Now, integrate this practice into your everyday routine and make a difference. Shop Black here: https://lnkd.in/ggxM5Hgu

Maryland's Future Shines Bright! Celebrating Black History Month 2024! Attention Maryland's business mavens and entrepreneurial spirits! Are you ready for CHANGE? Imagine a world where Black businesses thrive, unfettered and unstoppable. That's the vision the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce is turning into reality. With top-tier training sessions from seasoned pros, we're not just talking business – we're igniting a powerhouse of growth and innovation! We're on a mission, but it's a team game. Your involvement is the key to unlocking potential and leveling the playing field. When we join forces, we don't just open doors – we tear down barriers. Your support is more than a donation; it's a legacy. Every contribution plants seeds of opportunity that will grow into the mighty oaks of tomorrow's business landscape. Investing here means investing in the dreams and successes of Maryland's Black entrepreneurs. Let's sow seeds of success and nurture a flourishing future for Black businesses. Your support today is the cornerstone of a thriving, equitable tomorrow. Ready to be a beacon of progress? Support the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce. Let's be the architects of opportunity and the builders of dreams! Visit https://postly.link/KUPy/ to contribute today! The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce - Connect, Educate & Advocate Join us: www.marylandbcc.org #EmpowerBlackBusinesses #DonateForChange #TogetherForSuccess #ChamberOfCommerceMagic

When discussing the Black Funding Principles, Principle 7 calls for the preservation of the Black philanthropy practice of self-reliance and mutual support. 🙌🏽 🙌🏾 🙌🏿 As philanthropic advisors, we see this principle as a guiding light towards sustainable, community-driven change. Applying this principle means honoring and amplifying the inherent strengths within Black communities. It's about acknowledging and relying on community know-how and resources first, while holding society accountable for equity. 💰 This principle’s key takeaway is that communities themselves should lead the way to change. By preserving the tradition of self-reliance and mutual support, we build a foundation for lasting, community-driven impact. 🚀 #communities #mutualsupport