Timothy J. Fair, Ph.D.

Check out my new article in Black Perspectives. "Maulana Karenga, founder and chair of the Organization Us (Us), developed the concept of operational unity during the Black Power Movement. Several organizations actively contributed to the Black Power Movement in the United States such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), Us, the Black Panther Party, the Congress of African People, The Third World Women’s Alliance (TWWA), the Black Women’s Alliance (BWA), as well as Black Student Union’s (BSU) and Black Student Alliance’s (BSA) to name a few. These organizations, their leadership, and their constituents reflect geographical, ideological, and political diversity within the movement. To develop and sustain movement possibilities, Karenga developed the concept and practice of operational unity to create and maintain unity across diversity. Here, the concept of operational unity is revisited and examples of it in practice are discussed, revealing its successes and contributions to the Black Power Movement." https://lnkd.in/g7Ka4y-Y #blackperspectives #aaihs #africanamericanintellectualhistorysociety #maulanakarenga #operationalunity #blackpower #blackpowermovement

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This article from Black Enterprise Magazine came at the right time! As the former Executive Director and now CEO of End Rape On Campus (EROC), I've had the privilege of working with various leadership coaches. Today, my needs as a leader have evolved, and I'm at a critical juncture in my journey of rebuilding EROC and honoring its legacy. Before any executive leadership coaches reach out to me, please note: I’ll reach out as I do my preliminary research. I know what I want and need, and I’m intentional about finding the right fit. Here’s a snippet of what I’m looking for: - A Black Executive Leadership Coach: My career journey has been shaped by having had at least 12 white supervisors, 95% of whom were women-identified. Only one has consistently supported and mentored me, exemplifying true allyship. I seek a Black Executive Leadership Coach who understands the challenges I’ve faced and has successfully navigated similar experiences. Their insights on how they found their strength, will, and motivation will be invaluable as I chart my path forward. - Coaching Style: I need a coach with an authentic, supportive, and direct approach. Someone who isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, respectfully challenge me, and guide me towards an authentic and appropriate direction. - Current Goal: My vision is ambitious: to lead EROC through a $1 Million+ transformation. I need a coach who can help translate my ideas and drafts into a strategic and realistic pathway. I aim to ensure EROC’s sustainability and empower future staff to carry forward its mission with drive and motivation. - Investment: While I deeply desire to invest in myself or have my organization support me, it’s not feasible at this moment. However, this is a need I am committed to fulfilling. QUESTION: I'm curious to learn from YOU, reader, who have had/currently have an executive leadership coach, what you have found to be rewarding in your journey? Thank you for your attention to my post and support as I embark on this exciting chapter. Sheena Collier | Enna Jimenez | Sabrina Saunders Mosby | Sabrina Hersi Issa | Diane Randolph Jones, MS, MFA | Fakisha Fabre | Bentina Terry | Sharisse Kimbro | Tiffany Dufu | Lynn Perry Wooten | Kimberly Bryant

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Learn from Ms. Valerie!

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Black women are the fastest-growing group of business owners and have been steadily opening businesses since 2017. I have had the honor of working with thousands of small business owners and the black women that I have worked with have brought so much joy, passion, drive, business-savvy, and grit to the businesses that they start. I've also seen first-hand that: Black women who apply for funding are rejected at a 3x higher rate than that of white business owners And, disappointingly: "The 10 metro areas with the highest proportional representation of Black-owned businesses are all in the Southeast, including three in North Carolina. However, in 2020, as in previous survey years, no metro area had a share of Black employer firms equal to or greater than its share of Black residents." "If Black business ownership continues to grow at its current rate (4.72%), it will take 256 years to reach parity with the share of Black people in America—a timeline that leaves racial wealth gaps entrenched. Reaching parity in 15 years would take a 74.4% growth rate; for 25 years, a 44.6% growth rate; and for 50 years, a 22.3% growth rate." (quote source: https://lnkd.in/eKjiBrah) The Black Biz Summit is crucial to addressing this gap for black business owners. Share it with your friends, neighbors, and fellow entrepreneurs! Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewDJrn3A

