Spectrum Science’s Post

On June 19, 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and told the enslaved people that they were free, and that the Civil War was over. The first Juneteenth celebration was the next year in Galveston, and today Americans everywhere honor this day. How you can celebrate and support on Juneteenth and every day: Educate yourself: Learn about and understand the history and significance of Juneteenth. Support black-owned businesses and creatives: Help impact economic disparities and catalyze positive social change. Participate in events: Join local events, parades, and gatherings. Donate: Support organizations working toward equity and racial justice. Amplify voices: Share learning opportunities, stories, art, and achievements of Black individuals and communities. Juneteenth is an American holiday–a chance for us to honor and acknowledge the fullness of America and its history.

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

It’s clear there is an emerging and growing resistance and backlash against the pursuit of equity and racial justice within the charitable sector. As voices of dissent amplify, there are vested defenders who not only deny and refuse to acknowledge the colonial roots and its embedded ‘whiteness’ standard, but who are intent on holding the line on the status quo designed to preserve how things have always been done. Black folx, and those with marginalized ‘othered’ identities, have been excluded from full contribution and participation in the sector unless they conform and contort themselves in ways to fit it. And even when they do, their identities are asterisked to indicate conditional acceptance. Black Fundraisers - join us on November 16th & 17th and chart a personal journey and road map as you navigate a path that leads to our collective liberation and destination - racial justice within and outside of the sector. Our convening as Black people is critical as we reimagine and strive together to combat continued challenges and your presence, active contribution, engagement and participation. We want you to bring your ways of knowing and not knowing into this shared space. Some of our members will be speaking, including Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC, Kerry Dyer Shillito, CFRE, Nicole Salmon, Camila Pereira, PhD and Mide Akerewusi, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Econ), CSR-P, CDEP. and we can't wait! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gFvZ4DD3 There are bursaries available to reduce barriers to attend, please contact Nneka Allen, CFRE, COC, PCC. For more information on the conference: https://pathtoaction.org/

Don’t wish me a “Happy Juneteenth”. On this Juneteenth I am Black, Gay, & Angry. Black Maternal Mortality Rates were better during enslavement than in 2024 America. The Black Wealth Gap is abysmal & Black folks still aren’t compensated for our work at an equitable or equal rate to non-Black counterparts. Any attempts at socio-economic mobilty or protections are terrorized by a certain group of citizens, bombed by the United States government, or struck down by the SCOTUS (Tulsa, Roe, Fearless, Title IX). Our safe havens are mutilated by those who are celebrated after (Pulse, Emanuel AME). We are targeted & terrorized in our homes (Korryn Gaines, Breyonna Taylor, Fred Hampton) for giving aid to our communities. Black Culture is the highest commodified global culture with every corporation, Tom, Dick, & Harry raking in COINS off of how we live/breathe/dress/speak. Meanwhile Black folks have the highest percentage of incarceration, joblessness, & homelessness in the USA. And now that Juneteeth is a National Holiday, in a country that couldn’t exist without us, folks who are actively benefiting from structures of oppression GET A DAY OFF, while reparations still haven’t been paid. Non-Black folks can celebrate Juneteenth by donating to your Black coworkers, tipping Black service workers, donating to Black Businesses & organizations, paying it forward for Black folks at restaurants & cafes, & giving random Black people money, just because. Venmo: @jewelbb Ca$hApp: $jewelbb Black folks, link your pages/services/drop your handles in the comments!

Our MOSAIC Employee Resource Group recently hosted "Origins of Black History," a virtual event that provided a comprehensive examination of the establishment and significance of #BlackHistoryMonth. Through an exploration of historical contexts, key figures, and pivotal events, attendees gained valuable insights into the resilience and achievements of African Americans. The session sparked meaningful discussions on the ongoing relevance of Black History Month in advocating for racial equity and social justice. Here are several ways to honor and commemorate Black History Month: • Explore African American History: In your local area – visit a local museum that showcases the contributions of the African American community. • Share Knowledge: Spread awareness on social platforms and within your network. • Support African American Nonprofits: Donate or volunteer your time to an African American nonprofit to help continue their work. • Stay Educated: Commit to continuously learning African American history.

