My mind is all over the place on this one.
#1 The denial of the resilience that already exists is an excusable.
#2 we should never speak about another person’s experience.
#3 what’s upsetting is he may have thought he was being acknowledging and empowering of another person –the ol’ “shake it off and get back up.”
#4 It’s the blind spots we all have – our inability to step out of our personal context and framework to be able to see another person’s experience and perspective.
The thing is, we literally CAN’T see out of our own framework unless we ask questions and have dialogue. Unless we intentionally foster situations where we are around people like us.
Organizations have such a tough time of allowing space for the, at times, “elephant in the room” conversation.
Being able to ask quality questions and, instead of making Trope statements, opening up a dialogue, takes the same topic in conversation to a whole other level.
What does "Reclaiming Narratives" mean to you? #BlackHistoryMonth#LinkedInNewsUK
For me, Reclaiming Narratives is about giving Black people the freedom to aspire and fully express their authentic selves without compromise. Too often, we feel pressured to sacrifice our identity in order to fit in. Reclaiming our narrative means creating environments that enable Black individuals to thrive, whether politically, economically, or socially.
It’s about recognising that diversity is a blessing and using that understanding to elevate Black communities. By empowering Black voices and stories, we shape a future where Black people have the power to rewrite their own destinies and thrive on their own terms.
Join us for our next Nerds session, Black Elephants in the Room, with Dr. Corey Fields on April 27, 2024. You Can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/g_Bb7FPj.
"This talk explores two strategies African American Republicans use to align Blackness and Republican-ness in the face of white skepticism: colorblindness and race consciousness. Each strategy relies on different sets of ideas about the role of racism and discrimination in Black people’s lives. These ideas provide a framework for constructing black interests and, consequently, shape a range of political outcomes. Though both approaches reconcile Black identity and Republican partisanship, adoption of the colorblind strategy is associated with positive relations with white Republicans and greater access to GOP resources. The talk illustrates how ideas about Black people interact with the demands of white GOP leaders to shape the public perception of African American Republicans."
Not our City. Not our Mayor. Not our people. Not our community.
Words Matter. #LestWeForget
In today's episode, we delve into a topic often deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society: the history of derogatory language used to assault Black people and the Black community.
We see this language, thinly veiled, and weaponized by politicians and public figures, who seek to undermine Black officials and discredit their achievements.
This includes, the recent UNACCEPTABLE and insensitive comments made regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, where there is a co-opting of this tragic moment of loss of life to voice ignorant views on diversity initiatives and wield remarks to assault our Baltimore officials. And, the recent “slip of tongue” usage of a racial slur by a Maryland senate candidate.
No longer will we quietly tolerate the assaultive words and actions that seek to diminish Black people and Black communities. We will challenge the derogatory language with ABC unapologetically leading in doing so.
Let’s continue the conversation, share our stories, and stay tuned for more insightful explorations of Black history and its impact on our world today.
Remember, history should not be forgotten – it should be understood.
Supporting Black-owned businesses and Black-centered companies is an act of love. Despite being condemned for perceived pathologies, the Black community creates tailored solutions to address their challenges. But, even then, some deride those attempts as "reverse racism" or "set-asides". Let's celebrate the Black community's resilience and ingenuity in developing their unique solutions. We must continue to support and uplift Black-driven efforts towards progress.
There was a time when I could only dream of being a part of something meaningful, participating in my own liberation is the most celebratory feat I have ever performed. Through all of my challenges and personal defeats, the one thing I have learned is what Viktor E. Frankl taught us in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, “The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”
#BlackLivesMatter#SupportBlackBusinesses
Saving lives! One trouble ticket at a time!
3mo☮ to Dr West / Dr Boyce ✊