Success in Black’s Post

February is Black History Month in the United States. An opportunity to observe, remember and celebrate the events, milestones, and achievements in the lives of Black Americans and the nation. This year’s observance has added significance in the U.S. amid the ongoing struggle for social justice and equity. It is imperative that we continue to listen and learn so we can lead better together. The diversity gap still exists in 2023 especially in leadership roles, but what do we gain from diversity? More diversity means more breadth and depth of ideas and experience and research repeatedly shows that businesses that make diversity a priority outperform their peers. The real experience of DEI looks less like buzzwords and more like constant cycles of iteration, action, and assessment to see if our work is having the impact we intend, and then doing it all over again to keep change coming. It's not as sexy as a viral catchphrase, but that's how we get shit done. That's what impact really looks like. This Black History Month make that DEI strategy count, start with your own culture of inclusion, and listen to the voices of your employees. Remember that Black History Month is not a ✅ the box exercise or the one☝🏾time to speak to the Black community, but rather should be the beginning of the journey to amplify, celebrate, honor, connect, and advocate for the Black community.

🌍 Black History Month Reflections: Elevate, Celebrate, and Act! As we commemorate Black History Month, let's consider some crucial questions: 1️⃣ What mechanisms and resources are in place for recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting black employees? 2️⃣ Would your black employees find your organization's messaging around racial equity consistent with their actual experiences? How open are your conversations with them? 3️⃣ Have you asked your black employees about their experiences with equitable treatment and pay? 4️⃣ Are black individuals well-represented in senior leadership at your organization? 5️⃣ Does your organization proactively seek out and cultivate partnerships with black-owned businesses? How can you further promote empowerment? 6️⃣ Is your organization actively investing in and supporting black communities where you operate? How are you contributing to positive change? 7️⃣ Have you personally invested time in mentoring and sponsoring the career development of black employees? Individual actions contribute to collective progress. 8️⃣ Is building a culture of racial equity a continuous effort woven into the fabric of your organization, extending beyond Black History Month? Let's engage in daily conversations, fostering an environment of learning, unlearning, remembering, and celebrating the black experience around the world. And remember, our commitment to honoring black history, culture, and accomplishments shouldn't end on March 1st—let it be a year-round celebration. 💙✊ #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership

As a Black-owned & -operated business, Reimagine Talent is excited to kick off Black History Month with intentional learning and understanding opportunities! Throughout February, we’ll highlight members of our team, amplify Black changemakers, and share resources to better understand the Black experience today. Let’s get started! Here are five actions we can all take during Black History Month: 🗓 Acknowledge the Month. As an organization, state that heritage months and identity recognitions are important and will be celebrated. Showcase all celebrations on a central calendar. 🙌🏿 Be Philanthropically Involved. Create volunteering opportunities to support Black people's experience, advancement, inequities, and opportunities. 📰 Support Black Media. Diversify your marketing and advertising efforts by allocating a fair share to Black-owned media such as Black Enterprise Magazine, Essence Magazine, Blavity Inc. and EBONY Media. 🔦 Shine the Light on Black Colleagues. Amplify Black employees' work and professional stories in social media, newsletters, meetings, and other communications. 🤔 Assess Where You’re Going & Proximity. Be forward-thinking in what your organization is doing to support Black people. What else can you do? Let’s keep this list growing! How are you acknowledging and celebrating Black History Month? #BlackHistoryMonth #Blackexperience #leadership #heritagemonths #ReimagineTalent

How should companies celebrate Black History Month? Center your celebration around elements of your DEI strategy. Planning for Black History Month should start with revisiting your DEI goals and ensuring your decisions advance your objectives. For example, if one of your goals for the year is to improve retention of Black staff, consider ways to center that topic during the month and generate ideas for how to create change in this area. If another one of your DEI goals is to build a culture of trust, your process will likely involve soliciting input and involvement from staff, demonstrating your transparency and intent McKinsey report, “Race in the workplace: The Black experience in the US private sector,” highlights trust-building measures that advance that objective. If you made lofty promises in 2023 and have since fallen short, this is an opportunity to revisit your goals and inject the resources into making them a priority. Make Black History Month count for you and your organization. #blackhistorymonth #pinnacletalentacquisition

During Black History Month, it is imperative for professionals across all sectors to recognize and understand the significant contributions of Black individuals in shaping the landscape of corporate America, especially within the Fortune 500 realm. This recognition is not only a nod to the past but a clarion call for the present and future. The presence of Black talent in the boardrooms of America's most prestigious companies is indeed a testament to their determination, skill, and expertise. Leaders such as Ken Frazier, one of the few Black CEOs to have helmed a Fortune 500 company, set a new standard for what is achievable for Black professionals. Their leadership exemplifies the importance of resilience and vision in overcoming systemic barriers to success. However, the current representation of Black executives within Fortune 500 companies tells us that the battle for equality in the workspace is far from over. The stark reality is that Black leaders are underrepresented. This calls for continuous advocacy for diversity and inclusion initiatives, along with decisive action to ensure equal opportunity at the highest levels of corporate governance and decision-making. It is our collective responsibility to support the next wave of Black professionals by celebrating the histories, stories, and lessons from those who have already paved the way. These narratives need to be shared widely—not just among the Black community but across all professional networks, to serve as powerful examples of accomplishment and possibility. In wrapping up, let us take Black History Month as a period of reflection, education, and above all, action. It's about ensuring that the paths to success are equally accessible for all and acknowledging the untapped potential that lies within the confluence of diversity and leadership. Join me in realizing that our shared future in business relies on harnessing the vast talents of every community. Let's build that future—now! ✨💡🔝

