Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Post

A “Long Haul” Approach to DEI Earlier in my career I remember wrestling with the lack of diversity in a talent pool for a role that was critcal to our business. We’d done the research, consulted with experts, and the reality was that Black candidates represented less than 8% of the eligible talent pool in the areas we were hiring. FORK IN THE ROAD In that moment, it would have been easy for the leaders to say, “the talent doesn’t exist, there’s nothing more we can do.” Instead, those leaders said: > Let’s create more interest in the profession. > Let’s start earlier by hosting info sessions at high schools. > Let’s provide scholarships for Black students pursuing this major. > Let’s increase our financial support for associations that have a nation-wide impact. > Let’s open a satellite office in a metropolitan area to broaden our reach. Essentially we decided that if the talent didn’t exist, we would change the talent landscape altogether. The data could have been a reason to JUSTIFY inaction. Instead, it became fuel to INSPIRE change. Working alongside leaders with this level of vision and actionable commitment to diversity was an honor, and it has shaped my approach to DEI throughout my career.

There are many things I could say about Juneteenth, but I am going to stick to this one thing today. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ If you are an employer, especially an employer of Black people, June 19th should mean something to you. It is not a day to overlook and continue with business as usual. It’s not a time to say well Blacks have Black History Month. It’s not a day to require PTO to have time off. It’s not a Black vs White thing. In 1865, it was unheard of to give a Black slave time off; especially from a job they didn’t apply for. But today is not then and as a business owner this Wednesday is not a day to overlook its significance. It’s a day to emphasize education, our nation’s history and achievements. When you downplay such holidays you desensitize yourself to the conditions and experiences of others and the significant contributions they’ve made in society. Many people forget that Black people laid the blueprint for the freedom of all people. Many of the rights and liberties we share are off the backs of Black people fighting for all people. So as we approach Juneteenth, it is your job as a leader to ensure your workforce understands the significance of such a holiday and see it as more than another day off. Forgetting history is a means to repeat it. Do you agree?

Listen: Celebrating Black Student Success and Achievement In the latest Voices of Student Success episode, learn more about California State University-Sacramento’s establishment of a Black Honors College and a statewide bill to recognize California institutions that help Black students achieve. https://bit.ly/3xYnaAM

I hope Black alums around the U.S. realize the lack of power they have as universities cave in to the demands of politicians who don’t like DEI efforts. Use this opportunity to explore new models of investing that place control of your resources in your own foundations. What happens if you remove your money from the universities that are being constrained into funds YOU oversee and bestow directly to the recipients of your choosing? There may still be issues but the source of control SHIFTS. Think out of the box if you’re not pleased with a university’s efforts. Let your pocketbooks speak for you.

Why It Matters

As an organisation, Black History Month holds deep significance and meaning to us. It represents a time to reflect, celebrate, and educate each other about the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black people in the UK and beyond.    For us, here at Upwards Care Solutions, Black History Month highlights the vital role that Black health and social care professionals have played in shaping a more inclusive and effective health and social care system. The theme for Black History Month 2024, “Reclaiming Narratives,” reflects a powerful movement towards recognising, correcting, and celebrating Black history and culture. It highlights the importance of amplifying authentic stories, addressing misrepresentations, and historical omissions that have all too often distorted Black history. As a health and social care institution that serves a diverse population, we recognise that an inclusive workforce is essential for providing the best possible care for our children and young people from all backgrounds. Black History Month presents a vital opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of our Black staff members who go over and above to improve the health and well-being of children and young people. As we come to the end of Black History Month may   this   be   a   reminder   that   we   must continue to be kind, to be inclusive and to work towards a more equitable society for all. As an organisation, we remain true to our efforts of fostering an environment of inclusivity, where all staff members are empowered to thrive, and all children and young people receive the care, support and compassion they deserve.

🚨 Elevating Black Soccer Culture & Empowering the Next Generation 🚨 At Black Star, we’re on a mission to elevate Black soccer culture in America, partnering with HBCUs to create pathways for Black players, celebrate culture, and foster opportunities for growth - both on and off the field. ⚽️ Through our Talent ID Camps, we’re connecting high school players with college soccer opportunities and sharing the inspiring stories of HBCU student-athletes who are shaping the future of the game and beyond. 🎤💡 Our recent Allstate Next Wave Showcase & HBCU ID Camp in Houston brought together nearly 200 players and scouts from programs like Howard University, Jackson State University, and Prairie View A&M. 🙌 But we’re not just about soccer - we’re about celebrating Black culture, storytelling, and building leaders who thrive in both sports and life. Check out two recent stories from "Our Space to Play" to see how Alabama State University and Paul Quinn College create real opportunities for these Black athletes. 🖤⚡️ Ep.1: https://lnkd.in/gQt67khm Ep.2: https://lnkd.in/gDTShh6k

Washington High

Please check out this reflection on three incredible women who shaped my education and career!!

AUGUST IS NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH: EMBRACING CHANGE AS OPPORTUNITY Celebrate National Black Business Month by seeing opportunities in change. Adaptability is key to business success. #ChangeAsOpportunity #BlackOwnedBusinesses #AdaptableEntrepreneur