Defense Intelligence Agency’s Post

As we celebrate the emancipation of Texas, learn more about Florida's emancipation. Here's the link to the mini-documentary I produced with the South Florida People of Color, "Before Juneteenth: Florida's Emancipations." https://lnkd.in/eq_tP-rE

I should have edited this video. It's long. There is an awkward pause. And another one. I'm not as good with my words here. That's okay. I'm talking about race. And that's uncomfortable. I grew up in Idaho. Everyone looked like me. I looked like everybody. We didn't talk about diversity or race. Because why would we? If we did, I don't recall any champions for justice. I had a LOT to learn. Like this: while we celebrate Juneteenth, the 13th amendment abolished slavery in 1862. By design, it took 2 ½ years for news to reach the last slaves in Galveston, Texas. On June 19th, 1865.  Not even justice was justly delivered. The sacrifice and suffering originating from American slavery is a stain on our history. It has been replaced with systemic, structural racism that persists. Especially in real estate. We can make a difference here. The future is ours to advance a more just and equitable future. It’s one thing to reflect and learn. It’s another to act. It's the work of individuals and business leaders to insist on change, then make it. It's my work. Nest DC birdSEED Foundation Jennifer Green, CMCA, AMS Natasha Bonhomme Michael Bennett André Robert Lee Leslie Hartmann Case Marla M. Dean Grace Langham Veronica Vivas Pavan Khoobchandani Kirby Howell Benjamin Cyprien Eser Yildirim Grace Woolen Gabrielle “Gabby” Mulnick Majewski Paola Moya Aaron Warren Scott Case Alison Scimeca Mimi Concannon #juneteenth #racialequity #justice

On this Juneteenth, please consider or share your alignment to the following: Reflection is meaningful but action is necessary!!! It's time to show that we learn from history and demonstrate understanding that we know it is inappropriate to try and rewrite history. We must ensure that truth prevails and we must respond in kind by leaving a legacy of FORWARD and not BACKWARD movement for younger generations. Is this not OUR moral imperative? #forward; #Juneteenth; #DEI

Here's the tea on what happened after #Juneteenth: Although General Order No. 3 was an important milestone, slavery didn't truly end that day. While it promised Black Texans equal rights, it also told them to stay on plantations as "employees." The formerly enslaved were encouraged to sign labor contracts with their former enslavers, leading to sharecropping — a system that often trapped Black folx in debt and poverty. Despite these challenges, freedpeople persisted during the Reconstruction period (1865-1874). They voted, organized, demanded fair wages, educated themselves, worshiped freely, and held political office. However, increasing violence and diminishing opportunities led many to establish their own communities, known as Freedman's Towns or Freedom Colonies. Between 1865 and 1930, over 500 Freedom Colonies were established across East Texas. These colonies provided safe havens where African Americans could reunite with loved ones and escape debt bondage and violence. One notable community was the Tenth Street Historic District in #Dallas, #Texas. The settlement expanded as freedpeople purchased lots and built beautiful bungalow and craftsman-style homes. This area became a hub for social, political, and economic organizing. Excluded from white society, families here created a vibrant world of their own. They built their own economy with Black-owned businesses providing essential services and social spaces. As the nation's largest and most-intact Freedman's Town, Tenth Street offers a rare view into Dallas's past and highlights the resilience of Black American communities everywhere. Our work continues to document, preserve, and amplify Tenth Street's rich history. We — along with our partners Remembering Black Dallas Katie Cross — recently received Juneteenth coverage highlighting these efforts. Check it out here: * https://lnkd.in/gVYqXBuy * https://lnkd.in/g4NsSDmV * https://lnkd.in/gvdrzTKk * https://lnkd.in/gQUJHCX3 #FreedomColonies #BlackHistory #TenthStreet #Reconstruction #History #Preservation

Hey that's me! Read my latest for CultureALL.

