Tammy Charles’ Post

Congratulations to REBNY SVP of Social Impact Yvonne Riley-Tepie, Ed.D. on being named to the City & State 2024 Power of Diversity: Black 100 list. The list highlights the latest activities and accomplishments of these influential leaders and dozens of other Black leaders who are standing out in the spheres of government, business, nonprofits, organized labor, health care, law, advocacy and academia. Read the full list here: https://lnkd.in/e8NZGpU4

Happy Black History Month to all the Black business owners working hard to be successful! As we honor Black History Month, it's vital to acknowledge that celebrating Black excellence and supporting Black-owned businesses is our year-round commitment. One of the most impactful ways we Bold Growth Agency uplift these businesses is by helping them connect with government and corporate contract opportunities. This support not only empowers entrepreneurs but also strengthens our communities and economy as a whole. The Importance of Accessing Opportunities Black-owned businesses often face unique challenges, including limited access to contracts and resources that can help them grow. By actively working to connect these businesses with government and corporate opportunities, we help bridge the gap and foster a more equitable business landscape. Access to contracts not only provides financial stability but also enhances the visibility and credibility of these businesses within their industries. Bold Growth Agency Year-Round Commitment Supporting Black businesses through contract opportunities is not just a one month initiative; it’s an ongoing effort that requires dedication and collaboration throughout the year. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us also commit to uplifting Black businesses every day. #blackbusiness #blackbusinessmonth #blackwomeninbusiness #blackowned

In a time when leadership integrity seems to be in short supply, it's refreshing to think about those in positions of power who truly listen to their constituents. We need more leaders who prioritize the genuine needs of their communities over the influences of lobbyists, bureaucrats, and profit-driven corporations. Unfortunately, there's a critical conversation to be had about the role of black elected officials and government bureaucrats. While holding positions of power, they continue to face criticism for not effectively advocating for and advancing the communities they represent. This issue isn't new; nearly two decades ago, analyses were already pointing out the shortcomings in the political efficacy of black leaders in government. The lack of progress in black communities has often been laid at the feet of the Democratic Party. However, a closer examination suggests that the real issue may be with black officials who have not leveraged their power to prioritize and uplift their own people and neighborhoods. Other ethnic groups have demonstrated that when they come into power, their communities benefit as they put their interests at the forefront. It's time to reevaluate and reinvigorate the mission of our black elected officials. It's essential that they reconnect with their roots, listen intently to the voices of their constituents, and wield their power in a way that brings tangible, positive change to the communities that have entrusted them with their votes and their hopes.

Embark on this Black History Month journey with us as we unite for an unforgettable event, igniting the spirit of celebration and empowerment 🙌🏾 Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, seeking new career pathways, or simply yearning to be a supportive ally to black professionals, our event promises to fulfill your aspirations 🙌🏾 Experience the opportunity to expand your knowledge, forge meaningful connections within the community, and uncover pathways for personal and professional growth. Here's why we firmly believe in the power of community: 1️⃣ Empowerment: Communities serve as the cornerstone for individuals to thrive, offering a platform for learning, knowledge-sharing, and amplifying voices. 2️⃣ Collaboration: Within communities, diverse perspectives and skills converge, fostering collaboration that transcends individual capabilities. 3️⃣ Support: Building community means constructing a safety net of support. In times of adversity, communities extend a hand of assistance and emotional solace. 4️⃣ Networking: Communities serve as gateways to invaluable connections and opportunities, transforming personal and professional trajectories. 5️⃣ Positive Impact: Together, communities drive meaningful change, championing initiatives that shape societies and leave a lasting legacy. This February, let's honor the essence of community. Together, let's nurture communities that inspire, uplift, and catalyze lasting transformations. Join us for the event by clicking the link in our bio or sending us a message. - Sandra Masters

This Black History Month, we celebrate the accomplishments and innovations of Black Americans who have not only fought through adversity, but have disrupted industries, improved our lives, and left an impact on our communities. Read about Black innovators who have impacted the automotive industry and changed the business forever: https://bit.ly/3HT0UdG

