Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS)’s Post

As we celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, we reflect on the unique history and enduring contributions of Black Americans. This day symbolizes both freedom and the ongoing struggle for equality, especially for our underserved business communities. Despite progress, we face significant challenges, including recent attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which threaten our collective advancements. At USBC, we remain dedicated to advocating for economic empowerment and justice. However, the fight for true freedom and democracy requires our active participation. I urge each of you to ensure you are registered to vote and to exercise this fundamental right. Our voices are powerful tools for authorizing freedoms and shaping a more equitable society that moves the Black economic agenda forward. In observance of this Federal holiday, USBC offices will be closed on July 4th and will reopen on Friday, July 5th. Let’s honor our history and commit to forging a brighter future together. https://lnkd.in/eAzyD-w

We're donating 5 bps from every application we receive today to CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals. Click to learn more about CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals and the incredible work they are doing. #BlackHistoryMonth #Deals4Change

August is #BlackBusinessMonth, a time to uplift and empower Black entrepreneurs who fuel our economy and communities! Here's how YOU can make a difference: • Shop Black-owned: Every purchase empowers Black businesses and creates jobs. ️ • Follow & Share: Amplify Black businesses on social media to spread the word. • Get Involved: Volunteer, donate, or attend events that celebrate Black excellence. Let's celebrate Black history together. #SupportBlackBusiness #BlackOwnedBusiness

Radical imagination: What does it look like to dream about a liberated economic future for Black people? In Nonprofit Quarterly’s webinar, “Remaking the Economy: A Policy Vision from the Movement for Black Lives,” Temi F. Bennett, Esq., iF Co-CEO, discusses just that and offers a distinct vision of what reparations for Black people can and should look like. To read or listen to the full excerpt: https://lnkd.in/eDy_uqeb

In celebration of Black History Month, we asked our Black staff the following question: In what ways can the foundation sector do more to support Black-led nonprofits? Jennifer Oldham, our skillful Director of Communications, responded: "The foundation sector needs to start by intentionally funding Black-led nonprofits. About 2% of all foundation funding goes to Black-led nonprofits and that money is typically restricted for programs and only available for one year. We need to trust the expertise and skill of Black-led nonprofits and support them accordingly."

As we continue to honor Black History Month, we compiled a guide of resources for you to support the Black community. The guide include ways you can educate yourself on systemic racism, places to donate, and why you should support Black-owned businesses.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Head to our link in our bio to find this guide! ✨

Celebrate Black History Month with Us! Here are a few ways you can show your support: -Engage with Black-Owned businesses and restaurants via social media. -Visit and support Black-Owned businesses and restaurants. -Read literature on African American history. -Attend virtual events or webinars hosted by museums, libraries, or cultural organizations that focus on Black history and culture. -Contribute to charities and other organizations that support African Americans entrepreneurs. Comment below how you and your organization are choosing to celebrate this year! #EquityforAll #MasonCountyWA #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackOwnedBusinesses

We're sharing a few resources and organizations throughout August for Black Philanthropy Month, and what better place to start than with the New Generation of African American Philanthropists. Formed in 2006, the goal is to explore innovative ways around giving. According to their website, "Our philanthropy encompasses gifts of not only treasure, but also time, talent, the truth of our testimonies and the ties that bind us to strengthen the greater Black community." Definitely check them out! https://lnkd.in/efYYbKEa

August is #BlackBusinessMonth, a time to uplift and empower Black entrepreneurs who fuel our economy and communities! Here's how YOU can make a difference: • Shop Black-owned: Every purchase empowers Black businesses and creates jobs. ️ • Follow & Share: Amplify Black businesses on social media to spread the word. • Get Involved: Volunteer, donate, or attend events that celebrate Black excellence. Let's celebrate Black history together. #SupportBlackBusiness #BlackOwnedBusiness

*GIA READER: BLACK AUGUST** Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) is an annual global celebration held in August to promote and encourage charitable giving and philanthropic efforts within Black communities worldwide. It was founded in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, along with the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network, to shine a light on the significant contributions of Black philanthropists and to address the unique challenges and opportunities related to Black giving. This article critiques the influence of neoliberalism in the arts and culture sector, arguing that it prioritizes profit over people, perpetuates systemic inequities, and marginalizes Black and Brown communities. It calls for a radical reimagining of funding models and a commitment to reparative justice to create a more inclusive and equitable arts sector. The entrenched interests and gatekeepers within the industry make it risky to speak openly about the systemic issues and inequities, therefore, this article was submitted by an anonymous collective. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4fHveHf