The Black Policy Institute’s Post

Exciting opportunities for young Black individuals to shape policies that affect them! 🌟 Are you a young Black individual passionate about creating positive change through policy advocacy? Here are some avenues for you to actively participate and make a difference: 1️⃣ Community Organising: Join local grassroots organisations focusing on racial justice, education reform, or healthcare access. By engaging with these groups, you can contribute to collective efforts aimed at influencing policy changes at the local level. 2️⃣ Political Advocacy: Get involved in political campaigns and advocacy efforts aligned with your values. Volunteer for candidates championing issues important to the Black community or lobby elected officials to support specific policy initiatives. 3️⃣ Policy Research and Analysis: Develop expertise in policy research to understand the complexities of issues impacting the Black community. Conduct research, gather data, and produce reports to contribute valuable insights to inform policy discussions. 4️⃣ Youth Leadership Programs: Participate in youth leadership programs and civic engagement initiatives. These programs provide training, resources, and mentorship opportunities, empowering you to become effective advocates for change. 5️⃣ Social Media and Digital Activism: Harness the power of social media and digital platforms to amplify your voice and mobilise support for policy issues. Use online platforms to raise awareness, share information, and organise campaigns that put pressure on decision-makers. 6️⃣ Policy Forums and Consultations: Attend policy forums, public hearings, and community consultations. Engage directly with policymakers, share your perspectives, and advocate for policies that reflect your needs and priorities. Remember, your voice matters, and your active participation can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. Together, we can create positive change. 🤝 And don't forget to check out The Black Policy Institute (TBPI) as a valuable resource and potential partner in your policy advocacy journey! #YouthAdvocacy #PolicyChange #EquityAndInclusion #BlackLeadership #MakingADifference

A message from Michael Schrader, CEO: In the spirit of Black History Month, we celebrate the ongoing journey towards health equity. At the core of the Alliance’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. Acknowledging the impact of race and social status on health is key to advancing health equity. This recognition is especially crucial for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities, a central focus area in our Strategic Plan. The Alliance is actively working to address and mitigate these disparities. Some examples of this work include: ➡️ Our internal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiative. ➡️ The Enhanced Care Management program seeks to improve health outcomes across identified populations of focus. The Birth Equity population focus supports pregnant and postpartum individuals who are subject to racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, including Black mothers. ➡️ Investing in the communities we serve through the Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program. Together, we can continue advancing towards our shared vision of healthy people, healthy communities. #blackhistorymonth #deib #bipoc #communityhealth

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States. As a proud B Corp dedicated to social justice and equality, we honor this day by reaffirming our commitment to racial equity and community empowerment. Supporting Black-Owned Businesses: We’re committed to increasing our partnerships with Black-owned suppliers and vendors, fostering economic empowerment. Amplifying Black Voices: Using our platform to highlight stories, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals within our community and beyond. Continuous Learning: Encouraging our team and partners to engage in ongoing education around racial justice and history through workshops, training sessions, and resources. (We actually just finished an 8-week Racial Impact Improvement program offered through B Labs!) Setting and Tracking Goals: Establishing measurable goals for diversity and inclusion within our organization and transparently sharing our progress. Juneteenth is a time to reflect, educate, and act. Let’s continue working together towards a more equitable and just future. Happy Juneteenth! #SocialJustice #SocialImpact #SmallBusiness #BusinessStrategy #SocialResponsibility

As part of the Child and Family Guidance Centers' Black History Month Staff Spotlight, we are highlighting the work of Sylvadra Ellis, who is the Director of The Mobile Crisis Intervention Services Team. Sylvadra’s job entails managing the MCIS team, which goes into the community to provide children in crisis with clinical support. Sylvadra's work helps kids and families connect with community resources and be more stable. They also team up with schools, doctors, therapists and police to teach them about mental health issues in the community. Together, they find ways to better support children and families. During the pandemic, mental health resources were scarce, making it hard to connect people with therapists that they trust. It's important for people to feel safe when they share their deepest secrets in therapy. To help people feel comfortable, Sylvadra connects them with therapists who speak their language, share their culture and who they can relate to. It's not always easy to find therapists who speak certain languages or share cultural backgrounds, but Sylvadra's Mobile Crisis program works hard to be inclusive and culturally aware. They also train their staff to be culturally sensitive and hire people who represent the community they serve. We asked Sylvadra what this means to her as a Black person working in this profession, and she replied, “As a Black Clinician, it is important to me to continue to work to reduce the stigma around therapy and mental health in our black and brown communities. As a Black Social Worker, It is also important to me that when I show up to the home/a community space to work with a black or brown family, they can see a positive example of a Social Worker who is there support them and to help keep them safe. The hope is that we can connect in a way that they understand and feel understood and work together to get their needs met.  I also acknowledge that my presence, as a young Black woman,  in this role, can help to expand the hopes and dreams of the young black and brown children in our communities. Representation matters, and I represent possibility.” #blackhistorymonth2024 #blacktherapist #cfgc

