Fanny Montalvo’s Post

🇺🇸💪 Happy Independence Day from the team at Concealed Carry Concierge, LLC. As we celebrate Independence Day, I find myself drawn to one of the most poignant portrayals of American history: "The Patriot." This film not only entertains but also underscores crucial themes that resonate deeply today. Set during the American Revolutionary War, "The Patriot" vividly depicts the struggle for freedom and the pivotal role of armed citizens in securing independence. Mel Gibson's character, Benjamin Martin, exemplifies the bravery and determination of early American fighters who defended their liberties against tyranny. The movie powerfully illustrates how a well-armed populace can serve as a fortification against oppression and safeguard individual freedoms. It reminds us of the fundamental right enshrined in the Second Amendment: the right to keep and bear arms, crucial not just for personal defense but also as a check against potential abuses of power. In today's world, discussions around gun rights and the Second Amendment remain contentious and complex. Yet, "The Patriot" serves as a reminder of the historical context that shaped these constitutional freedoms. It prompts us to reflect on the responsibilities that accompany such rights and the enduring principles of self-defense and civic duty. This Independence Day, let's honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom and the enduring values that continue to define our nation. As we enjoy fireworks and festivities, let's also reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles that have safeguarded our liberties for centuries. #IndependenceDay #SecondAmendment #ThePatriot #AmericanHistory #ArmedCitizens #Freedom

Today is Juneteenth, a commemoration of the end of slavery in the US following the Civil War ✊🏽 More than 150 years after the enactment of the Thirteenthth Amendment, very little has been done to address the legacy of slavery and its continued legacies visible in contemporary inequality and injustice. Though the enslavement of Black people created wealth, opportunity, and prosperity for millions of white Americans and gave birth to the American economy, its impact is largely obscured and ignored. Slavery in America traumatized and devastated millions of people and created false narratives of racial difference that still persist today. These narratives, including the ideology of white supremacy, lasted well beyond slavery and fueled decades of racial terror, segregation, mass incarceration, and inequality. Strengthening our understanding of racial history empowers us to create a healthier discourse about race in America and foster an era of truth and justice.

#BPPSD was a truly GrassRoots Community Organization, which grew to one of Nationwide chapters and membership with little Financial Resources devoted to: 1) Defending the Overt Brutal Racism Confronting #AfricanX #People on a Daily Basis 2) Political Education for a Miseducated #AfricanXPeople 3) Creating Community Empowerment and SoCalled Safety Net Resources for Our Then Totally #Disenfranchised #AfricanX #Communities Nationwide 4) Inform Everybody, which lead to the publishing of one of the very first nationally circulated and distributed #Newspapers The #BPPSD did a great job of accomplishing the aforementioned achievements, by the systematic hustling of resources from community and in some cases big businesses, as well as, in some cases sympathetic Donors. It is also important to know the #BPPSD was a movement of #Children; with ninety percent of membership inmost chapters be High Students and leadership in the College age group, through mid 20s. The exceptions were the deep cover cops and FBI Informants; mostly in their 30s!!!

Maybe two years ago while sitting at a rooftop in North Hills, a close friend with a different skintone than me looked around, and whispered in my ear, “North Hills is getting pretty dark, isn’t it?” I was confused. “Yeah the sun is going down, I guess it’s getting late.” He motioned with his eyes, and I realized maybe 50% of the classy rooftop guests had similar skintones to my own. I laughed it off, but it was the first insight I got into how (some) white people, being 60% of the nation’s population, oftentimes don’t feel comfortable in spaces with patrons of darker complexions. In 1865, people in Texas heard the news for the first time that they no longer had to be shackled. Today, Texas has the largest black population, but only at 14% compared to the 12% national average. During slavery, men, women, and children were chained, beaten, starved, and suffered horrible assaults and living conditions. They worked every day under the imprisonment of other families. The average slaved lived to only 21 years old, while the average white person lived twice as long to 40+ years old. Slaverly still continued illegally for a while after 1865. It was not that long ago. Slavery didn’t really end hundreds of years ago. It continued mentally. It is still relevant to how black and brown people whose ancestors were enslaved go about navigating this country. This affects our health, education, standard of living, job search, home-buying and overall income earning potential. There’s also the quiet and insidious bias others may have towards black men and women they don’t even recognize. If you observe this holiday, take inventory of your circle. How often do you interact with and celebrate black and brown men and women for their accomplishments? Do you acknowledge how challenging overcoming slavery must be, even today? Do you make an effort to learn more about cultures different than your own? Do you get uncomfortable if a black person drives a nice car, is at a nice restaurant, or moves into your neighborhood? Do you recognize that if a black American has achieved a high level of success, it may have been much harder to achieve based on our countries recent history of slavery? Today, assess your bias. Learn about your family’s history and the history of your friends. Maybe ask them how you can be a better friend surrounding the topic of race. Ignoring that these things are real and vastly affected Americans is hugely problematic- we must do better as a society and unified country. Black and brown people are resilient, forgiving, loving, intelligent, capable, innovative, and deserving of safe spaces to work, live, grow our families, and thrive! I hope that as time goes on, the small number of 14% of black people in this country grows, as we shed the limiting beliefs historically forced on us, and pursue better resources, education, and jobs.

