Our Version Media CIC’s Post

5 Ways to be an Active Ally to Black People on Juneteenth...👇🏾 ✔️ Attend a FREE, virtual Allies in Action Meetup, tomorrow on Juneteenth to learn how to be an ACTIVE ally (11 am CST). The deadline to sign up is today at 5pm CST. Greg Fontus will be leading the conversation around "Allyship and Strategic Goal Alignment" RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gFWX_zDk ✔️ Elevate Black Voices: Follow, share, and repost the content of dope Black creators, especially those in Texas (donate to and purchase from them as well). Support my allyship work here: https://lnkd.in/gPeSWK6X. Here are a few of my favorite Black Creators on LinkedIn: Ellyse W., Maceo Owens, Rakeda L. Ervin ✔️ Put Your Money where Your Allyship is: Donate to Black Causes, especially those in Texas (1000 Women Strong, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Houston Area Urban League, Blacks In Technology, BIT Houston) ✔️ Promote Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Highlight and support your company's Black ERG (send a note to Black ERG/BRG leads and ask them how you can help). If one doesn't exist, start the conversation about forming one. ✔️Say Happy Juneteenth to Black folks (you can even start today by saying "Happy Early Juneteenth or Happy Juneteenth Eve"). This statement signals you as a (potentially) safe person, it also showcases your solidarity with the Black community. Signed, #YourNeighborhoodHopeDealer #inclusiveexcellence #allyship #juneteenth #Juneteenth2024 #AlliesinAction #WeRiseTogether

Yolo Technologies, LLC Supports National Black Philanthropy Month Empowering Communities Through Technology and Support Yolo Technologies, LLC is proud to support National Black Philanthropy Month. We believe in the power of technology to drive positive change and uplift communities. This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of Black philanthropists and organizations working tirelessly to create a brighter future for all. As an IT MSP, we understand the critical role technology plays in enabling nonprofits and community organizations to achieve their missions. We are committed to providing reliable, efficient, and affordable IT solutions to help these organizations maximize their impact. Our Commitment to Supporting Black-Led Organizations Pro Bono IT Services: We offer pro bono IT services to select Black-led nonprofits, providing essential support for their operations. Technology Education: We are dedicated to providing technology education and training to empower Black community members with the digital skills needed to succeed. Partnerships: We are actively seeking partnerships with Black-led organizations to collaborate on technology initiatives that address community needs. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to create a more equitable and inclusive digital landscape for Black communities. Join us in celebrating the power of Black philanthropy and supporting the organizations making a difference. #BlackPhilanthropyMonth #SupportBlackCharities #TechnologyForGood #CommunityImpact #YoloTechnologies #lendahandfoundation #OAACC #PARTI #Oaklandish #DOPEERA #bayareasigmas

A majority of Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits operate on less than $500,000 a year, a report released by the Young, Black & Giving Back Institute finds. Ebonie Johnson Cooper, founder and Executive Director of the Young, Black and Giving Back Institute. “Our survey uniquely highlights the needs, experiences, and attitudes of Black-led and -benefiting nonprofits and the critical role they play in Black communities across the country. Leon Rock, Co-Founder and CEO of the African American Diabetes Association, Inc. agrees and also believes that Black folks need to also fuel the work of Black-led organizations by centering their investment in organizations such as the AADA. Rock went on to say, "Black folks must also address the funding gap for Black-led organizations addressing health disparities." It can be as easy as Black folks creating Birthday fundraisers on social media, like Facebook. It can be that simple, and it can make a world of difference for Black people impacted by diabetes...

