Petco’s Post

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must also acknowledge the invisible chains that still bind our country due to systemic racism. The legacy of slavery continues to impact the lives of Black Americans today, from disproportionately high rates of incarceration to limited access to quality education and opportunities. We must all commit to being actively anti-racist and dismantling the systems that uphold white supremacy. This means advocating for policies that promote equity and justice, supporting Black-owned businesses, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. As a professional in the corporate world, I recognize the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued. We must actively work to dismantle the barriers that prevent Black professionals from advancing in their careers and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities for success. Let us use this day of celebration as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a truly equal and just society. We must continue to educate others, have difficult conversations, and take action.

💡💡💡15% of the construction industry are currently women. 6% are from ethnic minority backgrounds 💡💡💡 Thrilled to reshare this post from the Construction Inclusion Coalition about the work carried out at Ibstock Plc during Black History Month. Alongside Will Hicks as the steering group leaders at Ibstock Plc, supported by Joanne Hodge, #WeAre passionate about raising awareness around diverse cultures. Excited for our partnership with CIC who aim to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and co-create solutions for a more inclusive industry. ***Please share with your companies and encourage to partner*** Some interesting facts on their website: 〰️ 15% of the construction industry are currently women 〰️ 6% are from ethnic minority backgrounds 〰️ 46% of people say they’d be more likely to look for jobs in the construction sector if it demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. #ConstructionInclusion #DiversityandInclusion #IndustryCollaboration #weareibstock #ibstock #WeAreIbstock #EDI #WomenInConstruction #diversitymatters #CIC #Pledge #inclusion #diversity

There has to be an updated branch of studies about advocacy that focuses on the experiences of Black children and youth. As someone who appreciates cultures, and recognizes prejudices, stereotypes, and various forms of discrimination, leveraging data-oriented approaches at the intersection(s) of positive social impact is beneficial to improving society. Existing work in the area of youth advocacy affords us the opportunity to research the deficits and assets permeating this field of study. Revisting impacts of the myriad of Black experiences in/on places and spaces (digital and physical and beyond) re-teaches us a lot about our approaches (disciplined and chaotic) to innovation. Imagine that communicating solutions-based approaches considering Black people as a Black person during Black History month requires re-education in 2024; this speaks to the need for breathing fresh air into our advocacy. Looking forward to pursuing collective impact goals advancing youth development. Remember that a little kindness leads to a lot of kindness.

As a Black-led organization founded on a mission to eliminate the racial wealth gap facing Black Americans, Black Connect has served as a source of community, support, and resources for Black professionals and Black-owned businesses since 2019. As we approach our 5th anniversary, we’re proud to continue to be the only chapter and membership-based organization dedicated to eliminating the racial wealth gap in America by increasing the number and success rate of Black businesses and advancing pathways to build Black wealth! With local chapters in NYC, Atlanta, Tampa and Tulsa, we continue to operate the largest national pro bono legal services program in the country that focuses only on the business-related legal needs for Black small business owners, alongside our other programs and services that help eliminate the systemic obstacles Black Americans continue to face while building businesses and wealth. This Black History Month, we encourage you to learn more about Black American history, support Black-owned businesses, and celebrate those who have paved the way and those who are leading the way to a stronger Black community. Let’s get down to business! Learn more about Black Connect and join us at Blackconnect.org/join #BlackConnect #feverpitch #racialwealthgap #CloseTheGap #generationalwealth #financialliteracy #socialnetwork #businessnetwork #blackcommunity #blackowned #blackentrepreneurs #blackownedbusinesses #businessdevelopment #smallbusiness #blackwealth #ecommerce #Networking #blackamerica #racialequity #watchthethrone #NYC #newyorkcity #atlanta #ATL #tampa #Tusa

Reports from the Lumina Foundation and National Student Clearinghouse reveal challenges faced by Black students in higher education, with only 34% having an associate degree or higher and a 50.2% six-year graduation rate. Many juggle full-time jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and encounter discrimination. Initiatives such as Virginia Tech's Black Male Achievement Network and Watermark's success coaching demonstrate promising efforts to address these disparities. Data-driven support, including flexible class options, counseling, and mentorship, is crucial for enhancing the postsecondary success of Black students. https://ow.ly/eWsx50QAbSN

How can arts and culture organizations forge deeper connections with Black communities? A report by The Wallace Foundation investigates this question, analyzing feedback from 50 Black Americans. It reveals key strategies for creating a welcoming environment through celebrating creativity, supporting self-care, establishing trust, and ensuring inclusivity—strategies that can provide a roadmap for meaningful engagement with this essential audience. Learn more in the report: https://lnkd.in/e_cxukfZ

This morning I spent a little time with CTV News talking about how individuals can move the needle this Black History Month. As you know, at QuakeLab we focus predominantly on systems change work, and that can often feel daunting for any one individual. So here are the tips I shared: 🍉 🍕 Although microaggressions and interpersonal acts of discrimination are awful and important to address, a lot of the most urgent challenges facing Black people and racialized people in general, are systemic breakdowns and barriers. In Ottawa alone, Black people, Indigenous peoples and Middle Eastern people make up less than 15% of the population but represent of 50% of the visits at the Ottawa Food Bank. 🚓 For yet another year, Ottawa Police Services released a report showing Black people and Middle Eastern people were disproportionately subjected to use of force by police. 🎒 Although Ottawa school boards don't collect disagregated data, reports from Toronto and the rest of North America show us that Black kids face disproportionate rates of disciple and negative outcomes at school. So as an individual, your listening and learning and personal DEI journey is fine, but it's not going to necessarily move us towards this systemic outcomes so badly needed. Here's what you *should* be doing: 1. Identify your sphere of influence: We all have one, through being a resident of your city and community, having children in a school board, purchasing food from your grocery store. Identify your spheres of influence 2. Become ungovernable: Within those spheres of influence, push for changes constantly and vigrously. Call your Counicilor, Mayor, MPP, MP and ask them how they addressing the food insecurity in this country that is compounded for marginalized people and tell them your vote is dependent on their actions. Call your School Board Trustee and attend meetings, ask them to collect better data and respond to patterns of inequity they find. As your local grocery store to procure products from local, Black owned business. Use your sphere of influence and become a nuisance.

Happy #BlackHistoryMonth to our community partners, colleagues, and leaders! Black History is an integral part of America's history and as a #CDFI, knowing our truth helps guide us to make the future better. Our industry has deep roots that stem from the Civil Rights Movement, and we are committed to creating space for conversations about the racist systems that perpetuate inequitable access to capital and, most importantly, understanding how we will continue working to dismantle those systems. We celebrate the Black developers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who work to revitalize neighborhoods and economically empower their communities every day. We will continue to support Black-owned and led businesses, prioritizing Race, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and letting Black History guide our work today, tomorrow, and every day. ------------------------ Pictured: -Early Cheyney University Students (the first HBCU) -Fisk University Students at Homecoming -John Lewis, Civil Rights leader, U.S. Congressman, and fierce advocate of economic justice -Civil Rights Protesters in the 1960s -Fannie Lou Hamer, civil rights activist and founder of the Freedom Farm Cooperative -Staff at work at the Black-Owned D.C. Central Kitchen, a social enterprise combatting food insecurity

Black History Month. It’s more than posting a quote – it’s about how you show up, get involved, and educate yourself. No matter your industry, marketing your brand during pivotal months like February can show your audiences who you are. Plus, you can create powerful connections while doing so. Food for thought: -Audit your digital presence for diversity -Support Black creatives and businesses -Advocate, educate, and promote change -Amplify Black voices and reveal their stories We celebrate diversity in perspective, culture, and representation – because here, everyone’s contribution matters. #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month; an exciting and essential time to learn about and celebrate the Black community’s contributions and vitality around the country and across all sectors. In addition to celebrating, it is also our duty to reflect on inequities and challenges uniquely faced by the Black community and commit to making change. While there’s been progress, there is still so much work to be done, particularly with housing support. Peel Region is facing an affordable housing crisis with too many residents living unaffordably or experiencing homelessness. There are 91,000 Peel households in core housing need and Black households are the most likely to be in core housing need compared to all other households. This is unacceptable. We need to do better. Peel’s Housing Services team is committed to closing this gap and ensuring that our programs and services are delivered equitably. We will continue to partner with Black-led organizations and advocates to learn more about our shared responsibilities and what actions we can take to help Black residents get and keep housing. #BlackHistoryMonth