Saida Gordon, DSW Student, LCSW, SIFI’s Post

Four financial coaches sharing 'Our 4 Cents' about the real money matters that impact, inspire, and support black women. Tonight's topic: High Value Men or High Net Worth Men - What Attracts Black Women? There's been controversy across the interwebs about what it means to be a high value man (or woman). Does high value mean high net worth? Is a person's value tied to how much money they make? Join the LIVE conversation TONIGHT @ 7pm and let's talk about it!

✨ To the 92% of Black women who showed up in the last election—this one is for you. ✨ Let’s be clear: you are more than a statistic, more than a voter. You are the change the world needs to see. Every time you cast your vote, raise your voice, or take up space in rooms that weren't designed with you in mind—you are reaffirming what we already know: We are exactly who we say we are, not who they try to define us as. 🖤 Your strength is immeasurable. Your presence is powerful. You don’t need permission to exist boldly, to thrive unapologetically, or to be happy without seeking anyone’s approval. Let them pretend not to see you—because every step you take leaves a mark they can’t erase. ✨ Continue to shine in spaces that weren't built for you. Occupy the boardrooms, lead the conversations, and embrace your joy in ways that are authentically yours. Celebrate yourself not because they accept it, but because you deserve it. Let’s honor each other by choosing to live fully, happily, and authentically. Let's continue to be who we are—fearless, brilliant, and *unstoppable*. 🌟 For more inspiration, order your copy of The Courageous Pursuit of Authenticity https://lnkd.in/eRfZA438 #BlackWomenLead #UnapologeticallyBlack #TakeUpSpace #WeAreWhoWeSayWeAre #RepresentationMatters

'I didn't like Diana Abbotts political views anyway' Thats what I heard from someone when discussing the comments from Frank Hester! The Conservative party’s biggest donor told colleagues that looking at Diane Abbott makes you “want to hate all black women” and said the MP “should be shot” These comments have sparked significant conversation, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by black women in society. While some may dismiss the significance of these comments, focusing on personal opinions about Diana Abbott or political affiliations, it's crucial to recognise the broader implications of such rhetoric. Hester's words are not just disgusting violent comments about a woman of colour, they are a mirror reflecting the systemic issues of misogyny and racism that pervade our society. This incident underscores a harsh reality: black women are often subjected to a dual burden of discrimination, where gender and race intersect to amplify the injustices they face. The reaction to Hester's comments is a litmus test for our collective societal values. It begs the question: Do we passively accept this as the norm, or do we take a stand against the ingrained prejudices that continue to marginalise and silence black women? This isn't about which political party one supports; it's about recognising and addressing the pervasive inequalities that affect the lives of many. As professionals, leaders, and members of a global community, we have a responsibility to challenge and dismantle the structures of misogyny and racism. Silence and inaction only serve to perpetuate these issues. We must engage in open and honest discussions, educate ourselves and others and push for change in our institutions and communities. In the spirit of progress and unity, I encourage all of us to not only speak out against misogyny and racism, but to actively contribute to building an inclusive and equitable society. Together, we can turn the tide and ensure that the words and experiences of black women are heard, valued and respected. #DiversityAndInclusion #SocialJustice #Equality #Leadership #Community #womensupportingwomen #violenceagainstwomen

There are so many sobering statistics about Black women from maternal mortality rates: 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births for Black women, compared to 19 for White women, 16.9 for Hispanic women, and 13.2 for Asian women, the workforce, Black women make up 1.6% to 2% of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, to crime, Black women were six times more likely to be murdered than white women, with a rate of 11.6 per 100,000 compared to 3 per 100,000. Between 2014 and 2020, the homicide rate for Black women aged 25–44 increased by 73%. All of this and so much more serves as a reminder that progress is being made, but too often Black women are denied the benefits of progress or made to wait. With attacking DEI becoming a new hobby and sport, it is more vital than ever to celebrate and support Black women. The world is a beautiful place and it is especially beautiful when Black women thrive.

This world was never created with the safety and leadership of Black women in mind. Every day, we witness (and experience) the consequences when we dare to move beyond the standards and boundaries society has intentionally set for us. Despite these challenges, Black women continue to defy expectations, demonstrating resilience and strength in the face of systemic barriers and discrimination. Their courage and leadership not only challenge societal norms but also pave the way for future generations to thrive in a more inclusive and equitable world. “In our cultural landscape, no figure is more scrutinized or misunderstood than a Black woman who is unafraid to speak her mind. The pushback against this boldness, however, often comes at a high societal cost and extends beyond the halls of Congress—permeating our online spaces and everyday interactions” #equity #DEI #SocialImpact #SocialJustice #CommunityEngagement #WomenLeaders #BlackWomen #justice

