Sylvia V. Henry’s Post

"Juneteenth a hallmark of racial progress -- and at the same time, it epitomizes progress delayed and denied. "-Marie Beecham As we celebrate today, we should also be looking ahead to ensure we are uplifting the voices who aren't usually heard. As Marie mentioned in her post, "Juneteenth teaches us something about victory and struggle; finished work and unfinished work'; triumphs and trials... we celebrate every step of progress that's made along the way." - uhm mic drop?! 🎤 This can be said for a lot of our work in Canada as well. Let's keep moving forward together, not forgetting the past, but rather using the past to fuel our fire for supporting better experiences for all people. If your organization needs support on moving in the right direction and how to get the conversations started- Hays x FAIRER Consulting (a hays company) are here to support you and your employees on this journey. And remember, LISTENING is your best tool- use it and use it well! 👂 #juneteenth #dei

7 actionable ways to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth. The group behind Anti-Racism Daily has a 28 Days of Black History email series that starts today. You can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gXE-vQy6 Valuably, they're kicking the month off by telling you *exactly* what you can do to talk the talk AND walk the walk this month (and I pray you don't work in an organization that only discovered TODAY this was coming). Their advice includes (the below is copypasta from their email): 1) Address pay equity in your organization. Use this month to solve the pay inequity at your organization. If you’re not in a leadership position to do this, start by inquiring: what were the findings of the latest pay audit performed by your company? What initiatives were put in place to solve them? Talk about your salary with your coworkers, regardless of their race or gender identity. A culture of pay transparency can help mitigate these discrepancies in the future. 2) Rally for DEI. At a minimum, continue to champion DEI initiatives at your organization. Show up to DEI council meetings, and tell your managers how much it matters to you. Keep conversations going with your peers about its importance, and invest in alliances or other initiatives to keep DEI going in your industry. 3) Just rally. Change isn’t created in silence. Continue showing up at protests and other demonstrations as best you can. This includes protesting physically in the streets and providing essential services to protestors. This can also include consistently sharing action items on social media and defending protestors through advocating for legislation and donating to bail funds and other emerging needs. 4) Celebrate Black History all year long. The calendar might mark the occasion, but Black people deserve recognition and support 24/7, 365. Make the time this month to plan for how you're supporting Black history. As an individual, this can look like planning time to watch movies, or learn about a new leader each week. As a workplace, this can look like ensuring that your internal speaker series isn't just melanated in February, exploring other holidays related to Black culture, adding reminders to check specifically how your equity and inclusion initiatives support Black employees, and making an ongoing financial commitment. Discover the rest at the link above.

👉🏾 Black History Month should be a time to uplift, support, encourage, and bring awareness to Black-owned brands and Black people. 👉🏽 In February, organizations should post not just because Black History Month "trends," but also because they are authentically using their platforms to support Black voices, Black-owned brands, and Black culture. What brands can do instead: 👉🏿 Ensure your organization has active Diversity Equity Inclusion & Access (DEIA) initiatives throughout the year. 👉🏻 Implement ways to provide a safe and authentic place for Black employees to thrive and not feel pressured to code-switch. 👉🏾 Utilize your resources and powerful network to introduce and bring Black professionals to the table. Let them be in the room and contribute their ideas and experiences. When brands only post about Black History Month because it's trending, it's obvious. Take a step further and ensure you’re authentically caring and supporting the Black community. ♻️ If this resonates with you, please repost ♻️

Today, we honor the resilience, freedom, and culture of Black communities. Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in history, reminding us of the importance of equity and justice for all. Let's continue to support and uplift Black voices, businesses, and initiatives, not just today, but every day. How are you celebrating and promoting inclusion in your community? #Juneteenth #DiversityEquityInclusion #BlackExcellence #CommunityCelebration

As we enter Black History Month, it's crucial to recognize that addressing microaggressions goes beyond a mere month-long observance. "As a white person or other non-Black ally, if you get called out for a microaggression, it’s your duty to apologize, listen to the criticism and be open to learning. It doesn’t matter if you meant well: Your intentions are irrelevant. And if you witness a microaggression occurring, you can step in to help lighten the burden placed on Black people." Listening, apologizing, and actively working to dismantle these microaggressions are essential steps toward creating inclusive and equitable environments. By speaking up we can foster a workplace culture that values and respects all individuals. Let's commit to protecting our Black colleagues, loved ones, and friends on the receiving end of microaggressions. Together, we can do the work for a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued and it not be the responsibility of Black people to educate us all. Read more about the common microaggressions faced by Black individuals and why they're harmful: https://lnkd.in/g9UsqMEq

