ONNJ - On New Jersey’s Post

Life throws its challenges, and for Black women, navigating racial discrimination, cultural expectations, and personal aspirations can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: you can rise above and thrive by adopting a growth mindset! The Queens Empowerment Circle is your space to shift from “I can’t” to “I can learn.” Over 10 powerful weeks, starting 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟗𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, you’ll explore how to: 🌟 Cultivate confidence through a growth mindset. 🌟 Replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. 🌟 Recognize and celebrate your unique strengths. 🌟 Build a community with amazing Black women who uplift and inspire. This isn’t just a group—it’s a sisterhood designed to support your journey of self-growth and resilience. Together, we’ll turn challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eeJwdeHk

This week, and every week, let's celebrate the power of our purchasing decisions! Here's why supporting Black-owned businesses matters: ✔️Economic Empowerment: Black businesses are essential for building wealth within the Black community. Every dollar spent supports their success. ✔️Closing the Racial Wealth Gap: Systemic barriers have historically disadvantaged Black entrepreneurs. Supporting them helps create a more equitable economy. ✔️Celebrating Black Excellence: Black businesses offer unique products, services, and perspectives that enrich our communities. ✔️Building a More Inclusive Future: By supporting Black businesses, we send a powerful message of inclusion and opportunity. Share your favorite Black-owned businesses in the comments below! #SupportBlackBusinesses #Equality #NashvilleBlackOwned #ShopLocal #Nashville #LocalBusiness

This article speaks volumes. As someone who was just fired by a board after nearly nine years of dedicated service just 3 months before my planned departure, this article speaks to me. The author talks about how Black women leaders are "expected to turn a blind eye to the presence and implications of institutional racism and its impact on herself and other Black people, both within the organization and without." https://lnkd.in/edccCqA8

"Many Black women in positions of leadership earnestly believe that they cannot afford the luxury of a more integral moral ecology because they are being made to choose between their livelihoods and their ideals." It is imperative that we make professional space for Black women to share their collective abuse. I can only hope to be of support as I continue to advocate for those who work directly and indirectly with me. I live at the intersection of anti-Black maleness in a field that views my peers as vectors and villains while Black women live in a wholly different place where they are expected to bring #BlackGirlMagic to fix decades-long internal abuses without support to dismantle to status quo. And if they ever do that nearly impossible work, they will pay a dear price...often with public admonition. To address these issues takes transparency and higher levels of support. It was nothing but shocking to see first-hand the professional abuses that a Black woman in leadership faced at an org that I led. 1) Staff openly questioning her academic credentials (read: Black women don't/can't earn doctorate degrees) 2) One individual stating that they did not want to report to her but to a white leader who didn't even have her skill set (read: I prefer reporting to someone who looks like me) 3) A Black woman peer who sent numerous threatening text messages if she preformed corrective action on her due to her egregious and demeaning behavior with staff and peers (read: Not all skin folk are kin folk) 4) A white man who was being investigated for improper behavior who was immediately terminated for attempting to destroy evidence who then became verbally & physically aggressive which led to her locking herself into an office and having to call the police (read: Black women must already know their place on society's Privilege Flag Pole) 5) Being told by staff that she should not have called the police and that she must have done something wrong to make the white terminated employee so upset (read: Be prepared to die and then have people say you were complicit in your own death) Too many Black women have these and worse experiences on a habitual basis. Systemic violence is putting your head in the sand and hoping that well-meaning "Allies" who have no history of openly supporting Black women will suddenly do so when faced with their daily realities. We must do better. #iSupportBeverly #TrustBlackWomen

Rest, Joy, Ease, and Thriving Aren't Luxuries—They Are Our Birthright. ~ Rachel Cargle In leadership, prioritizing rest and care isn’t just an act of self-preservation—it’s an act of resistance and survival. For Black women, who are often leading in systems not designed for our well-being, reclaiming rest, joy, and ease is essential. Studies suggest that engaging in intentional self-care can improve both mental and physical well-being, allowing us to thrive, not just survive, in our professional lives. Prioritizing care is an act of resistance, allowing Black women to reclaim our time, bodies, and mental well-being. Let’s lead from a place of wholeness, knowing that thriving is our birthright. https://lnkd.in/gEXzt8Uh

A Personal Reflection on the Power of Gathering Black women have kept me grounded for as long as I can remember. My Igbo mother and aunties taught me how to dress, dance, cook, and carry myself. My sorority sisters served up lessons in sisterhood, service, and how to run a dynamic program. Black women have been a constant source of education, healing, joy, and partnership throughout my life. Early in my leadership career, a Black woman, whom I’ll call the Matriarch (iykyk 😉), convened a group of Black women. The agenda was light, but the purpose was clear: rest, reset, then go do good work. The purpose wasn’t to sit in cycles of grief and despair. It was a gathering woven with threads of laughter, strands of reflection, bold stitches of audacity, expansive patterns for freedom dreaming, intricate connections of networking, and secure knots of well-being checks to hold it all together. It was about sharing lessons, learning affirmations, and holding each other accountable. It helped me know what questions to ask, leadership pitfalls to avoid, and career moves to make. It ensured my longevity. The space was needed. Black women are often at the forefront of social movements, serving as organizational leaders, community organizers, and fundraisers with very small budgets. Not only are they called on to lead these organizations with wisdom and grace, but they also take care of multigenerational families, church groups, volunteer organizations, and more. What job of service isn't a Black woman's job? Black women are well-equipped for leadership as one of the most educated demographics in the US. Yet, this has not translated to better health or wealth outcomes. Instead, Black women are literally dying. The systematic lack of support has contributed to burnout, isolation, and erasure. In this period of "anti-DEI", "tight financial markets" and "fiscal cliffs", it is easy to underfund and dismantle gathering spaces for Black women leaders. The call to action is clear: will your organization provide the investment for Black women leaders to thrive? At When We Gather Consulting, we specialize in creating identity-affirming and culturally sustaining spaces where Black women can thrive. We invite you to connect with us to explore how we can help your organization establish and nurture these vital gathering spaces. Together, we can build environments that support Black women.

