Donald Collins’ Post

Today we want to recognise the incredible legacy of Ella Baker, a visionary leader whose influence continues to resonate today. Ella Baker's achievements include co-founding the SCLC with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., playing a crucial role in forming the SNCC to empower young activists, facilitating pivotal student-led sit-ins in 1960, and advocating for voter registration initiatives to mobilise communities for voting rights. Here leadership style is one that reflects: 🏅Empowerment: Baker believed that every individual has the power to effect change. She was known for her ability to inspire and mobilise others, encouraging people to find their voices and take action. By nurturing leadership from within communities, she created a network of empowered individuals, rather than groups led by one sole leader. 🍀Grassroots Organising and the power of community: Baker's approach to leadership was rooted in grassroots organising. She believed in building strong, interconnected networks at the local level, where people could come together, share their experiences, and strategise for change. Ella Baker's leadership style serves as a timeless reminder of the power of community, empowerment, and grassroots organising. As we navigate the challenges of today, let's draw inspiration from her example and continue to strive for a more just and equitable world. "Give light and people will find the way." Baker believed that by providing resources, support, and opportunities for people to come together and organise at the grassroots level, they will naturally find their way forward. She believed that when individuals are empowered to shine their light and share their voices, they can collectively illuminate the path toward progress and social change. Baker’s leadership was guided by the collective wisdom of those she hoped to lead. She was confident in the ability of communities to find solutions to their own problems when given the right opportunity and support. #Socialmovements #Quote #Inspiration

This is a brave inclusive depiction and description of what INCLUSION and EQUITY feel and mean NOW for Europe

I really really want people to read this. It speaks to a lot of what I’ve seen in the field and how our communal relationship to power is failing us. We need plans for supporting Black women, femme, trans, and non-binary leaders in the field for when the inevitable revolt happens in or outside their institutions to their leadership. We need to develop better discernment around what is accountability and what is anti-Blackness. If we do that, we learn the lessons for how everyone else needs to be treated. We have to have a power analysis. We have to have systems for accountability that are more robust than removal. We have to create room. We miss out on so much visionary leadership because we don’t. These scenarios are of course happening to women, femmes, trans, and non-binary leaders of color in all communities but the brutality of the way it happens to Black women, it is unmatched. Here is the thing, no one is uniquely incorruptible. I do believe so many leaders have abused their power. I have watched that abuse up close, twice, in the last three years. We have to be able to do something about that. But it isn’t always that and we jump their first. https://lnkd.in/eW7xt8aV

BECMA: The "Black Advocates" That Forgot What Advocacy Means Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about BECMA, the self-proclaimed voice for Black economic equity in Massachusetts. You know, the organization that loves to announce partnerships, review diversity practices, and connect pipelines—but somehow missed the part where actual advocacy happens. In 2023, the same Massachusetts Convention Center Authority where they’re now bragging about supplier diversity saw a $1.3 million settlement for racism. Fast forward to 2024, and a Black-led nonprofit gets booted out of an event for being, well… Black. And where was BECMA during all this? Oh, probably too busy drafting their next press release to actually show up. Fake Black Allies, Real Performers BECMA loves to throw around phrases like “inclusive growth” and “economic prosperity,” but let’s be real—it's all for show. They’ve built a brand on buzzwords, not breakthroughs. Claiming to fight for equity while ignoring blatant racism at the heart of Boston’s nonprofit sector? That’s like calling yourself a chef but serving microwave dinners. Meanwhile, Wrigcoll, a Black nonprofit that’s actually doing the work, gets sidelined. Where’s BECMA’s “advocacy” when Black-led organizations are under attack? Oh wait—it’s in Newton and Chestnut Hill, far away from Roxbury and Mattapan, where real struggles are happening. Partnerships That Partner With Problems And now, BECMA is partnering with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to review diversity practices? Seriously? The same MCCA where these issues unfolded? That’s like hiring a fox to guard the henhouse. What exactly are you reviewing, BECMA? Your ability to look the other way? Stop the Pipeline of Performative Activism BECMA, it’s time to wake up. Stop building pipelines for empty promises and start delivering for the communities you claim to represent. Your silence in the face of real issues speaks louder than all the mission statements in the world. Because right now, you’re not advocates—you’re impostors. Black advocacy isn’t about claiming the title; it’s about carrying the fight. So, BECMA, here’s your frying pan roast: Get out of the spotlight if you can’t handle the heat. #leadership #technology #entrepreneurship #careers #leadership #education #linkedincommunity #resilience #nevergiveup #strokesurvivor #agility #businessstrategy #BreakingNewsBoston #mentalhealth #wellbeing #author #books #life #travel #marketing #humanresources #careers #google #lifecoach #innovation #management #womenintechnology #usnavy #womeninstem #performance #sales #socialmedia #sustainabledevelopment #businessgrowth #smallbusiness #daybreak8 #Nonprofit #DoGood #Philanthropy #SocialGood #Volunteer #businessowners #YouthEmpowerment #UrbanEntrepreneurship #BostonChangemakers #masswomen #25DaysofChristmas #BECMAmember #BlackTech #BlackCreators #WeBuyBlack  #Kwanzaa  #SquashHunger