The selective outrage is getting out of hand! I’m not super into politics, as I think politicians are mostly self serving, barring a small minority of genuine public servants. However, I must speak up on this: the struggles of being a black woman in the UK are real and witnessing a black woman publicly disrespected and sidelined is devastating. It was painful to watch Diane Abbott stand up to speak 46 times in 36 minutes without any acknowledgement. Ironic that the debate was about remarks made about her. Racist remarks by Frank Hester in 2019: “It’s like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV and you’re just like, I hate, you just want to hate all black women because she’s there, and I don’t hate all black women at all, but I think she should be shot”. WHAAAAATTTT??? This statement would cause outrage if directed at any other marginalised group, demanding societal condemnation. It’s embarassing! Respect for Diane Abbott, MP or not, as a human being is non-negotiable. She deserves to work safely, have a voice, and be herself without fear. She needs to feel safe at work, she needs to have a voice, and she needs to be free to be able to be herself. Diane Abbott is a symbol of everyone feeling unsafe or out of place at work, embodying the failures and challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her resilience (in areas she shouldn’t have to be resilient in 2024!) deserves our admiration and support. Parliament may have gotten this all wrong, but let’s work towards getting this right in our respective organisations. Rant over. #Misogynoir #Misogyny #Sexism #Racism #Intersectionality

✨The Bar Has Been Set Too High for Black Women✨ For far too long, the expectations placed on Black women have come at a significant cost to our mental and physical health. We are pushed to meet standards that often ignore our capacity as human beings. As someone who once wore the "overworked" badge with pride, I can attest to the damage that comes from being praised for relentless labor. So many women I speak with today are burnt out from constantly pushing themselves beyond their limits. The truth is, America has grown far too comfortable with the image of the hard-working Black woman, and the demands placed on our bodies and minds are rarely questioned. 💕But it’s time for a radical shift. We must reject the narrative that expects us to endure without rest and demand that our womanhood, and our need for softness and care, be recognized. This is not about being resilient for the sake of it. It’s about reclaiming our right to rest, to softness, and to live as fully human. #BlackWomenInLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #ReclaimingSoftness #LeadershipAndWellbeing

Black women’s labor is consistently undervalued. In 2024, Black women are paid a fraction of what white men are for the same work because of racist structures and systems. Today is a call to action. As we work towards an equitable future, it is essential that we advocate for a world where Black women are fairly compensated, supported and valued.

Today, I'm compelled to address a deeply ingrained issue that plagues our society: the continuous disrespect towards Black women and the persistent disbelief they face when they courageously step forward to share their experiences. It's a harrowing reality that despite being pillars of strength within our communities, Black women are too often met with skepticism and dismissal. This pattern of disbelief not only undermines the credibility of Black women but also perpetuates a harmful cycle of silence and invisibility. When Black women are brave enough to speak out about instances of abuse, harassment, or discrimination, their voices are frequently drowned out by skepticism, victim-blaming, or outright denial. This lack of validation not only compounds the trauma they've endured but also sends a chilling message to other survivors: your truth doesn't matter. We cannot turn a blind eye to the systemic biases and stereotypes that contribute to this egregious injustice. Black women face intersecting forms of oppression based on their race and gender, which compound the challenges they encounter when seeking justice and recognition for their experiences. The intersections of racism and sexism create unique barriers that hinder Black women from being believed, respected, and supported. It's essential that we confront these uncomfortable truths and actively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate the marginalization of Black women. We must start by actively listening to their voices, amplifying their stories, and affirming their experiences. Believing Black women isn't just a slogan—it's a fundamental commitment to justice, empathy, and equality. As a community, we must stand in solidarity with Black women, offering them the unwavering support and validation they deserve. We must challenge ourselves and others to interrogate our own biases, confront our privilege, and actively dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate the erasure and disrespect of Black women. Together, let's create a world where Black women are not only heard and believed but also valued, respected, and celebrated for their resilience, strength, and unwavering contributions to our communities. #BelieveBlackWomen #SupportBlackWomen #EndDisrespect"

The “rest era” is among us and is all about setting boundaries, focusing on personal health, and reclaiming joy in ways that nourish our spirit. Black women are redefining what strength looks like—and it includes rest. This shift is both deeply personal and profoundly cultural, challenging the stereotype of the "strong Black woman" who bears it all. Instead, it’s an act of resilience and self-care that acknowledges the toll of constantly showing up in systems that often don’t show up for us. What does rest look like for you? Let’s continue this conversation on prioritizing wellness while driving impact in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. https://lnkd.in/eJAiEyZ9 #RestEra #ResttoRise #LeadershipRedefined #BlackWomenLead