In recognition of Black History Month, Auditoria has curated a few ways for all of us to help make strides toward a more equitable and human workplace this February and beyond. 1. Support Black-Owned Business 2. Learn About the Black History in Your Area 3. Donate for a Cause 4. Organize a Diversity and Inclusion Event 5. Read Books by Black Authors 6. Watch a Black-Genre Film 7. Support Black-Owned Restaurants 8. Share Black History Month Quotes

Here is what you should do for Black History Month. If you are an American corporation: 👉 1. Pay your Black employees a 10% bonus. 👉 2. Hire three Black speakers to speak to your organization and give your Black employees that time off. 👉 3. Donate at least 20% of your previous annual charity budget to Black-led nonprofits by and for Black people. This is a bare minimum suggestion in my opinion. If you're a person, please continue to educate people about Black excellence and the continued impact of racism and injustice. But corporations are terrible at education. Just use your money already. 🌎💕 What did I miss? I see a lot of posts about awareness and solidarity, when most of my Black friends want money and tangible results. Why should Black people have to wait any longer to reap the rewards of a just society? (And please don't come at me with "what about...???" This is Black History Month in America, a country founded on slavery. If it doesn't apply to you: scroll, don't hate.) #racism #justice #purpose #leadership

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we asked Odane, our Front Desk Supervisor at La Siesta Resort, 'What are ways that you recommend others can get involved/participate in uplifting the Black community?' 💫Advocate for Policy Changes: Use your voice to advocate for policy reforms addressing systemic racism and promoting equality. Reach out to elected officials, sign petitions, and support organizations driving these changes. 💫Share and Promote Achievements: Amplify the achievements, stories, and experiences of Black individuals in your personal and professional networks. Utilize social media, blogs, or other platforms to share their work and perspectives. 💫Support Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support and uplift Black-owned businesses by purchasing their products or services. This contributes to economic growth and empowerment within the community. 💫Donate and Volunteer: Contribute to organizations dedicated to uplifting the Black community by donating funds, volunteering your time and skills, or participating in community initiatives. Your support can make a meaningful impact.

Today is the day to #giveblack and support black-led and black benefitting #nonprofits (along with the other 364 days of the year...) There are 70+ fantastic options here: bit.ly/CLTGIVESBLACK Here are 3 I'm supporting: Center for Community Transitions is a re-entry organization that supports those impacted by the justice system. I love the focus on the multi-faceted and multi-generational impact of incarceration. https://lnkd.in/g2QGDrNB As many of y'all know, I'm a huge fan of the #arts! The Arts Empowerment Project provides high-quality arts programming, enrichment experiences, and social emotional development for children in need of access to light, hope, equity, and opportunity, which together offer paths to resilience. I love the model of collaborating with other organizations to run programming instead of duplicating efforts. https://lnkd.in/gA_RBCcW The Theatre Gap Initiative (TGI) is a nonprofit college-prep program for recent high school grads who aspire to apply for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and conservatory programs. TGI's programming is particularly focused on helping artists from the global majority successfully navigate the process of applications, prescreens, auditions, and scholarships. Since the process is expensive and complicated, it is often exclusionary for many aspiring actors and we miss out as theater goers! https://lnkd.in/gNzJ4pDK So check out the page, pick out an organization or a few, and get your give on!

On this giving Tuesday, I choose to give to the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, an organization that is near and dear to my heart. I invite you to do the same. You can donate at https://lnkd.in/gVtCcEQS. CABL is a national network that seeks to support and champion Black excellence within the legal profession in Canada through its programs while simultaneously advocating for the broader Black community. All CABL programming and activities map back to and align to the following core pillars: a.   Pipeline Development and Capacity Building: CABL seeks to help Black legal professionals and students move up the ranks and reach leadership positions in the legal profession. b.   Community Building: CABL seeks to support the broader Black community through its partnerships and charitable efforts. c.    Mentorship: Through a structured mentorship program, CABL connects Black Law Students and CABL members to insights, guidance, and advice from a trusted support system of established mentors. d.   Advocacy: CABL uses its platform to raise awareness and fight racism, inequality, and injustice in Canada by intervening in cases related to racism, inequality, and justice reform within Canada and advocating for social justice courses and law reform. e.   Research: CABL conducts independent legal research to report on data and trends within the legal system as it relates to topics relevant to Black legal professionals, Black Canadians and social justice. f.     Institutional Resilience: CABL conducts fundraising activities to make sure that the organization has the resources it needs to achieve its goals.