Hi SSBBM Community! We are wrapping up our Black Story and Heritage Month with the next few posts. As we conclude our Black Story and Heritage Month series, in this post we delve into essential guidance for fostering a father's leadership qualities in his son. We suggest, At home, leading with love and communication, teaching resilience and independence while prioritizing values and integrity. In the workplace, offer mentorship, encourage ambition and confidence, and advocate for equality. Engage in community work and giving back by instilling a commitment to community engagement, amplifying others' voices, and cultivating a spirit of giving. These tips empower fathers to shape their son into confident and compassionate leaders at home, in the professional sphere, and within the broader community. Thanks for your time. Be sure to take the time and read through the tips below to engage with your son, loved one who's a son, young man, and or young adult man. #SSBBMSeattle #SSBBMBainbridgeIsland #SSBBMBellevue #SSBBMTacoma #SSBBMPacificWestCoast #SSBBMEverett #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackMenHisStory #CelebrateBlackMenHisStory #BlackCulture #BlackDiaspora #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackBusinessOwner #BlackLeaders #BlackLeadership #BlackTeams #BlackOrgCulture #Black #BlackCulture #BlackCreative #BlackCreatives #BlackDesigners #BlackCreatives #BusinessCoach #BusinessConsultant #EntrepreneurGoals #CSuite #MyOwnBoss #WorkForWhatYouWant #SavvyEntrepreneur #BlackLeadership #BlackBusinessOwner #BlackEducators #BlackInStem #BlackAgingmMenMatter #BlackMenInLeadership

Transforming Reality: The True Commitment to Black Communities We explore the ongoing challenges faced by HBCUs and the pressing issues within the Black community. Why do figures like Deion Sanders need to prioritize community over personal agendas? Join us as we discuss the real impact of commitment to social change. #HBCUs #SocialChange #Empowerment #DeionSanders #BlackCommunity #Transformation #Leadership #CommunityImpact #SocialJustice #CommitmentToChange

There's two reasons you'd need a KHA in your corner. 1️⃣ Many mission-driven organizations keep a fairly lean staff. When you have a big project or urgent need, you may need "staff extenders" to provide:  - research and evaluation - project management - change management and organizational development - convening support and facilitation … so that you can put the wheels on your work! 2️⃣ In other cases, something has happened. Either harm has been done to Black, Brown or Indigenous communities ... or there is a pressing, timely, and critical opportunity to flow money and resources to their leadership. Either way, you need a partner in helping make everyone whole. To transform an existing system for infinitely good possibilities. Next week, our email newsletter highlights an example of our work: reauthenticating Black leadership in the Reproductive Justice ecosystem while fostering accountability and responsiveness among funders. Don’t miss it—join our email list today to get insights, strategies, and stories that can inspire your own work. 📧 https://lnkd.in/ed8kuPBX 📧 #RacialEquity #SystemsChange #Philanthropy #ConsultingFirm

