Felicia McNeill, MSS, MBA

Thank you, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu for this important and well-timed article. Coming on the heels of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health praising its success for reduction in the overall opioid overdose fatality rate in the state, it's a critical reminder that rising tides don't actually lift all boats. The Massachusetts State Senate is poised to take up legislation to address the ongoing addiction crisis in Massachusetts. As they do so, I hope that they bear in mind that the opioid crisis is a POLICY crisis. State public health and criminal justice decisions shape who access to illegal drugs as well as access to harm reduction and proven solutions. The racial and ethnic #healthdisparities in fatal overdoses are also shaped by state and local policy decisions. As Dr. Ojikutu writes: "The root causes of this tragedy are more than a half-century in the making. The War on Drugs, which began in the early 1970s imposed mandatory minimums sentencing for drug offenses, enforced harsher punishment for crack cocaine (used more often by Black people) versus powder cocaine possession, and led to the mass incarceration of millions of Black and Latinx people. Mass incarceration has decimated families and led to poor health outcomes in communities of color." Dr. Ojikutu also writes "Luckily, we know what to do." What we need to do is advance focused, intentional, effective policies that go beyond community-informed". The policies need to be rooted in community experience and lived expertise. If you look to where harm reduction policies have been most effective in Massachusetts, it's precisely in those places where the policy decisions and implementation have been led by those who understand the impacted communities. It's time to apply that insight and knowledge to communities of color. Delaney Policy Group #healthdisparities #publichealth #racialequity #lobbying #publichealthpolicy #opioidepidemic Boston Public Health Commission New England Medical Association https://lnkd.in/ehSN2gf5

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Dr. Bashir Easter's doctoral research in 2020 focused on the experiences of African American adolescents who care for relatives with Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (ADRD).,This research led to the establishment of the Bridge Youth program, aimed at supporting adolescent caregivers of family members with ADRD living at home. The findings from the research highlighted the need for culturally and age-appropriate programs to support this specific demographic of caregivers. As a result, The Invisible Caregivers (TIC) initiative was created to address this need., Shanelle Snowden, one of the original (TIC), shares her personal story about caring for her mother, providing insight into the experiences of young adult caregivers., It is important to listen to the perspectives of these young adults and learn about the impactful work being done through The Invisible Caregivers (TIC)., Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about the progress and changes occurring within the Dementia Villages project please take a listen! We are looking to grow the capacity of youth doing this work. If you are interested in learning how your organization can help. Please join the information session on July 18th 2024 or contact us at info@melaninmindedllc.com. https://lnkd.in/gsHq9uVS

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My published doctoral research on "The Lived Leadership Experiences of Black Women Professionals: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study of the Intersectionality of Race and Gender" challenges the "Strong Black Woman" schema. While this narrative celebrates the resilience seen in historical and contemporary Black women leaders, it often masks the complex challenges they face. In today's political climate, understanding the impact of racial and gender stereotypes on leadership is invaluable. My findings highlight the need to acknowledge the full humanity of Black women leaders - their strengths, vulnerabilities, and experiences of intersectionality in professional settings. How can we honor the Black women leaders while creating space for vulnerability and support? How can organizations move beyond stereotypes to truly empower Black women in leadership roles? #BlackWomenInLeadership #IntersectionalityAtWork #Inclusion #Leadership

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Here are some of the best business grants for Black women and how to get them.

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Statement from NYSCAA (New York State Community Action Association. A big thanks to the NYSCAA staff for the invaluable guidance they provide year round that make all community actions better! Today, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, a key piece of legislation that laid the foundation for alleviating poverty and uplifting low-income individuals and families across the country. On August 20, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared an “unconditional war on poverty” by signing this landmark act, and from that moment forward, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have been at the forefront of the fight for economic justice and equity.   At the time, approximately 19% of Americans lived in poverty, a stark reminder of the challenges many faced in accessing basic needs like food, housing, and education. In New York, the poverty rate was even higher, with an estimated 21% of residents living below the poverty line. Today, while the national poverty rate has fallen to around 11.5%, and New York's rate has decreased to approximately 14%, poverty remains a persistent challenge. Many communities, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized populations, continue to face disproportionate economic hardships.   Through education, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and so much more, Community Action serves as a catalyst for positive change in New York and beyond, but there is still much work to be done. To fully realize the promise of the Economic Opportunity Act, we must continue addressing the root causes of poverty and expanding access to opportunities for all. The spirit of the Act endures in today’s work—whether through expanding affordable housing, healthcare, or education—ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has a fair chance to achieve economic stability and success.   As we reflect on six decades of service, let this anniversary renew our commitment to ensuring that every person in our state and nation has the opportunity to thrive. Our mission is far from complete, but with continued passion and determination, we will move closer to a future where poverty is no longer a barrier for anyone in our communities.

