CCI Health Services’ Post

🌟 Day 3: Honoring Black Queer Pioneers: Foundations of Our Fight 🌟 Today, we honor the incredible Black queer pioneers who have been instrumental in both the civil rights and LGBTQ movements. From Marsha P. Johnson's fearless activism during the Stonewall Riots to Bayard Rustin's strategic brilliance in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, and James Baldwin's eloquent critiques of race and sexuality—these trailblazers have paved the way for the freedoms we cherish today. 🔍 Key Highlights: Marsha P. Johnson: Co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and STAR, advocating for homeless LGBTQ youth and sex workers. Bayard Rustin: Close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and key organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington. James Baldwin: Brilliant writer and social critic whose works like "The Fire Next Time" challenged racism and homophobia, fostering greater empathy and understanding. Their legacies remind us that our liberation is deeply intertwined, and their bravery continues to inspire our fight for justice and equality. Quote of the day: "History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history." – James Baldwin 📖 Read more and join the conversation on my Substack newsletter In solidarity and empowerment, Desireé B Stephens #Pride #Juneteenth #BlackQueerPioneers #Intersectionality #CivilRights #LGBTQ #SocialJustice #CommunityBuilding #Liberation #EquityInEducation

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on our journey towards justice. It’s crucial to recognize the intersectionality within our community, especially the experiences of Black individuals who are also part of the LGBTQ community. Let’s renew our commitment to dismantling racism and supporting inclusivity this Juneteenth. #Juneteenth #Intersectionality #SVPC

To help define the future you must be aware of the past. 🤔 How often have you seen visible #Black #LGBTQ Role Models in the workplace? The answer is not nearly enough in general and in the Financial Services industry - hardly at all. ⚫ We are shining a light on the extraordinary but often untold stories of Black LGBTQ heroes. At LGBT Great, we're working to empower 1 million people by 2030, and a critical part of our mission is to illuminate these powerful yet often invisible and untold stories.   ⚫ Part of our journey involves elevating the voices and contributions of Black #lesbian, #gay, #bisexual, #transgender, and #queer people. Together, we must work to encourage and inspire the visibility of more Black LGBTQ talent and leaders in the workplace. ⚫ Join us in this journey of discovery and recognition. Together, let's honour the legacies of Black LGBTQ trailblazers and push forward towards a future where every story is heard and every voice matters. Discover these 15 Black LGBTQ Trailblazers in The Root Magazine:   ➡ https://lnkd.in/ecKYKiHY   #RoleModels #TogetherWeCan #BlackHistoryMonth #LGBTQ #Diversity #Inclusion #RoleModels #FinancialServices #MakingHistory #LGBTGreat

Banned books by Black, LGBTQ , and Latino authors #CantBeErased. As dozens of states have restricted the ways race can be discussed in school, The Education Trust is working to uplift banned books: "By not teaching students the imperfect history of our country, we are failing to prepare them to be problem solvers and effective citizens in a multicultural society." Take action against censorship and check out Ed Trust's book list: https://bit.ly/3FcY15H #BannedBooks #BannedBooksWeek #ReadBannedBooks

Today we begin a content series called “25 Days of Project 2025”. If you weren’t already concerned about a second Trump presidency then brace yourself because this sh*t is scary. Project 2025, devised by former Trump White House staffers, is an authoritarian, Christian nationalist plan to transform the Untied States into an autocracy. It would undermine the rule of law, the separation of powers, the separation of church and state and civil liberties for women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. Each day we’ll be highlighting a different policy contained in Project 2025’s 900-page manifesto. We recommend that you share with friends and family who may not be aware of what will happen if Trump wins in November. #25DaysofProject2025

As we journey through June, we are proud to celebrate both Pride Month and Juneteenth, two significant observances that remind us of the power of love, equality, and freedom. Pride Month is a time to honor the LGBTQ community, their history, struggles, and the ongoing fight for equal rights. It's a celebration of love, identity, and the vibrant diversity that enriches our world. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black communities and the enduring quest for racial equality. At XponentL we have built an inclusive environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. We believe that the individual voices of our employees meld into our collective strength, regardless of class, faith, gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. We play positive sum games with positive sum people. We thus strongly reject discrimination…a zero-sum power play if there ever was one. Happy Pride Month and Juneteenth! Let’s all get better together. #PrideMonth #Juneteenth #UnityInDiversity #EqualityForAll

Thanks for the feature, Loyola University Chicago School of Law! It was an honor to write HB 1286 in law school and to advocate for its passage into law. ⚖ ✅ HB 1286, now Public Act 103-0518, allows businesses, schools, nonprofits, and more to install multi-stall gender-inclusive restrooms, which were previously restricted under an archaic Illinois law. With HB 1286’s passage, our state restroom law is now more inclusive for transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGNCI) individuals, who often face harassment or physical abuse in gendered restrooms. This first-in-the-nation law bolsters Illinois’ status as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ community—I am proud to have led this effort alongside advocates across the state. Contrary to what the media may tell you, this law doesn’t just serve TGNCI folks—it serves everyone in our society. Many groups would benefit from using gender-inclusive restrooms: parents wanting to help their kids of a different gender in the restroom, older heterosexual couples who accompany and assist each other in the restroom, and caretakers of patients of a different gender. I firmly believe that inclusive initiatives like HB 1286 can benefit society as a whole, even unintentionally. After all, we as a society are better when everyone can participate equally. We must continue to make society more inclusive. It’s common sense. But despite the common sense behind HB 1286, passing it was not easy. The bill’s legislative sponsor, Rep. Katie Stuart, received death threats for pushing this bill. A Republican lawmaker, during debate and in public record, threatened violence over this bill. Yet I continue to be so proud of my work on this bill. Changing minds and hearts is never easy, but the advocacy is worth it when you know our society is better for it. I am thankful for this victory, and the lessons and friends I’ve gained from it, and I am eager to carry all of this with me for the rest of my career. If you’d like to learn more about gender-inclusive restrooms, consider reading my op-ed in Crain’s Chicago Business: https://lnkd.in/gz_8Xp6H.

With The Studio Door's recent exhibition, I had the good fortune to work alongside of Jonathan D Katz, who is literally changing the art world's perspective on the history of LGBTQ artists through exhibitions and scholarly research. Who are the trailblazers in your industry? What steps can you take to build alliances that lifts everyone involved? When you read this pay attention to his advice for artists as well as his comment on the importance of collaboration. https://lnkd.in/gtQqvcP3

🎇 Reflecting on Independence Day 🎇 For the Fourth of July holiday, it's essential to celebrate the values of freedom and independence that this day represents. However, it's also crucial to acknowledge that true freedom and justice have not been and are not always accessible to everyone in this country throughout our history. For many marginalized communities, the Fourth of July can evoke mixed emotions. It's a time to reflect on the progress we've made towards equality and recognize the work that still needs to be done. As we gather with loved ones and enjoy the festivities, let's also remember: - Indigenous communities who have lived on this land for centuries before the Declaration of Independence was signed. - Black Americans who fought for freedom and continue to fight against systemic racism. - Immigrants who contribute to our nation's diversity and strength. - LGBTQ individuals who have fought for and continue to fight for equal rights. - People with disabilities who advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Let's use this day as an opportunity to educate ourselves and others, to amplify marginalized voices, and to commit to creating a more just and equitable society for all. Happy Fourth of July to everyone who was celebrating, and may this day inspire us to strive for a future where freedom and justice truly are for all. [Graphic by Paige Vickers, NYTimes] #FourthOfJuly #SocialJustice #Equality #FreedomForAll

🌟 Celebrating Juneteenth! 🌟 Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This historic day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and represents a significant milestone in the fight for equality and justice. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our history, honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and recognize the ongoing struggle for true freedom and equality. It's a celebration of Black culture, achievements, and the unyielding spirit that continues to inspire us all. At Radiant Health Centers, we believe in equality for all, and we believe in compassionate care and support for everyone regardless of their race, color, faith, origin, sex, or orientation. We recognize there are still hurdles we face in overcoming bias and discrimination in our own communities. But we stand in solidarity with our Black and LGBTQ communities so that no one is left behind. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be their true selves. 🏳️🌈✊🏿 #Juneteenth #EqualityForAll #RadiantHealthCenters #LGBTQ #BlackLivesMatter #Celebration #CompassionateCare #InclusiveCommunity