National Council of Negro Women, Inc. HQ’s Post

Excerpt from “Seventeen Ways” by Seibles Tim: Be here with them for a moment. Open your eyes. Try to remember what has been won, what it means after all the madness, to see the doors everywhere finally open. Check out our most recent VIA post to read more about the EOMR Memorial!

🎉 Next month marks the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights and equality in education. While this decision aimed to dismantle the "separate but equal" doctrine, its legacy is complex and far-reaching. I recently had the pleasure of teaching my students about this intricate legacy during our February Black History Month culture and diversity lessons. The immediate backlash following the decision led to the unjust removal of educators of color from the education industry for decades, perpetuating systemic racism and inequality. This is most evident in the persistent lack of diversity within the education sector. Before Brown v Board of Education, there were thousands of highly qualified Black and Brown teachers in segregated schools across the nation. However, following the decision, many of these schools were shut down, and there was a nationwide mass firing of Black and Brown educators. Despite their equal or even superior qualifications, they were often not hired in the newly integrated schools. Some districts even refused to integrate and instead closed all their schools for a few years. As with many aspects of society, representation matters. The absence of educators of color likely discouraged students of color from pursuing education degrees, further exacerbating the lack of diversity in the profession. This vicious cycle has been perpetuated for 70 years. As we celebrate progress, it's crucial to acknowledge and confront the ongoing echoes of this racist backlash that still reverberate today. Let's honor this anniversary by learning and sharing the accurate history, while also reaffirming our commitment to creating inclusive and equitable educational environments for all. #BrownvBoard #CivilRights #InclusiveEducation #EducationForAll 📚✊🏾

Catch our new #Rays podcast at the link below #raysup #heretostay

Juneteenth (June 19th) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.   Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. June 19th officially became a federal holiday in 2021.   I encourage you to read more about Juneteenth here: The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu) (See below) Also, here is some of the text from the Emancipation Proclamation:   "That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom” Abraham Lincoln     You should know this, but if not, The Emancipation Proclamation did not lead to the Civil War. The Civil War started two years earlier in 1861, primarily over disagreements over slavery, and ended in 1865.

Black History Month serves as a reminder of the enduring contributions made by Black individuals throughout history. In healthcare, acknowledging these contributions is crucial for fostering inclusivity and understanding. In recognition of Black History Month, we pay respect to the remarkable contributions and the history of black healthcare professionals. During World War I, Black women denied participation in Canada's war efforts and founded the Black Cross Nurses. This initiative, inspired by resilience, mirrored the Red Cross and showcased the heroic healthcare contributions made by Black Canadians. While celebrating pioneers like Dr. Abbott, the first Canadian-born Black doctor, we acknowledge the ongoing journey toward a just and equitable society. Dr. Abbott's legacy, graduating in 1861 and serving in the American Civil War, inspires reflection on progress. Let's honor Black History Month by recognizing the diverse and impactful narratives that shape our healthcare history. #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthcarePioneers #InclusiveCanada Source: https://loom.ly/vZpP1OA

Robert F. Smith says🔊#more #to #be #done #beyond advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion. We #must: ✅#broaden our #focus to include #economic #justice – and we can do this by providing #opportunities for #prosperity and #investing in the infinite #potential of #future #generations. ✅#build the #economic #infrastructure needed to #bridge the #racialwealthgap. ✅#invest in #education, #digital #technology and the #talent #pipeline to help close opportunity gaps that affect #Black #Americans, including the #generationalwealthgap.