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I am so excited to introduce Black Girls Teach and Lead, my signature leadership development program for rising Black women leaders. This is how school districts make a serious commitment to developing Black women educators. Traditional DEI initiatives often miss the mark for Black women, grouping us into broader spaces that don’t address our specific challenges or forgetting about us altogether. Black Girls Teach and Lead fills that gap, addressing foundational skills that new leaders are rarely taught, all through the lens of being a Black woman. Our leadership development program hones essential skills like: * Self-Awareness * Mastering Assertive Communication * Managing Difficult Conversations * Setting Boundaries and Accountability * Addressing Teacher Resistance with Empathy and Structure * Optimizing Task and Time Management * Navigating Microagggresion and Bias This program includes eight impactful sessions led by experienced Black Girls Teach coaches—school and district leaders from across the country who understand exactly what Black women in education need. For districts ready to make a real investment in Black women leaders, book a discovery call to bring this game-changing program to your school or district. Book a discovery call: https://lnkd.in/gXSYr76h Please share this with any decision maker who is serious about investing in Black women educators and leaders! Feel free to message me if you’d like our services guide to share. Please note that we do offer referral bonuses to anyone who refers us & leads us to a new partnership. Thank you! - Deidra

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I identify too well with this article.

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I identify too well with this article.

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Planting the Seeds of Change As we move from Black History Month into Islamophobia Awareness Month, I find myself reflecting on the power of narratives—both those we reclaim and those we rewrite. This year’s theme, Seeds of Change, presents a timely opportunity to extend the reflections, the reclamations, and the challenges we explored in October. If reclaiming narratives during BHM was about bringing hidden stories to light, then Seeds of Change is about ensuring stories take root in our collective consciousness, gradually reshaping the way people see and understand our thriving Muslim communities. For too long, Muslim identities and experiences have been shaped not by those who live them but by those who misunderstand or even fear them. Much like the narratives surrounding Black communities, Muslim narratives have been distorted, limited, and often vilified by external forces. This month, as we consider the seeds we are planting, I’m focusing on reclaiming the beautiful, multifaceted reality of Muslim lives. These are stories of resilience, creativity, family, faith, and community—woven with struggles and triumphs familiar to all of us, yet unique in their expression. Those of us outside the faith community hold the responsibility to create spaces for these stories to flourish, to amplify them, and to challenge Islamophobia whenever and wherever we encounter it—and let’s be clear…we will. Being an ally isn’t about speaking on behalf of the Muslim community; it’s about ensuring that lived experiences are centred, heard, respected, and valued. It’s about examining our own prejudices and assumptions, being vigilant against microaggressions, and fostering environments that allow Muslim identities to thrive unapologetically. My work focuses on cultural competence—the never-ending journey toward cultural humility—which involves a commitment to listen, unlearn, and relearn. We need education that genuinely engages with the rich histories, intellectual contributions, and daily realities of Muslim communities. When we teach our children not only to ‘tolerate’—that most awful of British values—but to genuinely value the diverse tapestry of our society, we create a foundation where Islamophobia cannot easily take root. It’s important to recognise that Islamophobia is not just about individual prejudice; it is also embedded in our institutions and systems. From harmful media portrayals to discriminatory policies, Islamophobia can manifest in ways that are pervasive yet often invisible to those not affected by it. Addressing this requires more than just good intentions; it calls for a structural approach. Systems that hold power, including educational institutions, workplaces, and government bodies, must confront and dismantle policies and practices that implicitly marginalise Muslim voices. It’s about choosing to listen to Muslim voices, to learn, to challenge stereotypes in our daily conversations, and to stand up against bigotry whenever we see it.