'Grab a spoon' May 22 from 2-3pm ET. Listen to firsthand testimonies from these three leading experts about being Black women consulting in the nonprofit sector. Loads to learn from their experience including the good, bad, and ugly of nonprofit consulting. This session is being offered gratis!#nonprofit #fundraising #consulting #philanthropy

🌟 Celebrate Juneteenth with Black Makers Market at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility in Austin, TX! 🌟 We are excited to invite you to join us for an inspiring Juneteenth Celebration, taking place at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility in Austin, TX. This is a day to honor freedom, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of the Black community. 📅 Date: June 15, 2024 from 12 pm - 6 pm 📍 Location: African American Cultural & Heritage Facility, Austin, TX Why Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a significant celebration of liberation and the enduring spirit of the Black community. This year, we’re bringing together talented Black makers, vibrant performances, and engaging activities for a celebration that unites and uplifts. What to Expect: Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances from local artists. 🎤 Unique Vendors: Discover handcrafted products from talented Black artisans. 🛍️ Delicious Food: Savor flavors from local culinary vendors. 🍴 Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in fun and educational sessions for all ages. 📚 Community Connections: Network with community leaders and influencers. 🤝 Partner with Us: We’re looking for forward-thinking companies and community organizations to join us as partners for this landmark event. Here’s how you can get involved: 🤝 Partnership Opportunities: Event Sponsorship: Enhance your brand’s visibility and show your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Booth Exhibits: Engage directly with attendees and showcase your offerings. In-Kind Donations: Contribute products or services that add value to the event experience. Volunteer Support: Encourage your team to participate and support our efforts. Why Partner with Black Makers Market? Visibility: Gain exposure to a diverse and engaged audience. Community Impact: Support economic empowerment and cultural celebration. Brand Alignment: Associate your brand with a cause that champions equity and excellence. Join us in making this Juneteenth Celebration a remarkable event. Your partnership will help create a lasting impact in our community. Interested in partnering with us? Reach out today to explore how we can collaborate. 📧 info@blackmakersmarket.org 📞 (512) 222-3278 🌐 https://lnkd.in/djquCAaY Let’s come together to celebrate freedom, culture, and community—united in purpose and joy. #Juneteenth #BlackMakersMarket #AustinEvents #CommunityEngagement #DiversityAndInclusion #SupportBlackBusinesses

MINDING THE GAP. BLACK LEADERSHIP IN UK CHARITIES One pertinent discussion I have had this Black History Month in 2024 is the dearth of Black senior leaders in the C-suite of Charitable and Civic Organizations. When I say Black I don't been BAME or other ethnic minority groupings, I am specifically talking about those who identify as Black from African and Caribbean heritage. This year alone, I have known at least eight Black CEOs who have stepped down from such positions. Even more troubling, they are in the mental health, education, and community sectors. I know of quite a few struggling whether they want a CEO role in a charity again. The reasons are complex but three things tend to stand out. 1. Salary is well below market rates. 2. Navigating Racism in the sectors and with their boards.  3. Professional Development is almost negligible. Having coached a few I know how hard it is to even get sign-off on that. ACEVO’s Pay and Equalities Survey 2023, identified that less than 1% of CEOs in Charities were Black, down from 2% last year. I have advised many Black senior leaders to explore speaking, consulting and advisory roles, and even sharing their knowledge through online courses. Truth is it’s hard to find the time to do this when already up to your eyeballs managing the current charity. Also ensuring external earnings don’t conflict with the charity’s governance policies. In addition to those senior leaders stepping down quite a few have been involved in horrendous court cases around unfair dismissal and discrimination. In many of those incidents, the defending organisations have thrown huge weight into lawyering up and delaying tactics in court. Often leaving jaded and burnt-out leaders to accept signing NDAs and receiving payouts to move on. But try telling that to people who believe Britain is post-racial? This leadership gap worries me. I would love to see more Black senior Charity leaders, especially in areas like mental health, education and housing where representation is crucial. How we close that gap is a big complex question but I am curious as to who or what is already doing things to address this, and if no one how can we collectively do something to address this? How do we reclaim this narrative, if we even had one to begin with? Feel free to bring your plantain, jolloff and oxtail to the comments.

