Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC’s Post

Diversity is important because we are all unique yet connected human beings.

The Future

https://lnkd.in/eN734MTM As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect on the remarkable strides we have made in 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member and our invaluable corporate partners. Your unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind the success of Black-owned businesses across the nation, fostering growth, innovation, and a stronger economic landscape. Yet, our work is far from over. As we stand at the precipice of a pivotal year in American history, it is crucial to address the current challenges to the principles of equality and diversity we hold dear. Recent events remind us of the fragility of the rights that combat discrimination, rights that are now under threat. It is our duty, both individually and as a community, to protect and promote the values of equity and inclusion. Looking ahead to 2024, we see that the fight for affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is ongoing. The symptoms of discrimination and inequality that have persisted for centuries are still present in our society. We must come together, bridging the private and public sectors, major corporations, and minority-owned businesses, to defend and strengthen these initiatives. Remember, "The only way to have a Great America is to have a great Black America, and the only way to have a great Black America is to have strong Black businesses." The strength of our nation is inherently linked to the strength of our diverse communities and businesses. To fortify our Black businesses, we must collectively work to break down barriers that hinder progress. In 2024, USBC is committed to advocating for affirmative action programs and advancing DEI initiatives. We will engage in collaborative efforts with businesses, public institutions, and grassroots organizations to ensure that our progress is not undone. We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast trust and support. As the Global Voice of Black Business, our mission remains to economically empower and sustain African-American communities through entrepreneurship and business development. Excitingly, the upcoming year will see the launch of the USBC Media Network, encompassing The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) which is now a division of USBC, USBC Radio Network, and USBC Digital Media. This empowers us to amplify our stories, advocate for our issues, and optimize the Black media ecosystem. Members can also look forward to an engaging USBC National Conference as we celebrate our 15th year anniversary, along with informative events for networking and learning. Remember to renew memberships, get certified with ByBlack, follow us on social media, and engage with your local Black Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, take advantage of the resources offered by the USBC Community Economic Development Corporation to jump-start your business success.

Don't take it from us, take it from the legendary equality advocate Billie Jean King. 🎾 Having a board of directors that is only 12% diverse is preposterous. Especially considering ethnically-diverse boards are 13% more likely to outperform boards that aren't (according to McKinsey). Yes, we enlisted this tennis superstar to serve the facts of why we believe it's important to encourage more diversity in the boardrooms of publicly traded companies. For more hard-hitting facts served by BJK herself, and info on how we're teaming up to bring more e.l.f.ing diversity to US corporate boards to go: https://lnkd.in/eaY76xDs

Why IT Matters:

At the National Civic League, we know civic engagement is vital for addressing issues like racial equity, youth leadership, and more. Discover our work here https://ow.ly/2kyQ50SjYtp

Today is Emancipation Day, marking the 1834 abolition of slavery across the British Empire. Did you know that even in 1834, only slaves under age six were freed, and all others had to work for four to six more years as unpaid apprentices, to compensate their former owners? We recognize the determination and resilience of Black communities in the ongoing fight for equality and justice, and remain committed to eliminating systemic racism that prevents the full inclusion of all in our country. We encourage you to learn more about Canada’s early history and its treatment of Black people, their contributions, and the specific challenges they still face as a legacy of slavery. Read the report of the external Steering Group for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. It includes recommendations to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination that continues to this day, and has led to the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime. https://lnkd.in/gKm4Fe-c #EmancipationDay #BlackJusticeStrategy #GC

This timeline explores the history of race relations in Scotland Our Managing Director recently visited Scotland to deliver anti-racism training to the senior leaders at OVO Energy in Glasgow. This visit was a reminder of the importance of incorporating Scottish history related to 'race' and racism in our work. So, we incorporated a few key dates highlighting key moments in Scotland’s race relations, focusing on the history that shaped this nation. This timeline is not exhaustive but reflects the events we at EDP Training believe are crucial to understanding the context of anti-blackness and racism that still exists in Scotland today. 🖤 We acknowledge that black people continue to face significant challenges in almost every key institution in Scotland. 🤨 Were there any events that surprised you or stood out? #RaceAhead #RaceRelations #Racism #Race #RaceEducation #EDPTraining #ScottishHistory Image description: a 5-second pop-up video titled 'Timeline of Race Relations in England' with a beige background. On the top right are two logos, EDP Training and Race Ahead. The image has a timeline from 1562 to 2020. Each year has a black and white image attached to the historic event. Body of text: '1562 England transport first African people to Caribbean as slaves, 1808 Abolishment of the Transatlantic Slave Trade - trauma and PTSD not addressed, 1863 Rise of the British Empire & scientific racism, 1919 Glasgow race riots, 1950s Windrush, migration including hostility "Educationally Subnormal" children, 1958 Notting Hill race riots, 1965 Race Relations Act and Bristol Bus Boycott, 1998 Surjit Singh Chhokar Murder, 2008 Scotland’s Race Equality Statement, 2010 Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty, 2015 Finished off Paying reparations to slave owners, 2020 #BLM UK and the overthrow of statues, 2020 Racism in Football: The 2020 Euros final'.

Two things: 1) follow our new LinkedIn page. 2) nominate an attorney!

Take a look at this image. The British newspapers have decided to report on black players in the England team in a manner that perpetuates negative stereotypes. The racism in British media has been ongoing for generations, and it's time to hold them accountable. Bukayo Sakha plays for Arsenal, a 22yr old boy! Yet one of our best and most promising home grown talents, yet he only came on as a substitute for 20mins, yet he is the one that hits the headlines! We need to look at the people who own the British media and expose their constant agenda of racism, hatred and division. This underscores the importance of race equity training and race awareness. Don't let this continue in your organisation. Get essential training to become more empathetic, less racist, and more aware, both as individuals and as an organisation. Join the movement for change. Sign up for our race equity courses today https://lnkd.in/dnHPFyy8 #RaceEquity #EndRacism #Awareness #Empathy #ChangeTheNarrative #DiversityAndInclusion #MentalHealthAndLife #RaceAhead