Velocity Credit Union’s Post

Velocity Credit Union is spotlighting and celebrating employees for Black History Month. Today we are spotlighting Stephen Branch from Business Intelligence. What does Black History Month mean to you? Black History Month is the opportunity to engage with and embrace the contributions set forth by the African Diaspora. It’s also an opportunity to understand the struggles Black people around the world face, but also celebrate our resilience. How important is representation to you in the workforce and community? The importance of black representation is important for not only me and the black community, but it is vital for the next generation. What advice would you give to Black professionals looking to get into your field? Focus on the things you enjoy, work towards them with an ambitious mindset and the firm belief that there is nothing you cannot achieve. Tell us about a moment in black history that influenced or shaped your career. There is not one single moment in black history that I could separate from the plethora of achievements within the black community that influenced my path in life. However, due in major part to the relentless efforts and ingenuity of my ancestors I have been given the opportunity to forge my own path as God intended. Who has been an inspiration to you? My Mother, Will Smith, and the rest of my family. Thank you, Stephen, for sharing with us; we appreciate all your hard work and dedication!

This Black History Month, bckers honors the resilience, achievements, and contributions of the Black community. A crucial aspect of this celebration is recognizing the pivotal role that businesses play in driving our communities forward. From small enterprises to large corporations, Black-owned businesses have been instrumental in shaping local economies and fostering growth. These businesses not only provide goods and services but also create job opportunities, mentorship programs, and a sense of pride within their communities. As we celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history, let's shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs and visionaries who have paved the way. Their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence have not only fueled economic progress but have also become a source of inspiration for future generations. This Black History Month, let's acknowledge the power of businesses to uplift communities, promote diversity, and drive positive change. By supporting and amplifying Black-owned enterprises, we contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant future for all.

Happy Black History Month! As we embark on a month of celebrating Black history and leadership, we want to continue to support and provide opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the community. At OC, we know the importance of having Black owned businesses across Miami-Dade County, and we are excited to share news soon on the new marketplace initiatives we are launching alongside partners in Overtown! This year we are excited to bring you continued one-to-one support and new workshops to assist you with your business needs. It's almost that time of year again to get your business financials ready to prepare your taxes, and we are introducing a 3-week series that will focus on two things:   1️⃣ Breaking down the different types of entities for business formation, understanding the financial mindset, and learning about the paperwork typically needed to apply for loans and grants.   2️⃣ A workshop focused on, you guessed it, taxes! We know this topic can be stressful and so we have developed a workshop breaking down the checklist you need to get organized and going over important business tax information. Start your year off with these upcoming grant opportunities. We’ve hand picked these to be simple to apply, so take advantage of them while you still can! Read through our newsletter here to apply to some of these grants! >> https://lnkd.in/eKJquktw

Celebrating Black History Month To all the phenomenal black business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives who grace our communities with their talent and tenacity: This month, as we honor the legacy and achievements of black individuals throughout history, let's also turn a reflective eye towards our own collective journey. The road to success is paved with the support and unity we offer each other. #growwithcarl Remember, my progress is not your regress. We must dismantle the myths that have been instilled in us—a mentality that has been a tool of oppression for far too long. We have been taught to see each other as competition rather than allies, influenced by the age-old strategy of divide and conquer. But history has shown us that we are strongest when we stand together. Let's reject the "one pie theory," which falsely claims that opportunity is scarce and that one person's gain is another's loss. There is not just one pie, my friends, but an abundance of pies, enough to share and multiply. As we forge ahead, let's commit to celebrating each other's wins and providing a platform for growth. Let's network, collaborate, and invest in one another. Every retweet, every referral, every word of encouragement builds a community that thrives together. This Black History Month, let's pledge to support and uplift each other, not just in words but in action. Together, we can break barriers, build empires, and inspire the next generation of black excellence. #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #Unity #CommunityGrowth #BlackExcellence #TogetherWeRise #growwithcarl #WeGrowTogether

How We Build Matters!!

Happy Black History Month! As a Black-owned company, we know that every month is Black History Month, but we like to go all out in February. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s dive into a crucial aspect of economic empowerment: Generational Wealth. Generational Wealth is not just about financial prosperity; it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and the enduring legacy of Black communities. During February, let’s leverage this month of reflection to understand, appreciate, and amplify the importance of building and preserving wealth across generations. What is Generational Wealth? From a textbook standpoint, it’s the accumulation of assets, resources, and financial stability passed down from generation to generation. For most of us, it is building and amassing assets to pass on to our children and family, and it can take the form of real estate, businesses, stocks, cash, etc. Let’s use this month not only to celebrate past achievements but also to actively engage in conversations that propel us toward a future of economic empowerment and financial well-being.

