Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ Post

Can we talk about the experiences of black people? Yes, of course. But this doesn't sound very inclusive. What about other ethnicities? We must not come across as favouring one ethnicity over the other. Let's cover the experiences of all ethnic minorities. —————————————————————— A focused discussion on one ethnicity without bringing in other ethnicities is OK. It is essential to acknowledge and honour the unique experiences, challenges, and contributions of that particular group. By centring the conversation on one ethnicity, we can delve deeper into understanding their culture, history, and perspectives without diluting the discussion with unrelated topics. And provides a platform for members of that ethnicity to share their stories, amplify their voices, and advocate for their needs and rights. Looking forward to speaking at the Black Inclusion Week. #race #equality #dei

This concept is derived from Black Girl Dangerous by Mia McKenzie, where the author has created a non-comprehensive list of 8 ways to not be an ally based on the experiences of race, queerness, class, and gender. In DEI work we often talk about what an ally is, but this post is about what an ally is not. In other words, we have provided you with a list of don'ts when it comes to acting in an allyship capacity for the Black community. #Allyship #BlackHistoryMonth

For Black History Month, today we uplift the name and influence of Barbara Smith and the seminal organizing work she has done and continues to do that informs modern Black feminist and abolitionist frameworks as well as our work against state violence and criminalization. Among other accomplishments, Smith was a founder of the Combahee River Collective, a radical group of Black feminists and activists that recognized the interconnectedness of injustices. From framing the issue of identity politics to encouraging the gay rights movement to adopt a more diverse understanding of oppression, Smith always asks how the energy to change can be harnessed into a multidisciplinary force. In their famous and still politically relevant statement, the Combahee River Collective said, “If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.” This intersectional approach is central to abolitionist frameworks and organizing and that in turn is foundational to the work we engage in to decriminalize HIV and is the only way to move us forward in our collective work in dismantling oppression in its many forms. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackFeminists #Abolitionist Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJz3VN_5 Photo: David Yellen.

The Freechild Institute for Youth Engagement believes silence is complicity. Solidarity is intersectional. Black lives matter. Children and youth matter all of the time. Bodily autonomy is necessary. Gender is not binary. Mental health is a priority. No human is illegal. Women's rights are human rights. Honor the elders. People matter more than politics. Equity is more necessary than equality. Everyone can be engaged everywhere all of the time. This is not a season, its a lifetime. We can ALL make a difference. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gCAzCXvs

365 days a year, The DIvas With Disabilities Project honors the contributions of African Americans to the United States.   In line with this year’s theme of Black Americans and The Arts that celebrates the profound evolving impact of Black artistry on our culture, national identity, and social movements that have spanned worldwide, we advocate for the celebration of #DisabilityCulture, inclusion of Black people living with disabilities in the #Film industry and encourage Black women with disabilities to show up unapologetically, nurture their talents, and pursue their purpose. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackVoices     #CelebrateBlackHistory #AfricanAmericanHistoryMonth #Inclusion   #BlackAmericans   #Representation #BlackHistoryMonth2024  #BlackDisabledWomen Image Description: A white background graphic with The Divas With Disabilities Logo to the top left, and text: We honor the generations of African Americans who battled Adversity and significantly impacted African American History! The words African and Adversity are highlighted in red. To the right are horizontal red, yellow, and green backgrounds with the words Black History Month respectively.

🌟 Honoring Black History Month with We Are HER! 🌟   As Black History Month comes to a close, the community We Are HER stands in solidarity with Black survivors. Black women in particular face unique challenges and barriers in accessing trauma support and resources. Statistics from the National Black Women's Justice Institute: ◼ Black women are disproportionately at risk of sexual violence. ◼ Nearly 1 in 5 Black women are survivors of rape, and 41% of Black women experience sexual coercion and other forms of unwanted sexual contact ◼ In school and out of school, Black girls report higher rates of sexual harassment than any other group. ◼ Black women are twice as likely to be fatally shot by an intimate partner than white women. ◼ We recognize the intersectionality of race and gender in the fight for justice and equality and reaffirm our commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. With the acknowledgment of these sobering statistics, here are some great organizations to follow and support this month: National Black Women's Justice Institute The Safe Sisters Circle Ujima, Inc: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community Black Women's Blueprint, Inc. #WeAreHer #blackhistorymonth #survivor #racialjustice #empowerment #inclusion

"Happy Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community, as well as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to deepen their understanding of our shared history. Let us continue to educate ourselves, amplify Black voices, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. #Juneteenth #Freedom #Equality #Justice"

🎉 Celebrating Juneteenth: Freedom, Reflection, and Unity 🎉 Today, we observe #Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in history marking the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the journey toward freedom, equality, and justice. As we celebrate, let's honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans and reflect on the work still needed to advance racial equity in our society. ✨ Ways to honor Juneteenth: * Educate ourselves and others about its significance * Support Black-owned businesses and initiatives * Advocate for inclusive policies in our communities and workplaces Let’s continue striving for a future where freedom and equality are truly universal. #FreedomDay #Diversity #Inclusion #Equality

Non-Black European and Europe-based people, organizations, and DEI practitioners, which initiatives or projects are you working on that uplifts, supports, and empowers local Black communities? Even if you have a gender-focused approach, does your program address Black women in any kind of way? If you have Pride and LGBTQI+ initiatives, how do you incorporate the intersectional experience of anti-Blackness? This is a brag zone, please let us know and help us spread the word! Say it with your chest, you can be humble again tomorrow 😉 #BlackStoriesMonth