🌟 Celebrating Freedom and Progress: Honoring Juneteenth 🌟 At Riverside Financial Group, LLC, we believe in the power of financial freedom and the importance of recognizing the milestones that have shaped our nation's ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Today, we join in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history. 🗓️ What Is Juneteenth? And How Did It Become a Federal Holiday? Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day stands as a reminder of the enduring fight for freedom and equality, and in 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday. At RFG, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and we remain committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As we reflect on this day, let us continue to strive for progress and create opportunities for all. 🔗 Read more about the history and significance of Juneteenth in this insightful article by the Wall Street Journal: https://lnkd.in/epMGAV3H #Juneteenth #Freedom #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #RiversideFinancialGroup

How is your company selling you their investment in your identity? Last year for Juneteenth, REVGEN donated monies to a former black employee's event in celebration. Their CEO and other managers even went to the event to show their "commitment". At the time, I was their only black manager. I refused to be a part of their performance, since there was no real investment in the meaning of Juneteenth. The holiday represents freedom from the continued exploitation of a group for the benefit of profits. REVGEN s involvement was purely for show and for tax purposes...again, this company treats black people like charity. Instead, I took my daughter's to the Atlantic Ocean and explained the connection between our watery vacation and freedom struggles of today. I explained how the ocean floor was littered with bones of those people who fought back through the Middle Passage and others, who were believed to have been disposable due to the charters (companies) misappropriation of resources. How violations of a horrendous nature happened on those waters and that our leisure was made possible with their sacrifice. This is a thread that connects PRIDE, Latino Heratige Month, Memorial Day, International Women's Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Indigenous Peoples Day and other protected class holidays...sacrifice. I wonder how REVGEN and/or your company will perform civility for you this year? How is your org celebrating the thorny social path of their LGBTQIA team members and what continous efforts are they supporting to make said path less harmful to other humans who are customers and future employees? #PRIDE

Good morning, this is my first conversation on Americans and Race. I want to ask all Americans do they feel race relations between white and black Americans have improved, remain the same, or worsened 👉 https://lnkd.in/g65KCYes #Politics #PoliticsInAmericaToday #Race #Racism #Educaction #racisminHigherEducation

You may have seen the #TarajiPHenson clip where she emotionally laments the inequity she and other Black women entertainers continue to face, no matter how “proven” they are. If you have a few minutes, watch this video too. Because in corporate, only seeing the lamentation (concerns, frustration, requests, pushback) leads inequity deniers down the “you must not be qualified” path. That’s not what this is. This is value creation without value capture, and getting stuck in a proving cycle. In our The Waymakers Change Group employee experience survey, more than 80% of Black women agreed with the statement “I feel like I have to prove myself repeatedly for opportunities others are given based on potential.” This is about: - NOT being respected for what you know, what you’ve done, and what you can do. - Your contributions being seen as lesser when they don’t mirror majority thinking. - Climbing a hill that grows taller with each step up. It’s clear from watching this clip that Taraji has nothing more to prove. But that doesn’t stop people from asking her to do exactly that. And while we like to encourage women to “demand your worth,” people can only be as bold as their financial responsibilities allow. Someone won’t “demand” themselves into home or food insecurity, or to where they can no longer support their family. This is why those who CAN hold the line—who have the financial flexibility to demand their worth—must do so. Firmly. And those who care about equity and are in position to pay others must lead with integrity. Stop asking people what they make just to see if you can save money. Offer what the work is worth to you. #paytheworth #valuecapture #payequity #tarajiphenson

If you are checking the DEI "boxes" as a leader and have different standards for different team members -- like only advocating for one or requiring ever higher standards for certain folks -- your performance is on full display. Creating equity in work culture takes more than green lighting a DEI position or checking the boxes. It requires long term commitment to work, consistent 360 analysis and introspection, regular communication, and humility. Past inequities may be difficult to remedy, but that analysis cannot begin without acknowledgement of a need for change/growth.

I relate to #Tarajiphenson and the sentiment in this post. These past few weeks closing out 2023 and making room for the New Year, I've been unpacking 15 years of boxes filled with a lifetime, stored, and carried from Los Angeles to Detroit. The beauty of it all, I have been sifting through the "receipts" of more than three decades of being a Black Woman in Tech contributing to emerging technologies over the 3rd and 4th Industrial Revolutions. I bring to the table contextual acumen to my consulting clients and any role I might accept with a company. Yet, when I state my value to what I bring, I hear gasps literally or within the silence before the paraphrased statement, "What makes you qualified to make this assesment or statement of this value?" My Receipts! Then it is the internal push an pull between the desire to do the work as a contributor to a great thing vs. taking the "low ball pay" because it's allocated for the likes of me, Black Woman in any profession. It's the perspective that brings life to the position. The frustration comes when we suffer without a voice, platform, or plan for closing these gaps: ➡️ We are constantly proving and bringing greatness to whatever role we accept to play for the pay we accept. ➡️ Compelled to work multiple projects at the same time to supplement satisfaction of our valur and worth. ➡️ It is an emotionally, mentally, and physically exhaustive effort of breaking through imposed glass ceilings. I hear people say, "If they want you bad enough, they will pay your worth or walk away, and someone will." How is that working for #TarajiPHenson and #ViolaDavis? We ask for #diversity at the c-suite table, we ask to be #included to access opportunity, but does that equate to #equitablepay? #payequity #payequality