Lionakis’ Post

#Juneteenth is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder. When we mark this Freedom Day in honor of June 19, 1865 -- the day when enslaved Black Americans in Texas learned they were finally free -- we are celebrating the progress that has been made, but we also know there is still work to be done to achieve a future where freedom and equality are lived realities for all. Domestic violence is a form of oppression and inequity, and it is rooted in soil where oppression is tolerated and/or denied. Between Friends is acutely aware of how Black domestic violence survivors have to contend not only with interpersonal violence but also with structural and systemic oppression at multiple levels. And, remembering June is Pride month, we are also all too aware of how Black LGBTQ domestic violence survivors face additional systemic barriers as a result of homophobia and transphobia combined with racism. Juneteenth not only commemorates the past. It calls us to action. For us, each Juneteenth is a reminder of the need to keep working to create a world in which all people can be free from all forms of violence.

There are few things I would equally like to raise today and even 100 years from now. The quest to stamping out Racism is not for the Black African and Caribbean descent to sort out. It is also for the White folks to be part of the fight to pushing against Racism. Racism requires a United Stand. No excuse, just because you're White and not racist doesn't exempt you from not being part of the change! The very colour of your skin (put your white privilege to good use). It is an advantage to be an Ally and form alliance with Black initiatives for mutual benefits. It's about time we all speak up and hold systems, organisation responsible that play ignorance to their role at stamping out Racism. If we can promote LGBTQ in our organisations and fly the flag to show the inclusiveness of sexual identity then we can proudly fly anti-racism flag in our organisations too and wear the badge with Pride! Let's have those uncomfortable conversations with our White colleagues and challenge policy and practices that marginalise the 'others'. To be continued Ignorance is no longer bliss! ‐---I'm She with a United voice for All. #antiracism #blacklinkedin #blackhistorymonth2024 #blacklivesmatter #George Floyd

How can we bring out the stories of LGBTQ victims of Nazi persecution, and what can they tell us about Nazi ideology and antisemitism? Join our webinar on 6/25 with Melissa Mott, Director of Antisemitism, Holocaust, and Genocide Education, who will delve into the topic of this often-erased history of the campaign against LGBTQ people during the Holocaust. Register here: https://hubs.li/Q02C2Q8m0

Check out this incredible webinar with the amazing Melissa Mott!

🕰️ This video might be almost 20 years old, but the message still rings true today. Most of you know that I work full-time for a digital marketing agency. Working for a large corporation can often make you feel like a tiny grain of sand in a vast operation. That’s one of the reasons I truly cherish my personal ventures. As a black business owner and landlord, I've seen firsthand the disparities in housing, especially in Philadelphia. When I started purchasing properties in Philly, I was appalled by how poorly black tenants were treated. Many lived in homes with rats, severe root damage, and rotting doors, all while paying as much as $600 a month. It was heartbreaking to discover that these conditions were often perpetuated by black landlords. I now own three properties and counting, ensuring my renters have homes I'd be proud to live in. I primarily work with programs like the rehousing program, which helps women, often black women, escape abusive relationships and find healthier environments. It's unimaginable that anyone escaping trauma should end up in a rat-infested home, especially one provided by a fellow BIPOC. Providing quality living conditions restores dignity and can even save lives. It's unacceptable to prioritize profit over the well-being of those in desperate situations. We must do better for our communities, lifting each other up and ensuring everyone has a safe, dignified place to call home. Let's take better care of all, especially by uplifting our own communities. 💪🏾🏠 #BlackBusinessOwner #CommunityFirst #HousingEquality #PhiladelphiaHousing #UpliftOurCommunities

It was always important for me to see the world in true colours. Let me invite you for discussion about economics that we might we ashamed to talk about. #ČSOB #proud

Policy, urban design, and planning have an important role to play in supporting inclusivity, social justice, and community empowerment for LGBTQ2S people. What cities can do to help, could look like: 🏘️Creating and protecting quality affordable housing 🤝Supporting design principles that are based on the experiences of non-binary and trans folks 🎨Celebrating and honoring queer identity through heritage projects and public art The fight for queer liberation is nowhere near over, and cities have an important role to play in uplifting people of all gender identities and sexualities all year round. To learn more, read our latest blog ‘Queer Activism in Public Space’ through the link below: https://lnkd.in/eSSUvGKJ

The fight for queer liberation is nowhere near over, and cities have an important role to play in uplifting people of all gender identities and sexualities all year round. Learn more about how to improve cities for LGBTQ2S folks through housing, design principles, and heritage and art in our blog ‘Queer Activism in Public Space’ in the link below: https://lnkd.in/eSSUvGKJ

The majority of young Black Americans believe that the state they live in is safe for LGBTQ people. However, 31% of young Black Americans believe that the state they live in is somewhat unsafe or very unsafe for LGBTQ people.