What an incredible experience walking alongside the Warriors float during the Juneteenth parade on June 8th, 2024! Juneteenth, a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," marks a pivotal moment in our history. It's commonly believed to be the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas became free, however around that time it's when they came to learn of their freedom. While Juneteenth is when the emancipation was enforced, the reality is that African Americans were legally freed about two and a half years earlier, on January 1, 1863, with the Emancipation Proclamation. This underscores a crucial point: knowledge is power. Understanding historical truths and current regulations empowers us to navigate and transform our world. This belief drives my commitment to supporting small businesses through advocacy, mentorship, and stewardship. I firmly hold to the principle of "each one, teach one," and it was heartwarming to see so many beautiful faces at the parade yesterday. Thank you, Warriors, for the invite! Let's continue driving change and supporting small businesses in the Bay Area through educational programs, mentorship, access to funding, increased visibility, and creating contract opportunities. Together, we can make a significant impact! #Juneteenth #SupportSmallBusiness #Advocacy #Mentorship #KnowledgeIsPower #EachOneTeachOne #Ifyoudontknownowyouknow #CommunityEmpowerment #BayArea #Warriors

Clarifi's offices will be closed today in honor of Juneteenth, which we officially began observing in 2023. This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. It took two years for President Lincoln's executive order to take effect in all Confederate states. On June 19, 1865, the last 250,000 people held in bondage in Texas learned they were finally free, no longer legally owned by another human. While Juneteenth is a historic day, it signified just one step toward racial equity in this country; it did not end the suffering, racism, exploitation, persecution and terror that Black and Brown families still face today. With a $3 trillion racial wealth gap, disproportionately high poverty rates and a lagging homeownership rate among Black and Brown people, we still have work to do. When we return from this holiday, we'll continue making financial education and resources accessible to everyone. And we'll empower more people of all income levels and zip codes to build wealth—not only for themselves, but for the next generation. #Juneteenth #Homeownership #RacialEquity

Have you ever heard of Sundown Towns? These were (and in some cases, still are) all-white communities in the United States that enforced racial segregation by excluding non-white individuals through local laws, intimidation, and violence. The term comes from the signs that were posted stating that people of color had to leave the town by sundown. This dark chapter in American history isn't widely known, but understanding it is crucial to comprehending the full extent of systemic racism and segregation that has shaped our society. Why Does This Matter Today? Historical Awareness: Recognizing the existence and impact of sundown towns helps us understand the deep roots of racial segregation and discrimination. This isn't just ancient history—many of these towns existed well into the 20th century, and their legacy affects racial demographics and attitudes today. Systemic Racism: The policies and practices of sundown towns are a stark reminder of how systemic racism is not just about overt acts of discrimination but also about policies and norms that exclude and marginalize. Present-Day Realities: Shockingly, some communities in 2024 still function as sundown towns, maintaining racial exclusion through less overt, but equally insidious means. These towns may not post signs anymore, but they use economic barriers, law enforcement practices, and community pressures to maintain their racial homogeneity. Click on this link to see if you live in one or near one - https://lnkd.in/ggyedt6S Why Are Some Towns Still Sundown Towns in 2024? Economic Barriers: High property values and restrictive zoning laws can effectively exclude people of color by making it financially impossible for them to move in. Law Enforcement Practices: Racial profiling and discriminatory policing practices create a hostile environment for non-white individuals. Community Pressure: Social and cultural exclusion, where non-white residents are made to feel unwelcome through subtle and overt forms of discrimination. What can you do to raise awareness and make change? #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #SundownTowns #RacialJustice #HistoricalAwareness #SystemicRacism #SocialJustice #Education #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #SundownTowns #RacialJustice #HistoricalAwareness #SystemicRacism #SocialJustice #Education

On Juneteenth, it is worth reflecting. If you think about it, the Founding Fathers were privileged, white men complaining about paying their taxes so much so that they fought a war and established a new country for THEIR freedom while talking like they were championing freedom. They were not. They did not support their wives' freedom, or that of the First People they stole the land from, or that of the enslaved people they stole labor from and called 3/5 a person. These inequities are still far too apparent today, and unfortunately seen in the type of extractive capitalism we call a free market. As well as continued discussion of who can be called a person and how much they count. While we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people, we still need to bend that arc of justice towards freedom for everyone. Please pitch in.