Camesha Small’s Post

Historic preservation bridges the gap between space and time, allowing us to stand where history was made and feel its lingering presence. Washington-Rosenwald Schools are more than just structures; they are monuments to Booker T. Washington’s transformative vision and Julius Rosenwald’s belief in the power of education to uplift Black communities in the face of systemic inequality. Walking into that fragile schoolhouse, hearing the creak of the floorboards, and seeing sunlight filter through broken windows—those sensations are reminders of the resilience, determination, and hope that defined the children and educators who once filled that space. At the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, we are driven by this very purpose: to ensure that such places of profound significance are not lost to decay but are preserved as touchstones of our collective history.

With HBCUS homecoming season going on right now I though it would great time to educate others on HBCUS homecomings . I encourage you to click on link below and learn why homecoming is so important to anyone who has attended or graduated from a HBCU. https://lnkd.in/eUukXnRZ #historyofhbcuhomeing #hbcupride #hbcuhomeings #hbcus #homecoming

If you are from a marginalised group, how would you feel if one of the country’s major diversity initiatives was given to a person outside your group to lead? So a man to rule over a female empowerment initiative, awhite colonialist for an Indigenous project; an abled for a disability initiative etc? check out the response in South Africa to this! “Anger as South Africa’s landmark black university picks white vice-chancellor” writes Jack Grove In Times Higher Education today. Jack writes: "... Appointing a white man to lead one of South Africa’”s best-known historically black universities is an “insult” to decades-long efforts to diversify the country’s higher education leadership, according to a legal academic. Established in 1959 as a university for “coloured” people only – the term used in South Africa for people from a mixed-race background – the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has been led for the past 50 years by non-white academics, including the prominent anti-apartheid activist Jakes Gerwels. The decision by the university, which was set up to provide educational opportunities for black students excluded from nearby Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town”.    

What just happened to Fearless Fund is deeply concerning for DEIA practitioners and the mission of creating pathways for black people to access capital in their businesses and wealth for their families. This situation highlights the persistent efforts by some individuals—primarily those who are white and privileged—to hinder the progress of Black communities in accessing capital. For those committed to advancing DEIA, it is crucial to reconsider our strategies. Universities are already experiencing varied impacts, with some suffering setbacks while others may quietly celebrate the obstacles to progress. Similarly, several companies, many of which previously engaged in DEIA efforts only under public pressure, are now re-evaluating their investment in initiatives designed to diversify their workforces and leadership. The challenges ahead are significant. It is imperative to develop strategic approaches to continue addressing these critical issues and ensure that the progress toward equity and inclusion is not thwarted.

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How does Black male mentorship transform the educational journey of Black boys? Local and national programs that provide Black male mentorship to Black boys have shown a marked impact on Black male student achievement. This speaks volumes about the transformative power of mentorship. As highlighted in the article in which information was pulled, "Black men speak the same language and share similar experiences and struggles as those Black boys are going to go through. Black male educators hold Black male students to higher standards and give them the inspiration, aspiration, and accountability they need.” Mentorship is about preparing young Black boys for life, instilling the confidence, courage, and vision to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. Dive deeper into the profound effect of Black male mentorship by exploring "The Need for Black Male Mentors." Discover how these relationships are pivotal to fostering success and resilience among Black male students. Read the full article here -[https://lnkd.in/gWc8xKc6]. #RealMenTeach

All educators are encouraged to participate in this webinar - Education: A present and future cornerstone of black resilience and agency; Exploring the central role of education and mechanisms of Black resilience and agency. October 21, 2024 @ PM Eastern Time. https://lnkd.in/gBq7BzSN. Presented by the Center for Black Agency and Resilience (C-BAR). C-BAR is a vital hub for interdisciplinary research, dialogue, and actionable solutions; committed to breaking free from a deficit focused perspective to engage in a more profound exposition, understanding, assertive nurturing, and reliance on our proven resilience and agency.

🚨 The Centre for Integrative Anti-Racism Studies at OISE is hosting a Summer Institute in Ghana in 2025. Explore African Indigenous knowledge and decolonial theories. Engage in dialogue and learning with Elders to envision futures of equity and justice. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage deeply with anti-colonial education and learn how African Indigeneity and Elder Critical Teachings can empower Black, Indigenous, and Racialized communities: https://buff.ly/3SxWMVC

Today we honor Juneteenth, a day of remembrance and reckoning. As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the work still left to do in achieving equity for all. Our work isn’t done, and it starts with awareness. Learn about Juneteenth and its importance here! https://shorturl.at/Lw3Na