Ballmer Group’s Post

Our Eight Essential Outcomes for Black Child Development ensure that every Black child has access to nutritious meals that nourish their bodies and honor their culture. This summer, many will face “summer hunger” without federally-assisted meals at school, impacting their health, well-being and academic performance. Integrating culturally relevant foods into their diets, Black children can thrive and maintain their health and well-being, supporting not only physical health but fostering a strong sense of identity and community. By addressing “summer hunger” and supporting food-insecure families, we can empower Black children to thrive year-round. Learn more about this pressing issue and how others are advocating to make a meaningful impact here: https://bit.ly/4eDar7g

JAE will attend this important panel discussion on Embrace Boston's Harm Report, February 27, 2024 - Addressing the seven injury areas of significant historical and contemporary consequence for Black Boston.

When educators speak, we should listen! Thank you to the Black Educators Advocates Network for their recent report. It highlights key steps/activities schools and leaders can do to create more equitable, affirming and professionally satisfying working conditions for Black educators. Among the findings, it's telling that 45% of Black educators reported that their school values the expertise of educators of color and supports their professional development. Educators also reported that mentoring (60%), pathways to leadership (53%) and more time to collaborate (51%) would be most impactful to their professional growth and development. These data are consistent with other national surveys of Black educators. As leaders and policy makers evaluate their retention strategies, it's critical they listen to the voices of educators to ensure their solutions align, otherwise they're likely fail.

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, which commemorates the day when the last enslaved people in the country, those living in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. This notice came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was made by President Lincoln. Today we encourage you to support Black Owned businesses and organizations that support the Civil Rights and growth of Black People. You can learn more about Juneteenth and organizations/activities to support here: https://hubs.la/Q02CmhSy0

How can arts and culture organizations forge deeper connections with Black communities? A report by The Wallace Foundation investigates this question, analyzing feedback from 50 Black Americans. It reveals key strategies for creating a welcoming environment through celebrating creativity, supporting self-care, establishing trust, and ensuring inclusivity—strategies that can provide a roadmap for meaningful engagement with this essential audience. Learn more in the report: https://lnkd.in/e_cxukfZ

As #blackhistorymonth2024 comes to a close, ACS will continue to make every month an opportunity to embrace and honor Black history and culture. Here are some ways you can make a positive impact year-round: ✅ Learn Something New: Read or watch about Black history and culture. ✅ Shop and Support Locally: Back Black-owned businesses when you can. ✅ Enjoy Diverse Media: Tune into movies, shows, and music by Black creators. ✅ Talk Openly: Have real conversations about race, history, and culture. ✅ Join Local Events: Be part of community celebrations and happenings. ✅ Give Back: Help out with groups pushing for fairness and justice. ✅ Cheer for Success: Share stories of Black people doing awesome things. ✅ Mix It Up in School: Support teaching that includes everyone's stories. ✅ Think and Do: Take a minute to reflect, and then do something to make things fairer.

Are you wondering how the latest policies are affecting Black communities? Sign up for our newsletter to get relevant data, news, and information related to hill diversity and economic, tech, and workforce policies. jointcenter.org/newsletter

🌟 Join Us in Taking a Stand! 🌟 Are you committed to being a better ally to the Black community and fighting against injustices? We invite you to be a part of an event that's all about creating positive change. 🤝 1️⃣ Understanding Privilege: Gain insights into the privileges that non-Black individuals often take for granted, and how these can be leveraged for positive change. 2️⃣ Spotlighting Excellence: Discover inspiring stories of Black community members who are making remarkable strides in various fields, despite facing systemic challenges. 3️⃣ CEEDs Experiential Learning: Learn about CEEDs' experiential learning programs and how they empower Black students to excel in their chosen fields. 4️⃣ Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals, including Black students, to foster collaboration and support. Let's come together to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and drive meaningful change. 🌈✨ Don't miss this chance to make a difference! RSVP now and be part of a community working towards a brighter, more equitable future. 🤗 Spread the word, invite your friends, and let's stand up for justice together! 💪

Habari gain? Ujima. Translation: What’s the news? The Black community and our collective work and responsibility to one another. There is an odd expectation of Black people to stand up, be vocal, and jump on the front lines of every injustice that takes place around the world, and many oblige this request before being asked because empathy runs through our veins. The question is, are we spreading ourselves too thin and not pouring the same energy back into our own community? We have aligned ourselves with every disenfranchised group worldwide, and yes, there is strength in numbers, but is the Black community getting its fair share of equity and equality? As empathetic as we are to the marginalized groups around us, please remember that our community has a legacy of trauma that begins with the inception of America —and we must lean into one another to heal this trauma. The focus needs to be on supporting one another to build our financial wealth and institutions. We must focus on our community first and then extend our energies elsewhere to ensure that our energy is not spent when our community needs it. This is not a selfish thought. It’s self preservation.