For Juneteenth & Beyond: Steps You Can Take ⬇️ At Warrioress Wealth, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equity. As we honor Juneteenth, we encourage everyone to take actionable steps towards creating a more just and equitable society. Here's what you can do: ✔️Hire Black Folks and Promote Opportunities: Actively seek to hire and promote Black individuals. Ensure growth and advancement opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of race. ✔️ Uplift and Celebrate Black Voices: Give platforms to Black voices and perspectives in your community, workplace, and social circles. Celebrate their achievements, listen to their stories, and learn from their experiences. ✔️ Continue to Advocate for Racial Equity: Engage in and support initiatives that promote racial equity. Support policies addressing systemic racism and educate yourself and others on issues of racial justice. ✔️ Support Black Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses. Your support helps build a more equitable economy. At Warrioress Wealth, we are dedicated to these principles, not just for Juneteenth, but as an ongoing commitment. Together, we can create a more inclusive and just society. 🖤 #juneteenth #racialequity #supportblackbusinesses #celebrateblackvoices #diversityandinclusion #blackexcellence #communitysupport #socialjustice #empowerment #togetherwerise

Delve into the crucial insights from this thought-provoking article by Dr. Shauna D. A. Knox, "The Impossible Dilemma of Black Female Leadership: The Tragedy of Nobody Seeing Us Even When Everybody's Watching." This powerful piece sheds light on the challenges faced by Black women leaders in the workforce, navigating a landscape historically designed to suppress their voices and contributions. From chronic underemployment to enduring exclusion from essential benefits, the hurdles are immense. 👉 The Dilemma: Black women leaders often find themselves in an impossible situation—forced to either conform to harmful stereotypes or risk being cast aside and marginalized. 👉 The Struggle: In predominantly White spaces, Black women are expected to code-switch and deny their true selves to gain acceptance and access to opportunities. Yet, even when they comply, they may still face discrimination and bias. 👉 The Consequences: Those who refuse to conform risk being labeled as the "Angry Black Woman" and face isolation and mistreatment. Even within organizations led by Black women, these challenges persist, perpetuating a cycle of suppression. 👉 The Solution: It's time to stop drowning Black women leaders and to stop making them disappear. Recognizing and dismantling harmful stereotypes and biases is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. Let's amplify these voices, challenge the status quo, and work towards a future where Black women leaders are truly seen, heard, and valued. #DiversityandInclusion #BlackWomenLeadership #Empowerment #HealthEquity https://lnkd.in/gXYhcZyv

In the wake of Sonya Massey's tragic murder, we are reminded of the constant danger Black women face daily. Even as one runs for the highest office in our nation (Kamala is also South Asian), Black women continue to experience violence and injustice at alarming rates. In 2020, we saw a surge of rage and energy following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others. Yet, as the spotlight dims and tensions ease, the momentum often fades, leaving us with a deafening silence from powerful organizations and individuals alike. I entered the DEI field motivated by the earlier murders of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Growing up as a white person in Idaho, I made it my responsibility to amplify these crucial conversations and support the Black Lives Matter movement. Many still believe that being "colorblind" is the answer, but ignoring race doesn't erase the stark reality that Black individuals face daily, particularly when confronted with violence and discrimination. We will undoubtedly see anger and calls to action following Sonya Massey's murder. But the question remains: how do we create a society that sustains its commitment to racial justice and equity beyond moments of heightened awareness? How do we integrate this commitment into our daily lives, rather than merely tuning in when it becomes popular to do so? The answer lies in persistent, unwavering dedication to change. It involves continuous education, listening to and elevating Black voices, and holding ourselves and our institutions accountable. We must challenge the systems that perpetuate racism and work tirelessly to dismantle them. And yes, this means in our workplaces too. It's about building a better, more just society where Black lives are valued and protected every single day. #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForSonyaMassey #DEI #RacialEquity #RacialJustice

“...systems are of us.” Have you considered how you might unknowingly internalise the very systems of oppression you’re working to dismantle? The Nonprofit Quarterly’s latest think piece highlights a crucial point: often, people of color, particularly Black women in leadership, are expected to rise above and lead with grace and compassion, even when facing microaggressions from those they lead. This isn't just about policies or cultural practices—systems are upheld by our daily actions. We must recognise that the systems we fight against are embedded within us and influenced by our interactions. If you are authentically dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression, start by looking in the mirror. Reflect on your behaviors to ensure you're not perpetuating the same oppressions. For instance, consider something as internalised as workplace hair discrimination... 📰: https://shorturl.at/Yb2lR 📸: Yermine Richardson