Brandon Herscovitch, PH.D., BCBA-D, LABA’s Post

***NOW SHIPPING*** Representation matters. This coloring book celebrates Black children of all sizes, including those with visible disabilities. #innovation #selfcare #arttherapy #mentalhealth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated observation of the ending of slavery in the United States. This holiday commemorates when more than 250,000 enslaved Black people received their freedom -- nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Today, Juneteenth is a celebration of the resilience and contributions of the Black community. We also reflect on the pivotal moments that have shaped our nation’s history and our ongoing journey toward equality.  As a company that is dedicated to health and well-being, we at Johnson & Johnson understand that true wellness includes equality, equity and justice for all. We foster an inclusive workplace where every voice is heard and valued. Our organization's diversity drives our innovation, and our different perspectives strengthen our unity.  Advancing health for all is personal to me. Healthcare has always been a part of my family – my mother was a nurse, my uncle a pharmacist, and all the summer jobs I had growing up were either at a hospital or pharmacy. With generations of my family dedicated to serving communities and improving lives, their legacy fuels my passion and commitment to ensuring J&J not only provides groundbreaking treatments, but also is intentional about ending health equity gaps that impact historically marginalized groups.  So on this Juneteenth, let’s reflect on how far we’ve come while acknowledging how far we still must go. Let’s celebrate by remembering our past and taking actionable steps toward a brighter, more inclusive future.  #Juneteenth #HealthEquity 

FUTURE BLACK FEMALES WELLNESS TIP: EMBRACE STORYTELLING AS A FORM OF HEALING Take time this month to connect with your family and share stories—whether through conversations, writing, or creative expression. Engaging in storytelling can be a powerful way to reflect on your experiences, honoUr your heritage, and foster deeper connections with loved ones. Consider starting a family storytelling night, where everyone can share their narratives and lessons learned. This practice not only strengthens bonds but also promotes emotional well-being by allowing you to process and celebrate your unique journey.

As we begin Black History Month, it is important for me to discuss how some states across the country have banned this topic from being taught in schools, which is not only detrimental to students of color, but all students. When it comes to history, past becomes prologue, so it is important that all students have the ability to learn about the rich contributions of Black Americans and the many obstacles we have overcome as a historically marginalized group. In no way is teaching Black history about guilting anyone, but instead it is focused on ensuring today’s youth know the shortcomings of this country’s past so they can avoid repeating them when they become our leaders of tomorrow. “While representation matters for Black students, it is also good for non-Black students. We can reduce stereotypes, eliminate prejudice and get rid of bias if kids who are not Black begin to hear affirming, positive stories about Black people, Black history and Black culture. So much misinformation exists, and that misinformation can lead to stereotyping, prejudice, racism or acts of discrimination.” – Tyrone Howard, UCLA Pritzker Family Professor of Education Ultimately, we must no longer segregate Black history to only one month a year when we acknowledge and celebrate it because Black history is American history. I encourage everyone to view the resources available from the Center for Racial Justice in Education in the link below and to share them with others in celebration of Black History Month. https://lnkd.in/eeAW53k9

FUTURE BLACK FEMALES WELLNESS TIP: EMBRACE STORYTELLING AS A FORM OF HEALING Take time this month to connect with your family and share stories—whether through conversations, writing, or creative expression. Engaging in storytelling can be a powerful way to reflect on your experiences, honoUr your heritage, and foster deeper connections with loved ones. Consider starting a family storytelling night, where everyone can share their narratives and lessons learned. This practice not only strengthens bonds but also promotes emotional well-being by allowing you to process and celebrate your unique journey.

Ways to celebrate Juneteenth 🤍 1. Read and learn about your history and how it connects to current issues today. 2. Vote in every single race in every single election—and make sure you're informed on the candidates and the issues. 3. Seek out the organizing efforts happening in your local community and your state. 4. Support organizations that center Black people-civil rights, human rights, and legal organizations. 5. Celebrate with intention. Uplift the radical act of being joyful, prideful, and authentic in your skin.

With HBCUS homecoming season going on right now I though it would great time to educate others on HBCUS homecomings . I encourage you to click on link below and learn why homecoming is so important to anyone who has attended or graduated from a HBCU. https://lnkd.in/eUukXnRZ #historyofhbcuhomeing #hbcupride #hbcuhomeings #hbcus #homecoming

A growing base of research shows that racially diverse school leaders and teachers can positively impact all students, particularly students of color, across a wide range of key academic and social outcomes. Yet the gap between teachers of color to students of color remains vast. To meaningfully narrow the gap between students of color and the educators who lead their classrooms and school buildings, there must be more recruitment efforts to spark interest in teaching in young people. Join the One Million Teachers of Color Campaign for a webinar focused on early recruitment strategies for cultivating a diverse educator workforce. Backed by research from our partners at Teach Plus and the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED)’s “Seeing Myself” report, our panel of experts will share nuanced perspectives and best practices around recruiting students of color and indigenous students into teaching careers. Gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for building a more inclusive and equitable educator workforce. Register here to join the conversation: https://ow.ly/Lz6Z50RxsyU