Cory Christmas and Venita Johnson are two of the many exceptional people who make working with Highline Warren an unmatched experience. Passionate about supporting personal and professional learning, Cory oversees Highline Warren’s training department. He also spearheads the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategy. Cory grew up in Alabama, attended a predominately white college, then moved to a culturally diverse area in California. These experiences cultivated his deep-rooted belief in the power of inclusion and make him a perfect fit for this leadership position. Cory is a vocal advocate for studying history to better understand one another, which is especially valuable as we celebrate Black History Month. “During Black History Month, I have a chance to remember the unrelenting pursuit for equity, fairness, and access to opportunities that shapes my very existence…I encourage others to do the same.” A forklift driver with more than 17+ years at Highline Warren, Venita Johnson is as equally as passionate about treating everyone as equals at work and her daily life. She says, “Everyone should really show up to work and try to work together side by side, as equals.” It’s one of the many reflections she shared when thinking about the significance of Black History Month. “This month gives us an opportunity to remember the impact that black culture has had on society. And that is something to celebrate.” Cory and Venita encourage coworkers and customers alike to participate in Black History Month. They are also shining examples of why working with Highline Warren is an experience like none other. #blackhistorymonth #automotiveaftermarket #celebrateblackhistory #diversityequityinclusion

As we step into February, we embark on a month of reflection, celebration, and profound acknowledgment of Black History Month. It is a time to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history and in our present world. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to honor the impact of Black leaders, innovators, and visionaries throughout history and allows us the opportunity to reflect on the collective strength that comes from embracing diversity in all its forms. In recognizing Black history, we celebrate the courage of those who paved the way for progress, fostering a society that values equality, justice, and opportunity for all. Their stories are an integral part of our American narrative, reminding us that our history is a narrative of triumph, struggle, and progress. Let us take this month to engage in meaningful conversations, broaden our understanding, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that enrich our community. By learning from each other and acknowledging the unique journeys that have shaped us, we strengthen the bonds that unite us as neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Together, let's commit to fostering an environment of inclusivity, where everyone's story is valued and the beauty of our differences is celebrated. Black History Month is an invitation to honor the past, recognize the present, and work hand in hand towards a future where unity, diversity, and understanding. https://lnkd.in/gkTHyYy

Hey everyone, 🌟 As we dive into Black History Month, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we're on at OfColor. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, inspiration, and sheer energy as a Black man working for a company dedicated to transforming the lives of employees of color. When I embarked on this mission, I was personally fearful of how this type of offering would be perceived. There were uncertainties about advocating for change and whether it would be the safest route for my career. Yet, here we are, standing tall amidst amazing clients, partners, and unprecedented growth. It's a testament to what can happen when you trust, believe, and step out on faith. As we celebrate Black History Month, it's not just about looking back at the achievements of those who paved the way; it's also about acknowledging the power within us to shape the future. Generational Wealth, a theme we're exploring this month, isn't just about finances; it's a legacy of resilience, vision, and the collective efforts of Black communities. I am personally invigorated by the real success stories we hear and witness every day – not just for ourselves but for the generations that will follow. It's a reminder that, as we push for economic empowerment, we're creating a narrative that extends beyond our individual journeys. Black History Month is a moment to celebrate the triumphs, big and small, that arise when we trust in our abilities and work together toward a common purpose. It's about fostering conversations that lead to a future where economic empowerment and financial well-being are accessible to all. So here's to the pioneers, the trailblazers, and every person who dared to dream against the odds. 🚀 May we continue to amplify our voices, uplift one another, and build a legacy that transcends generations. 🌍✨ #financialwellness #blackhistorymonth

I was all set to wish you a happy Black History Month, but then something happened that completely flipped my perspective. I was mentioned by Rhiannon Gallagher as a "black futurist" in reference to a recent Variety article https://lnkd.in/exB2_uDn. Instead of dwelling on the past, it made me start thinking ahead about black futures. My daily mission is to get more black students and job seekers excited about designing the technologies of tomorrow and enriching the manufacturing workforce of the future. My goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of black innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in fields like STEM. So this month, while we honor the struggles and achievements of the past, let's also envision the boundless potential of the future. The past is prologue, but the future is ours to write. This Black History | Black Futures Month, I feel energized about all we can accomplish. I hope you feel inspired too about the endless possibilities ahead. We stand on the shoulders of those before us, now let's reach for the skies! The key is opening doors for young people today. So that with hard work and opportunity, they can achieve things we can only imagine. The future belongs to those who prepare for it. And it's on us to make sure black youth are ready to make their mark. Black Futurists Mentioned In This Video: Dr. Onome Scott-Emuakpor - Hyphen Innovations Will Drewery - Diagon Courtney Tate - Ontime Quality Machining LLC