The Meteor’s Post

An insightful article delineated the subtle yet pervasive use of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) discourse as a veiled substitute for derogatory racial epithets within political and societal spheres. This illuminating piece adeptly highlights the systemic marginalization of Black individuals by elucidating how DEI rhetoric often serves to perpetuate entrenched biases, suggesting a prevailing belief among non-POC that Black individuals are inherently undeserving of their professional roles and social standing. https://lnkd.in/eBmpBf_d

I'm part of a group called White Men for Racial Justice. I'm part of this because we need racial justice, in order to achieve stronger human connection. Without stronger connection, the forces that divide us prevail ... hate prevails, indifference prevails, and happiness is a mirage. You may or may not see racial justice as a necessity to improve your life, your community or the world at large. I didn't always appreciate how race showed up in all areas of my life (including business, the economy, & my own financial success) and the systems that I live within, or how it is so embedded into the country where I live (since & before I was born) that I don't know a life or experience without it. But thanks to this group, I'm able to obtain glimpses of a better future. I'm able to better direct my time and resources in ways that right wrongs and give me a more joyful experience. Interestingly, it also has led to better success in my business endeavors, possibly due to my ability to establish more meaningful relationships with people that look different than me and possibly because its refreshing to see a white business leader speak honestly, challenging my personal story of my success and admitting to having a head start in so many ways. Jay Coen Gilbert recently published a piece about some of my friends' experience at the March in Washington. We often think that just showing up isn't enough. Perhaps it is or it isn't, but as Jay points out, showing up consistently is a first step to offering hope, offering accountability, and putting in motion the process that we need "to create a better future for ourselves and our children." #racialjustice #equity #compassion

📣 Attention! 📣 We invite you to join us for Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Advocacy day, a crucial event where we unite to make our voices heard. This is an opportunity to engage directly with our elected representatives - our Senators and Delegates - who have the power to shape policies that impact our lives. Our history is filled with stories of brave individuals who fought tirelessly for our right to be seen, heard, and respected. Advocacy Day is our time to honor their struggle by engaging with those in power and advocating for the issues that matter to us. Remember the inspiring words of Fannie Lou Hamer: "Nobody's free until everybody's free." Our freedom is intricately tied to our ability to influence decision-making processes, and it's up to us to ensure that this right isn't taken for granted. Advocacy Day is more than just a gathering; it's a chance to address systemic racism, fight for economic equity, and demand better education and healthcare for our communities. Every voice counts, every message matters. Register at https://lnkd.in/ejhGHzdn So come, stand shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters on Advocacy Day. Let's show our legislators that when we stand united, our collective voice can't be ignored. Together, we are not just shaping our future, but also paving the way for generations to come. See you there! ✊🏾 #AdvocacyDay #MeetYourLegislators #BlackPower #StrengthInNumbers #Blackhistorymonth2024

As we wind down the Clapback, we do so with deep gratitude. For us at Black Innovation Alliance, the last 90 days has been a walk of faith – a journey that we’ve embarked upon with the support of our membership, our board, our partners and our staff. We simply thought it important to stand up and speak out. Not just in response to the frivolous lawsuit filed against Fearless Fund, but also the consistent backsliding related to issues of racial justice. As we guessed, conditions have only worsened since launching the Clapback. The good news is that we do not have to fight alone! And we are not beginning from zero. In times like this, there are few voices that ring clearer than James Baldwin – one of the greatest writers America has ever produced. Here are 17 quotes from Brother Baldwin to steady us for the fight ahead, and remind us that justice is on our side. https://lnkd.in/gQcmuxFU Be sure to sign the Clapback pledge to attend tomorrow's town hall at 3pm ET. https://lnkd.in/gH7DzgpN #BIAClapBack #blackentrepreneurs #digitaleconomy #ecommerce #BlackEconomicPower #BlackInnovators #BlackInnovationAlliance #FearlessFund #HelloAlice #BLADECon

Most people who know anything about Project 2025 are against what it states that the far right wants to do in the US and no matter what he says, Trump is all in on the Project. Having stated this, this project will probably affect white people in the US far less than anyone who is not white. The Non-White population of the US needs to understand that if Trump and the Republicans get into office they will implement this project as soon as they can. This article addresses the black community but everyone in the US needs to understand what this project is and how this project will lead the US into a 1930s Nazi style government in the US. The project is defined in a document about 900 pages but there are more manageable reads to get you to understand Project 2025. This is one of those. https://lnkd.in/gYi9EXcQ

Given our country’s long and difficult history with inclusiveness, Jean decided to sit down and write out her thoughts -- during this year’s Black History Month -- on how we got here (this week’s Part 1) and where we go from here (Parts 2 and 3 in the next blogs). She writes: I remember my shock in 2020 when repeated protests after George Floyd’s gruesome murder played to an international audience. What shocked -- and delighted me, as I wrote in a blog post -- was seeing how many White people turned out in support of racial and social justice. I had no idea that their concerns about racial divides had been simmering beneath the surface, waiting for ignition. Public outrage appeared the fuel that propelled the movement, from Emmett Till to the War on Poverty, brutal slayings of civil rights workers to George Floyd. Only now, the outrage appears on the side of those pushing for White supremacy. Across the country, state legislators have implemented a series of voter suppression laws, reflective of post-Reconstruction laws in the late 1870s. Claims of election fraud have gained currency, and there is widespread concern that democratic institutions themselves are under assault and susceptible to becoming vastly weakened by authoritarians. Gerrymandering has enabled politicians to guarantee their own elections, supported by Supreme Court rulings. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) industry is under attack, with claims that efforts to diversify the workforce or educational institutions amount to "reverse racism" against the White dominant group. Companies and colleges are figuring out how to avoid lawsuits while still reaping the benefits of diversity and inclusion. What happens now? How long will it take, and why does it take so long? What is required of us who so fervently want to see the change? Read the full entry in our blog. #Justice #Inclusion

𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀! Today marks a significant, relatively new federal holiday: Juneteenth, which is now recognized as a federal holiday. It's a time to reflect on the journey from past injustices to a future of equity and inclusion. "In this day of instant news, it is a tragedy that slavery continued in Texas for another two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln Proclaimed Emancipation," reflecting the prolonged struggle for freedom that ended with Gordon Granger's arrival in Galveston, Texas. As we observe Juneteenth, moving beyond wishing a happy Juneteenth is essential. Instead, be an ally to the Black community. Here are four meaningful ways you can make a real impact: 1. Educate Yourself: Learn about Black history and ask questions, but remember that it's not the responsibility of people of color to educate you. Juneteenth was traditionally celebrated only privately among the community and became a federal holiday after a media frenzy erupted from a rash of incidents. Despite diminishing financial support for DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), we can keep the progress moving. 2. Buy from Black-Owned Retailers: Support Black-owned businesses using directories such as byblack.us and blackwomanowned.co. 3. Invest in Underrepresented Entrepreneurs: Make direct investments into VC funds committed to inclusive access to capital, like Ally Capital Collab. 4. Seek Out Diverse Storytellers: Consume and share diverse media to uplift BIPOC voices, supporting platforms like Wocstar Media. (source: Gayle Jennings O'Byrne) Recognizing and celebrating this historic day highlights the pressing issues of inequality and the lack of diversity. Your role in advocating for equity and embracing diversity can drive positive change in your community. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #Equity #Inclusion #Diversity  #JonathanFrank