As we celebrate National Black Business Month, we honor the resilience, innovation, and contributions of Black business owners who play a vital role in our economy and communities. This month is a time to recognize their achievements, support their endeavors, and commit to fostering a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. Let's take this opportunity to highlight and celebrate the outstanding work of Black-owned businesses, amplify their voices, and promote their growth. Together, we can create lasting change and build a future where every business has the opportunity to thrive. #NationalBlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #DiversityAndInclusion #EquityInBusiness

PIE doesn’t just honor Black History Month. We put our money where our mouths are. This isn’t a post to brag, but to show just how easy it is to really be inclusive. - Our preferred providers of pies are Black-owned, local businesses - We celebrate Black excellence by seeking melanated speakers and educators FIRST … and then **paying them** for their efforts - PIE has directed dozens of hours of FREE professional speaking coaching to rising melanated experts who want to polish their message before presenting - We maintain connections to organizations like state Black Chambers of Commerce, where we collaborate with leaders by providing time and resources to improve access to government work for Black-owned businesses PIE is a community in which historically excluded groups are not only celebrated, but CENTERED. We say this because our community IS BETTER for choosing to be inclusive. We still have opportunities to improve, and we are always open to critique and improving our practice. We also believe that the best voices, products, and information comes from fairly compensated, historically excluded speakers who are put at the front of the line. We’re tired of hearing from folks who have always been in charge, because leading a broken system doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing. It’s our honor to participate in Black History Month by focusing on Black providers every day of the year. Your business could do it, too.

"Remember, Black History is not a month. Black History spans several lifetimes of generations." -Mynesha Spencer As February comes to a close, our CEO implores all to practice economic inclusion throughout the remainder of the year. This can be achieved by employing any one or a combination of the below recommendations: 1. Take time to build strong relationships with Black-business owners and leaders. 2. Implement a strategic diverse supplier procurement program and require all departments within your workplace to yield to it. 3. Hire a supplier diversity expert for expert and technical instruction. 4. Acknowledge the disparities in supplier procurement that exist within your organization and commit to doing better by holding the organization accountable. Research Black businesses that offer services or goods you want or need to purchase before spending elsewhere. 5. Write, share, or post reviews of Black-owned business experiences. 6. Support business colleges, particularly at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through donations, volunteerism, and stewardship of Black entrepreneurship. 7. Provide opportunities for accessibility to professional, political, and other influential networks. 8. Refer a friend, colleague, or business partner to utilize the goods and/or services provided by Black-business owners who have satisfied your needs or exceeded your expectations. 9. Endorse a Black business and/or business owner on LinkedIn by way of a formal endorsement. 10. Offer Black CEOs and Black Executive Directors networks of support by sharing contacts and support for social capital. ALT TEXT: A color image of a professional headshot of a woman in collar shirt with logo upon left chest. Her arms crossed.

As we continue to reflect on Black History Month, one idea that keeps coming up for me is the importance of community and networks. In this work, we thrive when we have a robust, regenerative, and supportive network. As black consultants and nonprofit leaders, it can be challenging to navigate our work and our professional development without pre-built professional networks that some of our colleagues seem to have. Coming from a farming family, my personal network is supportive and regenerative in many ways. That being said, when I go home, we don't discuss the modern philanthropic sector and how it can support black communities better. We laugh, reminisce, and we take care of each as humans. That is 100% important and it fills my cup in a way many other interactions do not. That's why I've intentionally built my "professional" network to serve as a complement to the support network I do have. I seek ways to build community wherever I go because I know that's how we change the world - as a powerful, interconnected network of changemakers. As we celebrate Black History Month, I would love to know about the black leaders, scholars, and professionals that you follow. Who has become an intentional part of your community and practice? Let's continue to grow this world where we are all connected in community and practice. #BlackHistoryMonth #CommunityBuilding #ProfessionalNetworks #Changemakers

It's National Black Business Month. As a privileged Black business owner, I feel a duty to shed light on this: Black-owned businesses are 9 times more likely to operate without employees than the national average. I knew Black business stats, but thank you Samantha Katz for educating me further on the landscape. Put in that broader perspective, the Black business figures are more alarming and disappointing. Is a business sustainable with no employees? Why don't Black businesses have employees? Can you help Black businesses be successful? If you're interested in learning about my Black-owned business—which I'm extremely fortunate to run with my team—follow the link below. We make sending local eGift cards simple, conveniently enabling gifts that are more thoughtful and impactful: https://2ly.link/1zCVq