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Check out my newest blog for Reframe Youth https://lnkd.in/eGUmbJSn

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Black leaders with access and proximity to power draw and release strength as they acknowledge their connection to the work of generations before us, tap into genuine love and care for Black people, and desire and believe that there can and will be substantial progress for Black communities into the future. However, the potency of this strength often varies depending on the leadership approach and attitude related to the Black community's progress, briefly categorized in the three tiers below. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: You embody success and Black community progress through your track record and ability to gain access and proximity to spaces of power that typically or traditionally have not been previously available to your family or generations before you.  We are progressing because you are an example of such progress. You, for example, are the first Black (fill in the blank). 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: You have been given or earned much, and thus, you are required to motivate or give much by expanding the door of access and proximity to Black youth and communities (i.e., those that our society terms at-risk, underserved, underprivileged, and in-poverty). We progress as you mentor, teach, minister, and invest in programs to help “them” progress along your or a similar path to success. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: You see your current access and proximity to spaces of power as having the potential to change quickly at any time. You view your individual and familial stability and security as tied to the strength and stamina of all Black people across class and other lines of difference, domestically and globally. We progress as we evolve in our mindset and approach, and you seek to help “us” generate health from within, not primarily or solely through fleeting external charity or inclusion, nor without understanding that assets gained must also be protected. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳? Share a comment below, or send a brief message to our Reclamation Next LinkedIn inbox to discuss this further through Executive Leadership Advising (1:1) or Reclamation Leadership Collective (cross-community leadership group). #blackleaders #blackleadership #blackcommunities

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Dr. Lilisa J Williams introduces "From Leader To Leadership," a transformative program designed for leaders facing challenges in team building, emotional intelligence, DEI, delegation, and trust for themselves and their teams. Registration information for this Free introductory workshop is on the flyer. #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #EmotionalIntelligence #DEI #Trust #ProfessionalDevelopment

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Important read about the impacts of racialized violence and the aftermath. Thanks for sharing Dr. Notisha Massaquoi!

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"Disabilities Beat Expert Panel: How the 2024-2025 NYS Budget will impact people with disabilities" Thank you Emyle Watkins at WBFO-88.7 FM, UB for doing such important work, and, as always, including us at WNYIL in the conversation. Check out the article: https://lnkd.in/gmkgRiRm

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Calling are New Yorkers with a heart for refugees! The amazing people at Hearts & Homes for Refugees are helping New Yorkers to onboard with an exciting new State Department-led program known as the Welcome Corps. Welcome Corps allows U.S. citizens to support refugees who have been approved for resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The U.S. currently faces a massive backlog of refugees, particularly from Afghanistan. The need is also urgent. A potential change of administration in 2025 will likely affect the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program; in Fiscal Year 2018, U.S. refugee admissions reached a historic low since the resettlement program first launched in 1980. It's time to act, now. Here’s how New Yorkers can change a life: 1. Email hello@heartsandhomesforrefugees.org with the subject, “Welcome Corps” to start a conversation with one of our staff about how you can get involved with the welcoming movement. 2. Start organizing a group of five friends, or members of your house of worship, civic group, book club… anyone who lives within a 30-minute radius to join a private sponsor group (PSG)! 3. List your PSG's preferences as part of the Welcome Corps application. Do you want to resettle a single, two people, or a family (and what size)? Is there a specific population you’d like to sponsor and resettle? Do you want to help those who have been waiting the longest? Or do you want to resettle Afghan allies, perhaps facing deportation in Pakistan? 4. Fundraise! But don’t worry! Although Welcome Corps requires each group to raise $2,425 per refugee resettled, several funds can cover more than half of that requirement, and HHR can provide guidance on how to fundraise the remainder. 5. Work with Hearts & Homes for Refugees to fill out your online application. Within a few months, HHR will support you as your team provides core sponsorship services for 90 days.  https://lnkd.in/g9d9Asqv

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Repost: Black Women Participants Needed for Research on their experience at an American Community College Are you a Black woman in the leadership role of an Administrator, Faculty, Chair, Dean, Provost, Vice-President, or President at an American community college? If so, I would like to hear about your experience in that role. Please take a moment to review the flyer, which provides comprehensive details about my research study titled, “Exploring Systemic Barriers and Racial Microaggressions Faced by Black Women in Leadership Positions at American Community Colleges." Interested? Click the link below to access the pre-screening questionnaire, the informed consent form, and the survey. Do not miss this unique opportunity to contribute to the progress of cutting-edge research! Link to the Survey: https://lnkd.in/efekA9k2

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According to data provided by the Pew Research Center, Regionally, the highest concentration of Black people in the U.S. in 2022 is in the South; more than half (56%) live there. The social determinants of health coalesce to impact HEALTH, WEALTH, & POWER in amplified ways for women and girls of color, particularly as they relate to women's wellness and reproductive health. These determinants also lead to major health disparities and inequities. The social determinants of health are grouped into five areas: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. Learn more in Women's Foundation of the South, Shift the South 2024 report here: https://bit.ly/3ZIaiKG Thank you Carmen James Randolph for your leadership and creating this report.

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