In a compelling discussion with Mike Adams, Kevin McGary, founder of Every Black Life Matters, critically examines the destructive impact of WOKE diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies on American society. McGary argues that these policies, while well-intentioned, inadvertently foster division and undermine true meritocracy and unity. He highlights the need for reforms in various sectors, including education, energy, and government, to better serve Black communities and emphasizes the importance of understanding accurate historical facts to promote societal cohesion. McGary's insights call for a re-evaluation of DEI initiatives to ensure they genuinely advance justice and equality, urging viewers to engage with Every Black Life Matters to advocate for meaningful change. https://lnkd.in/dyTmgCB6 #EveryBlackLifeMatters #KevinMcGary #MikeAdams #DEIReform #WOKEAwareness #DiversityEquityInclusion #TrueMeritocracy #SocietalCohesion #UnityNotDivision #HistoricalTruths #BlackCommunityEmpowerment #AdvocateForChange #MeaningfulChange #CriticalDiscussion #PolicyImpact #EducationReform #EnergyJustice #GovernmentAccountability #SocialJustice #EquitablePolicies #CulturalAwareness #ReevaluateDEI #CommunityEngagement #ImpactfulDialogue #PromoteEquality #ReformInitiatives #ThoughtLeadership #InclusiveFuture #AmericanSocietyDebate #PathToUnity

I am a strong advocate for mentorship and Professor Palmer, co-founder of Reach Society has always come alongside and supported my endeavours to support Black children in education So I was delighted to see him in the room among so many others keen to develop sustainable change at The Black Health Inequalities Summit entitled ‘From Recognition to Action’ delivered by Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) At the event the host Cedi Frederick FIoD, FCMI, FRSA, MInstLM GGA and Juliet Abekah Amoa shared their passion for coproduction and collaboration while challenging the system that currently highlights poor outcomes for Black Londoners Prof Habib Naqvi MBE highlighted the disparity in health, wealth, housing, judiciary and employment and continues to advocate for more diverse leadership in clinical and medical settings. Delegates heard about the impact of the multi-generational cycle of structural racism which was highlighted as a public health issue. Suggestions were made to overcome the bias in clinical decision making by developing outreach programmes and strengthening community centred approaches. However panelists emphasised that the Black community are not to work for free attempting to put right and plug the gaps caused by institutionalised and structural racism. The work must begin by understanding how racism actually works. The stress associated with being discriminated against based on race directly affects mental and physical health. Professionals also drew our attention to how workforce disparities within the NHS regarding support and disciplinary processes due to bullying and discrimination can affect the take up of medical treatment and care. During a workshop Dr Yansie Rolston invited us to consider how white led organisations can cause harm to service users which must be taken seriously and adequate support must be put in place for the Black community. Lade Smith CBE highlighted the social and early adverse childhood trauma experiences, poverty and deprivation as factors to consider regarding access and outcomes for overall health and wellbeing as communities are not being supported to thrive. There is much to do, but once again I thank LDN inspire for starting the conversation It’s time for sustainable change #T4C #healthequalities #Blackexcellence #mentalhealthmatters #wellbeing #NHS #advocacy #inclusion #academia #research #racerelatedmatters

In a compelling discussion with Mike Adams, Kevin McGary, founder of Every Black Life Matters, critically examines the destructive impact of WOKE diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies on American society. McGary argues that these policies, while well-intentioned, inadvertently foster division and undermine true meritocracy and unity. He highlights the need for reforms in various sectors, including education, energy, and government, to better serve Black communities and emphasizes the importance of understanding accurate historical facts to promote societal cohesion. McGary's insights call for a re-evaluation of DEI initiatives to ensure they genuinely advance justice and equality, urging viewers to engage with Every Black Life Matters to advocate for meaningful change. https://lnkd.in/dyTmgCB6 #EveryBlackLifeMatters #KevinMcGary #MikeAdams #DEIReform #WOKEAwareness #DiversityEquityInclusion #TrueMeritocracy #SocietalCohesion #UnityNotDivision #HistoricalTruths #BlackCommunityEmpowerment #AdvocateForChange #MeaningfulChange #CriticalDiscussion #PolicyImpact #EducationReform #EnergyJustice #GovernmentAccountability #SocialJustice #EquitablePolicies #CulturalAwareness #ReevaluateDEI #CommunityEngagement #ImpactfulDialogue #PromoteEquality #ReformInitiatives #ThoughtLeadership #InclusiveFuture #AmericanSocietyDebate #PathToUnity