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Despite the DEI myths being circulated, investing in women of color is the best economic decision an organization can make. Your ROI is golden and the innovation, creativity and energy that comes with a significant increase in your bottom line is unmatched. Goldman Sachs is getting it right and other organizations in the corporate and nonprofit space should take note. #diversityequityandinclusion #leadership #nonprofits #economy #corporatesocialresponsibility

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Black men, while it is an accomplishment to occupy a higher office or prestigious role, it alone is not enough to change the deeply ingrained narratives or perceptions that surround us. These roles may provide us with visibility and influence, but without a shift in consciousness, our actions will continue to align with the old patterns that have been imposed on us. True transformation begins internally, with a deliberate focus on changing how we see ourselves, our potential, and our responsibility to the community. It requires more than just professional success—it demands personal growth and a commitment to operating with purpose and intention. Besides, a change in consciousness is what leads to a true shift in how we navigate the world and inspire others. When we elevate our thinking, we elevate our actions. Occupying these roles must be seen as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, dismantle misconceptions, and redefine what leadership looks like for Black men. Our actions must reflect a higher level of awareness, driven by the understanding that we represent more than ourselves—we represent our families, our communities, and future generations. It's about stepping into leadership roles with a mindset rooted in accountability, authenticity, and a deep commitment to rewriting the narrative, not just for us, but for those who will follow. ______________ Visit my website: https://richardacross.com Check out my books and journals + more! ______________ POSITIVELY SHAPING THE FUTURE™ #1millionblackmalestudents #LifePurpose #mentoring #HBCUsMatter #LeadingWithIntegrity #TheBlackMaleImpact #Blackexcellence #ChallengeCharacterAssasination #BlackMenCollaboration #BlackMen #Impact #leadingchange #CulturalTransformation #HigherEducation #MillionaireMindset #BlackBoys #changethenarrative #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveImpact #Book2024 #DrRichardACross #PositiveInfluence #OwnYourGreatness #InnerStrength #TrustBuilding #ChallengeTheNarrative #UniteForChange #DismantlingStereotypes

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✨ Reflecting on an evening of shared experiences and common struggles. 🌟 Tonight, I gathered with a group of young black women, each with a similar journey – privileged to receive a private education and driven by a passion to serve in the public sector. Yet, our aspirations were met with disillusionment as we navigated a landscape fraught with challenges. In a cruel irony, the very institutions that provided us with opportunities for better education now seemed to stifle our ambitions. We were labeled as "clever blacks" or dismissed for having "too much English," undermining our contributions and eroding our sense of belonging. Despite our qualifications and dedication, we found ourselves gradually pushed aside from a sector that claims to value our skills. It's a sobering realization that the path we chose with such fervor has become riddled with barriers and biases. 🌟 Join me on a thought-provoking journey as we explore the essence of voting and governance. 🔍 For some time, I've grappled with the question: why vote? In a landscape where the flame of service has been dimmed and faith in government has faltered, it's natural to question the significance of our ballots. 🗳️ That's why I'm launching a 20-day series leading up to the elections, where we delve into the heart of this matter: "By the way, why are you voting?" 🤔 Throughout this series, we'll touch on diverse topics and personal experiences, seeking to understand the underlying motivations behind our participation in the electoral process. I'm not interested in who you're voting for; instead, I want to hear your perspective on why you still have faith in the vote and government. 💬 Do you believe that by making informed decisions at the polls, we can effect real change in our material conditions on the ground? Let's ignite meaningful conversations, challenge assumptions, and pave the way for a brighter future together. 💫 Join me on this journey of introspection and exploration, as we navigate the complexities of citizenship and democracy. #BTWYRU #voting #ElectionSeries #GovernanceDialogue