Please come in here with some sense this Black History Month. It's only Feb. 7th and we've already seen racist critiques of Jay-Z for calling out the racism during the Grammy's...can we be more thoughtful for the rest of the moving forward? It should go without saying that February should not be the only month your company chooses to acknowledge the accomplishments and history of Black Americans. Instead of approaching the month with the intent to only increase awareness or provide visibility to Black people, challenge yourself to go a step further and use Black History Month as a time to dream up new ways you can shift the lived experiences of Black people at your company. While programming and other special events might be ways to engage employees and build community, you can also take steps to improve the experience Black employees have year-round, including: 1. Invest in Professional Development Opportunities specifically designed for Black folks. 2. Address the Ways White Supremacy Culture is Showing Up because it's there, we have never been in a post racial society. 3. Ensure the Intentionality Doesn’t End in February Black History Month can be both a time to demonstrate a reverence and respect for the experience of being Black in America, and to plant seeds for a future in the workplace where Black people are valued, and given the space to have joy and peace. Schedule a consultation with ShiftEd Consulting today to begin your journey! Make sure you're signed up for our blog where we dive more deeply into 1-3. #shiftedconsulting #readytoshift #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory365  

Unlocking the Power of Rest: A Black History Month Imperative In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the value of rest often gets overlooked. However, during #BlackHistoryMonth, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the significance of rest within the context of the Black experience. In our latest report, inspired by the insightful article from Restful Leadership titled 'It's Black History Month: Prioritize Rest,' we delve into the profound importance of rest as a tool for resilience, self-care, and empowerment within the Black community. This article not only highlights the systemic challenges and historical injustices that have disproportionately affected Black individuals but also celebrates the resilience and strength found in prioritizing rest as a form of resistance and self-preservation. Through compelling narratives, data-driven insights, and practical strategies, we explore how embracing rest can foster personal well-being, amplify productivity, and ultimately contribute to the collective advancement of Black communities. Join us in recognizing the intrinsic link between rest and social justice, and discover how prioritizing rest during Black History Month—and beyond—can pave the way for a more equitable and empowered future for all. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gep2AeDU

Even though Black History Month is over that doesn't mean we stop sharing and celebrating the impact Black individuals make in this country. In a research article posted by The Brookings Institution last year, they highlighted the positive economic impact Black-owned businesses have in this country. For example, despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black-owned businesses—SPECIFICALLY Black women-owned businesses—are growing rapidly. In fact, "Black-women-owned employer businesses increased by 18.14% between 2017 and 2020—outpacing women-owned businesses (9.06%) and Black-owned businesses (13.64%)." Dive into the EXTENSIVE reach of Black business growth here: https://lnkd.in/eFfUKHKr

Black History Month isn't a marketing opportunity. It's a time for genuine reflection and celebration of Black culture and history. Let's look at a recent incident with a notable beauty supply store as a classic example of what not to do. A renowned retailer posted a video of a content creator promoting a straightener while demonstrating on her seemingly untouched 4C hair. The comment section? Filled with disappointment of the retailer for removing products for Black hair care, yet using Black creators and a month of Black history and celebration to increase sales. The content resonated with no one, and many found it contradicted the very essence of celebrating Black heritage. The post was immediately removed. Conscious consumerism is VERY MUCH alive and well, and it's easy to spot when a brand's engagement is superficial. It's high time companies realize this, stop trying to take a shortcut in inclusion, and start building authentic relationships with Black creators and communities. Black History Month needs to be a highlight month that truly honours and uplifts the Black community. This means engaging in ways that are empowering and respectful, not just in February, but all year round.

Today marks the start of Black History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich contributions of the Black community. While many engage in various activities to show support, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges faced by Black individuals, especially in professional settings.   Despite significant progress in higher education attainment, Black women often encounter doubt about their expertise and leadership skills. They're held to stringent standards, requiring meticulous plans and accountability, while their counterparts do not face the same expectations.   Black individuals tirelessly work to produce positive outcomes, only to see their counterparts take credit for their efforts. Let's acknowledge the catalyst role Black individuals play in driving innovation and engagement, setting the stage for statistical gains.   This Black History Month, let's reflect on our roles as partners and allies. Ask yourself, "Am I doing my best to support and uplift?" or "Should I share the credit or acknowledge others' contributions?" If not, let's explore ways to be more effective allies and advocates! Happy Black History Month! ❤️   #BlackHistoryMonth #EqualityInLeadership #Dr.Antoinette"Bonnie"Candia-Bailey