Championing Change: The Clifford Walker Story In this episode, Clifford Walker, a Portland native born in 1943, shares his life story. He discusses his upbringing in Portland's Eastside, attending Jefferson High School, and the racial discrimination he faced in a predominantly white community. Clifford reflects on his family's history, including his father's activism as a Portland politician advocating for public accommodations for people of color.   He recounts experiences with racism and segregation, highlighting challenges such as encountering signs that read "white trade only" as a child. Clifford also shares memories from his time in the Air Force as a military policeman and discusses racial tensions within the military. He concludes by discussing his involvement with the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs and efforts to address racial injustices in Oregon. Clifford emphasizes the significance of preserving local history and encouraging future generations to engage in activism. He shares anecdotes about grassroots efforts to improve educational opportunities and access to healthcare for marginalized communities in Portland. Key Takeaways: The importance of resilience and hard work in overcoming adversity. The role of community and advocacy in driving social change. The need for continued efforts towards racial equity and justice in America. Clifford Walker's dedication to public service and entrepreneurship. Clifford's reflections on the challenges faced by the black community in Portland. Follow: Find us on all social platforms @oregonhiddenlegacy for updates on upcoming episodes and exclusive content. Listener Feedback: Share your thoughts and stories about Clifford Walker's journey on our website www.oregonhiddenlegacy.org. We'd love to hear from you! #SocialJustice, #CommunityLeadership, #Resilience, #MilitaryService, #PoliticalEngagement, #Portland, #BlackCommunity, #Advocacy, #Equity, #ChangeMakers, #Podcast, #Inspiration, #Oregon, #Hidden, #Legacy, #OralHistory, #Interviews, #Storytelling, #Archive, #Albina, #UnrepresentedCommunities, #FamilyFirst, #LSB41Studios, #GMPPodcastGroup, #thorncitysyndicate https://lnkd.in/gqpzPyzw

A few days late sharing this, but as you likely already know, Ashley Panelli and I have the privilege of being the first Black women to lead 9to5. While it's an exciting shift to Black leadership and a shared leadership model, it is not without challenges. Specifically, we wrote this article to highlight the challenge of the under-funding of Black-led organizations. It's a call to action for funders to make deep mulit-year investments in Black leadership and not simply lip service.

"I can't breathe," Mr. Floyd gasped, his desperate pleas falling on deaf ears as the cold-hearted officer callously disregarded his humanity until his life slipped away. The global response was one of outrage—or so it seemed. FOUR YEARS LATER, many of the promises by organizations, institutions, and agencies of the government remain unfulfilled. FOUR YEARS LATER, the forces of hate and intolerance against diversity have only grown stronger. FOUR YEARS LATER, many corporate cultures continue to perpetuate a toxic environment that inflicts heightened mental anguish upon Black, minoritized, and racialized individuals in their workplaces, social spheres, places of worship, and communities. FOUR YEARS LATER, the scourge of racism and discrimination continues to plague Black students and educators alike, with the derogatory use of racially charged language—such as the "n-word" and the abhorrent "m-word" (monkey)—reaching alarming levels of prevalence. FOUR YEARS LATER, the promise of progress within leadership ranks has been marred by the reality that many Black individuals who were appointed to positions of authority have been met with systemic barriers and overt hostility, ultimately leading to their disillusionment and departure from their roles. FOUR YEARS LATER, Blacks, and those who are minoritized, racialized, and minoritized are still hired or promoted merely as tokens of diversity, only to find themselves undermined and sidelined by entrenched colonial leaders who prioritized optics over genuine systemic change. As we reflect on the passage of time since George Floyd's death, it becomes painfully clear that the fight against racism and discrimination is far from over. It is unequivocally clear that the challenges we face demand unwavering commitment and collective action to dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to perpetuate inequality and injustice. To register for the 4th annual George Floyd Memorial Lecture, visit https://lnkd.in/gDjXSH68 #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #SayHisName #ICantBreathe #NoJusticeNoPeace #BLM #Racism #EndRacism #Discrimination #Equity #Inclusion #SocialJustice #Equality #SystemicRacism #AntiRacism #DiversityandInclusion #BLMMovement #PoliceBrutality #CivilRights #StandUpToRacism #EndWhiteSupremacy #HumanRights #RacialJustice #Unity #JusticeSystem #MinorityRights #EqualityForAll #Solidarity #ChangeTheSystem