Ace Robinson’s Post

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

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

You want to know what happens when you put Black women in positions of Power without addressing the systems of oppression and racism in which they navigate? Claudine Gay. In these positions we have responsibility, but rarely do we have Authority and true support. We may have allies who show up when it’s aesthetically pleasing or self serving. But in times of conflict, we rarely have accomplices who are willing to do what’s right. To disrupt systems, policies, and narratives they benefit from. The closed door support means NOTHING! Why am I only talking about Black women when it happens to others? Let’s not forget, in order to get in these positions where we are the FIRST and ONLY (which is often unsafe for us), we have endured and navigated terrian you couldn’t imagined. We’ve out performed, out produced and sacrificed far more than our predecessors…only to sit under a lens of zero tolerance and scrutiny. When I say I specialize in organizational wellness THIS is why. This is trauma and organizations and institutions have a role in dismantling the systems that maintain it.

This is a powerful piece by Dr. Shauna D. A. Knox —100% truth. Every word is worth reading and pondering. Too often, in a vain attempt to fit in or for expediency, we water down our thoughts and words, and our 'deal with the devil' begins. How complicit are we when we allow stereotypes of leadership to cloud our vision? As Latinos and Latinas, when we navigate professional spaces, including academia and the nonprofit/philanthropic sector, what 'deal with the devil' trade-off are we making about our own identity? What does it mean to be an ally for others? Will having Latinos and Latinas on Boards and as Trustees help when their best skill is navigating their survival and advancement in the existing structures, and they have never learned to change the practices and structures that marginalize Latinos and others? Can our daughters (and sons) ever have a fair chance to truly show up as they are if Black women aren't allowed the same consideration?

Black feminists- how y’all feeling? 😵💫 Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from his re-election bid and initial reactions to his backing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee had the internet and our brains spinning today! With a new candidate comes new demands, and as Black feminists, those demands are shaped by what matters to us: Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people. If you’re ready to squad up, we’re here to welcome you into Black feminisms! Here's how to tap in: 💡Check out our Vote Like A Black Feminist campaign to get ready for the road ahead 💡Become a member or donate to BFF because we know that Black feminisms - not candidates - gets us free. 💡Help us shape the first 100 days! Take this 5-minute survey; your answers will inform BFF’s Black Feminist Agenda and shape priorities across the movement in the next season. This electoral season and beyond, it is always about us.

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. 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. #justiceforsonya #racialjustice #racialequity #dei #blm #blacklivesmatter

WE ALL can cultivate environments where black and brown talent can thrive. We have to first acknowledge how we consciously or subconsciously have been conditioned. We have a long way to go that requires significant progress by leadership. Want proof? Just look around your own senior leadership tables or boards. We can’t get complacent.

Behold the Harsh Realities Faced by Black Women in the West. In various spheres—Hollywood, schools, communities, workplaces—Black women face a relentless burden, often compelled to surpass their non-Black counterparts. They endure unwarranted scrutiny and, at times, abuse. In my interactions with numerous Black women, the depth of their trauma due to systemic racism is staggering. Even young teenage Black girls carry this weight, highlighting the profound impact of discrimination. Furthermore, older Black women recount distressing experiences of being disregarded during childbirth by some medical professionals—a poignant illustration of systemic neglect. I pen this in solidarity with silenced Black voices, drowned out by colonial mentalities and institutionalized structures. I implore those with empathy to speak out and advocate for Black women navigating oppressive environments. This message isn't to be brushed aside but to encourage action—be a champion for social justice, standing with marginalized groups facing obstruction, abuse, and, tragically, murder. Let's unite and address these injustices together. For those interested in effecting change, consider joining our upcoming Leadership & Workplace Equity Congress on Jan 24 and 25, 2024. Visit https://lnkd.in/d4f3MH23 for more information.

Happy Juneteenth! Social media is not enough, and one day is not enough. Every day, we have a responsibility to step aside and let Black women lead while vocally opposing the systems of oppression and racism active in our communities. If you’re off today and you’re white- the LEAST you can do is acknowledge Juneteenth. Go to a Juneteenth celebration. Educate yourself. Support Black owned businesses. Support Black led nonprofits and grassroots organizations doing the work. Check your privilege. Examine the biases that exist in ALL of us. Step aside.

"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. Many also feel that rather than an act of self-betrayal, it is an act of resigned fatalism—one that simply acknowledges that the fate of Black women will never change, and thus self-sacrifice is as meaningless as it is costly and therefore not worth the bargain. They have observed the many Black women champions who have carried generations of racial turmoil and harm on their backs only to be put out to pasture and labeled “indefensible,” and they have decided instead to survive an ugly system the only way they see possible: in hiding." Whew, this paragraph alone caught my eye. Black women in leadership positions have been hiding large parts of themselves to survive and make a livelihood and to what end? They have decided to survive instead of thrive. They have decided to survive instead of thrive. They have decided to survive instead of thrive. Those are the options they are left with. #BlackWomen #Leadership #BlackWomeninLeadership