It’s about that time, folks. I have an action item. Get ready to share this post far and wide. As most of you have seen, The Identity & Belonging Lab, our first ever membership community at Hola Magnolia Identityworks, is in pre-launch and will begin official activity on 1/13. I think it’s time to raise the stakes in true The Reparations Race fashion. If we wanted to raise a small fund of 30 annual memberships to The Identity & Belonging Lab for Black impact leaders, founders and changemakers, who would be down to sponsor? I would like to challenge us to individual contributions of $365 USD, which is the locked-in rate for all IBL Founding100 members. I think this is an easy way to account for sponsorships: Each person sponsors one member. Easy, direct, and impactful. This is a great way for folks that aren’t yet in the headspace to join us themselves to support this community in a way that will make it even better by the time you ARE ready to join us. What say you? Making this happen would mean the world to mean for one simple reason: Representation. For me, for them, AND for you That goal would mean that a guaranteed minimum of 1/3 of our Founding100 class would be from the Global Black Community. I can’t imagine a better way to begin this phase of community-building at Hola Magnolia Identityworks. Who would be down? Shoot me a DM and let’s talk.

My Story of a Visionary Mission: Changing History Together Imagine this: It’s been 160 years since our ancestors were freed from slavery. They dreamed of a future where their descendants would rise, empowered and united, creating lasting change. But here we are, still navigating the lingering effects of inequality. The time for waiting is over—it’s time to act. This is a call for Action!!!!!! That’s where my mission comes in. I’ve founded OT Community Creations Consulting LLC to spark a movement that unites Black Americans and descendants of U.S. slavery in an unprecedented way. My vision is simple yet powerful: to generate wealth, opportunity, and self-sufficiency within our communities. This is not about waiting for reparations—it’s about taking control of our economic destiny through collective action. Starting with the “A Dollar a Day Campaign,” we’re building a movement that anyone can join. Imagine the impact if millions of us contribute just one dollar daily toward funding businesses, creating jobs, and fostering generational wealth. This isn’t just about money—it’s about rewriting our story, proving that unity and vision can create real change. On June 24, 2025, this revolution will officially go live. Until then, I’m reaching out to every Black American, every descendant of slavery, to say: You are part of this history in the making. Together, we can create a new legacy—one built on self-determination, collaboration, and hope for generations to come. This is more than a business. It’s a movement. It’s history in the making. And I believe, without a doubt, that this will work. Will you be part of the change? Cash app:$brendaful GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/a8f5bd14

Happy National Philanthropy Day! "Black philanthropy is rooted in a concept called Ubuntu. It's an African philosophy widely understood as humanity towards others. And we have a saying: ' I am because you are." or "I am because we are." And that means what affects you, affects me. We're all interconnected and have a shared responsibility to one another. Ubuntu would be the guiding principle for the Foundation for Black communities." Check out Rebecca Darwent's TED Talk on How to Fund Real Change in Your Community! https://lnkd.in/gErRY7Dm

I’m extending a challenge to philanthropy, including foundations, non-profits, and community members alike, to begin to make detailed accounts of the assets found in Black communities. With as much effort, resources, and time that we dedicate to putting together list after list of the disparities that exist in Black communities, let’s create community asset maps of Black institutional assets, physical assets, people assets and other forms of capital that we possess. And let those assets be the inspiration for how we build more thriving Black communities! CONTINUE READING  “RADICAL PHILANTHROPY FOR BLACK-LED MOVEMENTS” HERE: shorturl.at/013788 ****************************************************************************** The month of March will be dedicated to S.M.A.R.T. Black Philanthropy. Follow me as we delve deeper into what asset based philanthropy is and how it can be used to invest in Black communities. ****************************************************************************** S.M.A.R.T. Black Philanthropy aims to advance a new model of philanthropy in Black communities. This model is asset based instead of deficit based. It prioritizes a collaborative approach instead of a competitive approach to philanthropy. Finally, it is rooted in Black traditions and movements.