African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs’ Post

This Fourth of July, we celebrate the enduring journey toward a more perfect union—a vision enriched and propelled by Black American communities and shared by all who value justice and equality. Our national fabric is intricately woven with threads of Black creativity, resilience, an unwavering pursuit of justice, and countless contributions from diverse communities. These efforts collectively define what it truly means to advocate for a nation that upholds its promise of freedom and equality for all. At The CAFE Group, we know creating meaningful change requires everyone's participation. By supporting Black education innovators and future philanthropists, we're building pathways for learning and leadership that are essential for a just and vibrant society. This work is a tribute to the true spirit of the Fourth of July—resistance, tenacity, and the aspiration for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As we reflect on today's symbols of freedom, let us honor the quilt-like tapestry of American history, where each piece—a story of love, community, and hope—binds us closer to fulfilling the dream of a more perfect union. Today, we invite you to join us in reflecting on our shared history and taking action toward a future defined by greater justice, progress, and inclusivity. We are dedicated to this mission, today and every day, for generations to come. ** This graphic features quilts by artists Mary Lee Bendolph, Faith Ringgold, Loretta Pettway, and Queen Quet. These quilts symbolize the creativity, resilience, and rich traditions of Black American communities, weaving stories of love, community, and hope into the fabric of American history. #SocialInnovation #Philanthropy #FourthOfJuly #GeesBend

Today we recognize and celebrate America’s “Second Independence Day,” Juneteenth. At GovEx, where we focus on putting data to work for the public good, we know that data was used to dehumanize Black Americans during slavery and that descendants of enslaved people have often been victimized by the unethical collection and application of data. We are committed to addressing structural and entrenched racism, recognizing the public sector’s role in perpetuating these legacies, and addressing these issues as a team and in collaboration with the cities we serve. This means examining analytical methods and data, actively working to eliminate bias, and advocating for data-driven policies that uplift Black Americans. For a list of data-related Juneteenth resources, check out this compilation from the ICPSR at University of Michigan Institute for Social Research → https://hubs.ly/Q02CsjXJ0

Juneteenth marks a critical milestone in the journey toward freedom for Black Americans. It commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Today, we remember the past and acknowledge the resilience and contributions of Black communities throughout history and today. Here are ways to honor Juneteenth: 🌍 Learn and Reflect: Read about the history of Juneteenth and explore books, documentaries, and articles that highlight Black experiences and contributions. 📣 Elevate Black Voices: Share and amplify content by Black creators, including artists, writers, and musicians. 📚 Support Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to buy from Black-owned businesses to strengthen local economies and communities. 🗣️ Have Meaningful Conversations: Engage in discussions about racial justice and equity. ✊ Join Local Efforts: Participate in initiatives by local organizations working toward racial equity. #Juneteenth #CelebrateFreedom #BlackHistory

About BlacIntellec The Black Atlanta Think Tank, stands as a formidable force within the Black community, recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing economic challenges. Amidst a landscape where such initiatives are often absent, BlacIntellec boldly steps into the breach, wielding a diverse arsenal of platforms. Beyond mere advocacy, BlacIntellec assumes the mantle of protector, safeguarding the hard-won gains of Black economic development. Fearlessly championing fair treatment and equitable opportunities within the business ecosystem, BlacIntellec serves as a staunch sentinel against the insidious encroachment of systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices that threaten the prosperity of Black enterprises. Through meticulously crafted focus groups, incisive opinion papers, strategic collaborations, groundbreaking research, and decisive actions, BlacIntellec confronts head-on the multifaceted challenges confronting Black businesses and communities. At the heart of BlacIntellec's mission lies a commitment to amplifying the voices of the Black community, ensuring their perspectives resonate powerfully in the corridors of influence. Every endeavor undertaken by BlacIntellec begins with the harmonious convergence of diverse, experienced voices from within the Black community, fostering a collective strength that transcends individual challenges. Its core function is to” Collect and Utilize the Collective Wisdom and Intellect of the Black Community to Support its Advancement.

Black woman leaders in San Francisco have recently come under political attack and although I do not have visibility into the details of the accusations I can say with certainty that powerful Black leaders have consistently and regularly been bullied, threatened, and physically harmed in order to remove them from leadership positions for hundreds of years in this country, and so the recent targeting and attempted discrediting of Sheryl Evans Davis, EdD and London Breed for Mayor comes as no surprise. There is a simple and consistent American racist toolbox deployed with impressive regularity that is meant to preserve the economically- and morally-required concept of Whiteness; those tools are deployed toward Black people and consist of, but are not limited to, bullying, humiliation, threats of social, psychological, and physical injury, and intentional violence itself. During London Breed for Mayor ‘s and Sheryl Evans Davis, EdD ‘s tenure we have seen notable progress for San Francisco’s Black communities: 🙌🏼 an unprecedented $120 million reallocated from SFPD to community-based programs of growth and support for Black residents 🙌🏼 HBCU satellites in SF’s downtown 🙌🏼 a completed city-wide plan for Black Reparations 🙌🏼 the planned return of MARCUS BOOKS OF SAN FRANCISCO - the country’s oldest Black bookstore - to San Francisco 🙌🏼 lectures by notable Black writers and intellectuals such as Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates 🙌🏼 and much more I urge those of you following SF politics - and local politics across the country, for that matter, as more and more Black leaders conveniently come under scrutiny prior to November 5th - to consider that the same tools of the centuries-old racist toolbox are once again playing out and you have an opportunity to vote against White supremacy this fall.

The Weight of the World: Uplifting Black Men in Media, Leadership, and Life: Part 3 Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility The fight for justice and equity for Black men is not theirs to bear alone—it is a shared responsibility. Every one of us has a role to play, whether it’s challenging bias, supporting Black-owned businesses, mentoring young Black men, or demanding systemic reform. Black men have shown the world their resilience time and again. But resilience should not be a necessity—it should be a choice. By addressing the injustices they face, we can create a world where Black men are free to dream, lead, and thrive without the weight of oppression on their shoulders. Lives depend on this awareness. Communities depend on these solutions. Humanity depends on our willingness to act. The time for change is now. #ConversationsForChange © Michael Buckner 2024

On this #Juneteenth, we honor the resilience of Black Americans, recognize the ongoing struggle for equality, and reaffirm our pledge to foster a future where economic opportunity is accessible to all. At New Growth Innovation Network, Juneteenth is a moment of deep reflection and commitment. We acknowledge the history of the U.S economy, intertwined with years of enslavement, dehumanization, and injustices. Guided by our mission, we are dedicated to confronting these legacies and striving for inclusive economic growth that uplifts all communities. Read our full #racialequity statement at: https://lnkd.in/ebmZmrAt

In this week's FOCUS: Inside Black DC, The CBC introduces an agenda to build Black wealth, House members introduce a bill to increase racial equity, and more. https://lnkd.in/e9pZSY-x

https://lnkd.in/gdrAK8y3 Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty First Century, economist William Darity Jr. and co-author A. Kirsten Mullen, make the most comprehensive case to date for economic reparations for U.S. descendants of slavery using innovative methods that link monetary values to historical wrongs and offer a detailed roadmap for an effective reparations program, including a substantial payment to each documented U.S. black descendant of slavery.

It's #Juneteenth! Today we celebrate, reflect, and recommit to our work to build a more equitable, just nation, starting with our youngest. Check out our report led by Dr. Evandra Catherine "Review of Policy Effects on Black Families and Children: Advancing the Black Child National Agenda", done in partnership with the Equity Research Action Coalition. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gJxq8_ba