The H3AL Network is a Black Advocacy group that takes an intersectional approach to collective healing. H3AL (Highlighting Equality & Equity through Education, Advocacy & Love) is a grassroots organization based in northwest New Jersey. Our mission is to empower the Black community and provide resources to foster positive community outcomes and growth. We are committed to not being frozen into inaction by the daunting task of addressing systematic oppression, but to fluid active healing. Firstly, by acknowledging racism and the damage it does. By educating ourselves through the works and words of those whose shoulders we stand on, we will create a map where there isn’t one, in service to the creation of community healing. We will provide resources to learn and empower ourselves and others with knowledge. Through the vehicle of understanding our shared history through education, and uplifting the lived experiences of Black people, we can be in service of mainstreaming this information so that problems in marginalized communities can be faced and solved. The story of racism is not an accusation against the person listening, but a means of communication to acknowledge the wounds and identify the structures we’re all a part of. This active listening works in service of understanding one another so that we can heal and deconstruct the society’s dominant narrative which too often intentionally omits the struggles of marginalized communities, robbing the whole of its collective health. By recognizing that antiracist work requires continuous deep self looking and ongoing commitment, H3AL will serve to facilitate this collective work by providing the tools, information, conversations and a wider, safer container for the sharing of Black-American culture. For more info and to join the network check  us out on Instagram and Facebook H3AL #CommunitySupport #CommunityStrong #NeighborsMatter #MakingADifference #CommunityAction #onenorwescap #norwescap #H3ALnetwork

Black Joy is alive and well! 👩🏾⚖️ I am happy to share that I recently completed the Centering Black Youth Wellbeing: A Certificate on Combatting Anti-Black Racism! 💜 Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX), a province-wide initiative based at the School of Social Work at York University organized an impeccable online certificate that includes 17 lectures and 2 artistic performances organized around four modules. The depth of academic expertise is proven by the lecture’s diverse backgrounds and intersectional approaches which made the learning experience throughout this certificate truly enriching. The lectures are primarily Black advocates, service providers, and academics from different institutions including Queen’s U, uOttawa, UofT, UWindsor, and York U. Featuring the spoken word artists was a creative idea demonstrates how powerful activism is in its unique forms. 💡 Highlights:  Module 1️⃣ establishes the historical contextualization of anti-Black racism in Canada by connecting the past to the present in such a profound way that there is no denial or erasure of the facts. This set the tone for the entire certificate such that the discussions directly address my context. The lectures balanced the traumatic pain of the topics with highlighting the Black leaders, heroes, and communities that significantly contributed this country.     Module 2️⃣ brought insight on the connection between mental health and Black youth. Everything from scientific and health practices to policy developments was discussed which provided greater information on the critical state of accessible, culturally competent, and equitable mental health for Black youth, communities, and people. Module 3️⃣ on Critical Practice For Centering Black Youth surprised me the most as certain concepts that are often misconstrued can actually work out well. Module 4️⃣ on Ongoing Accountability for Transformative Change was music to my ears as a future lawyer, I am committed to peace, justice, and strong institutions- per SDG goal #16 and this module epitomized that vision. The advocacy strategies at the workplace are a great resource. This module also refreshed my passion for an evidence-based approach to dismantling ABR. Overall, this certificate was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who: ➡️ seeks to understand Canadian history better (obviously Black history is Canadian history ➡️ works/aspires to work with Black youth across in Ontario’s youth sector from child welfare, health care, the justice system, education, etc.  ➡️ develop skills in cultivating practices, policies and alliances that challenge, disrupt and combat systematic anti-Black racism

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrate freedom, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality. Juneteenth is a time to honor the struggles and achievements of Black Americans throughout history and to reflect on the ongoing journey toward justice and equality for all. As we celebrate this important day, the Metropolitan Baton Rouge Chapter also reaffirms our commitment to uplifting Black people through our initiatives in health, economic empowerment, education, and public policy. In health, we are dedicated to reducing disparities and improving access to quality care. We support programs that address the unique health challenges faced by Black communities and advocate for equitable healthcare policies. In economic empowerment, we are focused on creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive. Our initiatives provide resources, mentorship, and financial support to help build sustainable and successful enterprises. In education, we are committed to closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every Black student has access to high-quality education. We support scholarships, mentorship programs, and educational reforms that promote equity and inclusion. In public policy, we advocate for laws and policies that advance racial justice and equality. We work with community leaders and policymakers to address systemic issues and create lasting change. Let's take this opportunity to educate ourselves about the significance of this day, amplify Black voices, support Black-owned businesses, and stand in solidarity against systemic racism. Together, we can continue to push for meaningful change and ensure that the spirit of Juneteenth lives on every day. Celebrate, educate, and advocate. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateFreedom