Civic Federation’s Post

One of the best things about working for ustwo is that we set out to make real impact. Check out the report below ⬇️ to see how ustwo's first year of partnership with Where are the Black Designers? has begun to address systemic inequalities in design.

Check out this organization my friend/colleague is supporting-- they are looking to create different outcomes for court-involved youth and formerly incarcerated adults by providing safe, accessible "climbing adventures" in nature. 💯 This is, no doubt, amazing and transformative work. We need more resources (money, minds, and time) invested in these kinds of creative, human-centric solutions. Part of our problem is that we have all been taught that solving social problems is supposed to look a certain way and that the power to create change belongs to certain people. When I was at HLS, we were taught that learning how to use the law was the best way to solve law-related problems (i.e.Mass Incarceration). In the world of "professional social justice" (i.e. nonprofit work), there tends to be a high value given to "proper" problem-solving strategies (i.e. things that require J.D.s, PhD's, and MBAs), and the people who are "qualified" to lead those strategies... As someone with a "fancy" degree, believe me, formal education can be helpful... However, I see many of us over-indexing and over-valuing the things that make us feel smart (ego) while greatly under-valuing and under-utilizing strategies informed by what we experience, observe, and witness in life and the world around us. Things we know in our spirit and body because of what we lived through. To be completely real, my life experiences have contributed far more to my ability to advocate, organize, and problem-solve (for justice and equity) than my formal education has (though the HLS degree is usually the "hook"). What's funny is that my most valuable insights from formal education came from interrogating and resisting what I was being taught... dominant narratives, without historical context, fed to me as divine truth ("Rule of Law"). I learned to pay attention to what questions Professors consistently dismissed/ignored, and I learned to understand what language and ideas were rewarded. It's not what I was taught that benefitted me. It was the process of interrogating what I was being taught and trying to understand WHY. One of the WHYs I arrived at: If we all believe that we need to be a formal power holder (lawyer, judge, doctor, CEO) to create radical change, most of us will also believe that we cannot create radical change in the world. However, the truth is-- each of us is a missing piece of the puzzle. Everyone has the power to contribute to a more just and equitable world... you just gotta find your way, your unique superpower. The Flash doesn't try to be Superman, and Charles Xavier doesn't try to be Wolverine... superheroes move from within. "This is who I am, and so this is how I will help save the world." You have permission. <3 #transformativejustice #communityfirst #sharedhumanity

A message from MVTA CEO, Luther Wynder: February is Black History Month and at this time I find myself reflecting on prolific leaders who have come before me.  Teachings of the past shape our present. The transportation industry has its fair share of involvement in Black history, and it’s important to stay educated and informed.  Dr. King’s great dream of a vibrant, multiracial nation united in justice, peace and reconciliation included a place at the table for children of every race and ability. I believe we are called this Black History Month, not merely to honor and remember, but to celebrate the values of equality, tolerance, and inclusivity he so compellingly expressed in his great dream for America. In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson spearheaded an initiative to designate a time to educate people and promote Black history and culture. This was celebrated during the second week of February, chosen in part because of its alignment with Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays (asalh.org). Over time, college campuses began extending the week into an entire month.  In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. Since then, every U.S President has continued to designate this month and endorse a specific theme; in 2024, the theme is “African Americans and the Arts” (history.com)  From a transit perspective, this is an excellent time to bring attention to marginalized communities and recognize our own history as an industry. You may know the story of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus, but the effect on transit as we know it today is greater than you may realize. The economic impact of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, for which Rosa Parks became the icon, is part of the reason that agencies like us are public – previously, bus carriers were private companies. This allowed the industry to transform over time and eliminate barriers to transportation access for communities of color.  Every day, many people rely on public transportation to live their lives. Public buses provide an accessible and affordable lifeline for those who need or want it. Though we have come a long way, there is always room for growth and opportunities to practice allyship. Let’s continue to shine a light on the sacrifices and contributions of Black communities, and let’s continue to break transportation barriers – because everyone deserves a seat on our buses. Sources:   https://lnkd.in/gkTHyYy  https://lnkd.in/gRRn4dsK  https://lnkd.in/gGDtyvag month/#:~:text=Woodson chose February for reasons,12th and the 14th, respectively.  

There is so much to celebrate and be aware of this month! What are you celebrating in May? #SustainableBusiness #SocialEnterprise #SocialImpact #SmallBusiness #BusinessStrategy

🚨✨ Reflecting on an incredible journey at the #911GoesToWashington event as the rookie NENA Northeast Regional Director, I am beyond proud of the meaningful conversations the entire board was able to have with with legislators and their dedicated staff. 🏛️📢 The team had a CLEAR mission - to amplify the critical issues facing the brave public safety community and ensure our collective voices; which were heard loud and clear across the capitol region.. Kudos to Jonathon's sessions on behalf of NENA, which provided invaluable fresh content that was jam-packed with insights and strategies to address our common challenges. One of the highlights? Engaging directly with policymakers to advocate for the SAVES Act and the vital classification of telecommunicators. It's about recognizing the unsung heroes of public safety who are the first, first responders. 📞💪 We left no stone unturned, providing fresh and informative leave-behind materials to ensure our message resonates long after our meetings. It's more than just a visit; it's about forging lasting impressions and partnerships for a safer future. 📚🤝 Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this crucial cause. Together, we're not just raising awareness; we're sparking change. Here's to continuing our advocacy and ensuring the public safety message is not only told but remembered. 🔥👏 #PublicSafety #SAVESAct #TelecommunicatorClassification #AdvocacyInAction

🌟 Rising Together: Honoring George Floyd's Legacy Through the Transformative Power of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 🌟 It's been four years since George Floyd's murder, an event that shook the world and ignited a movement for social justice. In my latest article, I explore how this pivotal moment has transformed our workplaces and society, driving a deeper commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). 🔍 Sneak Peek: - Discover the impact of George Floyd's legacy on corporate and non-profit DEI initiatives. - Learn about the challenges and successes in DEI programs across various industries. - Understand the crucial steps organizations must take to ensure DEI is not just a buzzword but a fundamental part of their mission. - Get insights from my experiences leading DEI efforts and bridging gaps in various sectors. Join me as we reflect on the progress we've made, the challenges we face, and the actions we must take to build a more equitable future for all. #RisingTogether #GeorgeFloyd #DEI #SocialJustice #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Leadership #CorporateResponsibility #WorkplaceInclusion #Transformation #Accountability #DEIImpact #Progress #FutureOfWork

🌟 Happy Black History Month from all of us at WRMSDC! 🌟 At WRMSDC, we believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just this month, but all year round. We are committed to fostering an environment that uplifts and supports Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators who continue to shape our industry and drive economic growth. 👉🏿 Stay tuned for our upcoming events, workshops, and initiatives designed to empower minority-owned businesses and promote diversity in the corporate supply chain! [ID: A graphic with a bold, central title that says 'HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH' in black capital letters. The background features a tribal pattern border in a gray color. Below the title, there are three raised fists in solidarity, representing power and unity. In the top right corner, there's the logo of WRMSDC.] #WRMSDC #HappyBlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #DiversityInBusiness #Empowerment

🌟 Celebrating a Pillar of Entrepreneurship and Community Development: Herman J. Russell 🌟 This Black History Month, we honor the remarkable legacy of Herman Jerome Russell, a visionary entrepreneur whose influence has been instrumental in shaping Atlanta's skyline and community. Born in 1930, Russell's journey from his beginnings in his father's plastering business to founding H.J. Russell & Company, one of the most successful Black-owned construction and real estate firms in the United States, exemplifies dedication, innovation, and leadership. 🏗️ Building Atlanta's Future Russell's profound impact on Atlanta includes iconic projects like the Georgia Dome, the expansion of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and contributions to the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) rail system. His work extended beyond constructing buildings; he built opportunities for the Black community in construction and real estate, laying a foundation for future generations. Russell also served as the first black member, and later president, of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce! 🌱 A Legacy Beyond Buildings Beyond his business achievements, Russell was a committed philanthropist and civil rights advocate, supporting educational opportunities and striving for economic empowerment within the Black community. His leadership and advocacy efforts made him a central figure in Atlanta's progress toward equality and justice. 🔗 Inspiring Future Generations Herman J. Russell's story is a powerful reminder of how vision, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community can create lasting change. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's honor Russell's legacy by aspiring to impact our communities positively, just as he did through his life and work. To learn more about Herman J. Russell, we suggest his book: Building Atlanta: How I Broke Through Segregation to Launch a Business Empire Paperback https://lnkd.in/dTheZgTM #BlackHistoryMonth #EntrepreneurialExcellence #HermanJRussell #AtlantaLegacy #CommunityDevelopment #Innovation