Really appreciate this post from Bethany Younkers about BHM. As a wyte person, it will be easy to get caught in a flurry of posting MLK and James Baldwin quotes, but that does nothing to create change. Also, it's hella insensitive and violent if you aren't creating positive change all year round and just capitalizing on the "it" thing in Feb. Managing and correcting your own micro-aggressions is one of the ways we can continue to create positive change. If someone calls me out for saying something ignorant or problematic, it means they care enough about me to help me do better. Is it embarrassing and does it sting? Sure, but my ego will heal. That micro-aggression on the other hand may be the only thing standing between someone and a psychologically safe working environment, which is why it's extra important. The intention is irrelevant when the impact is huge. Just because it doesn't feel like a thing to you doesn't mean it isn't someone else's world. It's imperative we tuck our egos aside for the 30 seconds it takes to absorb the lesson (drink that nectar), and do better the next time. Imagine if we all committed to doing this every day, in 29 tiny ways for the month of February? Imagine what kind of change we may be able to create. Then, imagine we did it for March, and then April, and then it just became how we moved through the world. What might we create then? I don't remember where I saw it, so please feel free to credit, but it said "I am just one tiny voice - what difference will it make....said 7 billion people." What are you doing with your tiny voice this month?

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.

As we begin Black History Month, we're reminded of the resilience, struggles, and achievements of the Black community. It's a time not only to celebrate but also to reflect on the ongoing challenges and how we can collectively address them. We recently had the honor of hearing HEAL Board of Directors member Rhonelle Bruder share her journey and insights with the HEAL community. As a survivor and advocate, Rhonelle's experiences shed light on the deeply intertwined issues of race, gender, and human trafficking. "As a Black woman and survivor of domestic sex trafficking, I inherently understand the impact race and gender play in vulnerability to exploitation and the dual experiences of victimhood and survival. From the existing literature and firsthand accounts from Black and brown survivors such as myself, it is evident that racial inequities persist…Whether stemming from ingrained biases and stereotypes or exclusionary policies fostering social and health disparities, these factors increase vulnerability to trafficking and create barriers to accessing care, economic independence, and opportunities." Rhonelle's voice is a beacon for change within the HEAL Community, reminding us of the critical work ahead. Her courage in sharing her story underscores the importance of listening to survivors and using their insights to inform our efforts. Together, we can work towards a future where equity and justice are at the forefront of our fight against trafficking.

Black communities face significant barriers to accessing quality education, funding, and resources, which limits their ability to develop and showcase their skills. It is necessary to acknowledge and dismantle systemic racism and bias in order to provide equal access to education and resources, as well as to amplify Black voices and innovations. Other factors that contribute to the suppression of Black people's talents, skills, and innovation include the historical exploitation of colonialists, discrimination practices, laws, and social norms like stereotyping, which are especially sparked by biases in media presentation. For instance, rewarding Black entrepreneurs and inventors for their accomplishments and ideas could foster a more welcoming and equal one that honors & encourages black talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

This Black History Month, we not only honor the incredible stories of resilience woven into the fabric of the Black community, but also acknowledge the ongoing journey towards a world of equity and justice. And celebrating resilience isn't enough. We must actively champion Black excellence, dismantle systemic barriers, and amplify voices for change. Let's turn our admiration into action, not just during February, but throughout the year: • Support Black businesses: Seek out and support the amazing talents and products within the Black community. • Amplify Black voices: Actively listen to and share the stories, perspectives, and experiences of Black individuals. • Advocate for change: Educate yourself on issues of racial injustice and support organizations working towards equitable solutions. • Hold ourselves accountable: Challenge our own biases and actively combat prejudice and discrimination wherever we encounter it. The echoes of past resilience inspire us to move forward. This Black History Month, let's not just honor those who came before, but become the changemakers of tomorrow. Let's commit to continuous action, to listening, learning, and building a future where equity isn't just a dream, but a living reality. #BlackHistoryMonth #BeyondFebruary #TakeAction #TogetherWeRise