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[7] reasons why Black men need to participate in helping with leveling the playing field. To level the playing field for others, it's where we actively engage in mentorship, advocacy, creating opportunities, and community involvement. 1. Representation Matters: 🤴🏿 Black men's participation ensures diverse voices and perspectives are included, creating a more equitable environment for everyone. 2. Breaking Barriers: 🚧 Active involvement helps dismantle systemic barriers and challenges that hinder progress for Black men and other marginalized groups. 3. Role Modeling: 🌟 Serving as role models, Black men inspire future generations by demonstrating resilience, leadership, and determination in overcoming obstacles. 4. Empowerment: 💪🏾 Participation empowers Black men to advocate for their rights, access resources, and pursue opportunities that contribute to personal and collective advancement. 5. Community Strength: 🤝🏾 Collaborative efforts foster solidarity within the Black community, fostering unity and collective action to address common challenges. 6. Impactful Change: 🌱 By participating, Black men contribute to creating lasting change that promotes fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all. 7. Future Generations: 🌍 Investing in leveling the playing field today ensures a brighter future for generations to come, where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive regardless of race or background. By sharing knowledge, advocating for equality, and participating in initiatives that address systemic issues, you'll be providing opportunities and support for those who may face barriers. Through empowerment and role modeling, you are encouraging individuals to recognize their potential and advocate for their rights, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society. ______________ Visit my website: https://richardacross.com Check out my books and journals + more! ______________ POSITIVELY SHAPING THE FUTURE™ #1millionblackmalestudents #motivation #inspiration #education #mentoring #HBCUsMatter #LeadingWithIntegrity #TheBlackMaleImpact #Blackexcellence #ChallengeCharacterAssasination #PersonalDevelopment #Perspective #Psychology #leadingchange #CulturalTransformation #Knowledge #MillionaireMindset #BlackBoys #changethenarrative #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveImpact #Book2024 #DrRichardACross #PositiveInfluence #BestVersionOfYourself

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My published doctoral research on "The Lived Leadership Experiences of Black Women Professionals: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study of the Intersectionality of Race and Gender" challenges the "Strong Black Woman" schema. While this narrative celebrates the resilience seen in historical and contemporary Black women leaders, it often masks the complex challenges they face. In today's political climate, understanding the impact of racial and gender stereotypes on leadership is invaluable. My findings highlight the need to acknowledge the full humanity of Black women leaders - their strengths, vulnerabilities, and experiences of intersectionality in professional settings. How can we honor the Black women leaders while creating space for vulnerability and support? How can organizations move beyond stereotypes to truly empower Black women in leadership roles? #BlackWomenInLeadership #IntersectionalityAtWork #Inclusion #Leadership

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Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs this is the kind of support Black entrepreneurs need! 💪🏾 The RICE Way is paving the path for success. Let's uplift and empower our community by sharing this incredible work. #RICEReady #BlackEntrepreneurs #Empowerment #SupportBlackBusiness

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Did you know that Black professionals are 81% more likely than white professionals to say their companies are “not at all” or only “slightly” fair. From the Being Black in the United Kingdom report by Coqual, this statistic highlights the stark reality of systemic racism in the workplace. Every professional deserves to feel valued and treated justly. I strive to help businesses create environments where fairness and opportunity are the norms, not exceptions. Read the report here: https://loom.ly/0XBHAu8 #BlackProffesionals #DEI

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Ericka Hines, JD's Black Women Thriving report is both insightful and necessary. Black women face unique pressures at work and leaders and managers who are unaware of the intensity of these pressures are more likely than not to create a work environment that leads inevitably to frustration and burnout. From the Nonprofit Quarterly article attached: "Our study revealed that fewer than half of Black women feel they can be authentic in the workplace without jeopardizing their positions. The reasons for this ranged from fear of being tokenized to feeling overly scrutinized to having to combat perceptions about competence. This pressure to perform, to consistently excel without any mistakes, leaves Black women with little room to be authentically themselves." Ericka not only points up this unsustainable dynamic in her work, she offers strategies for creating workspaces in which Black women can truly thrive. A link to download the report is embedded in the article.

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#Diaspora #diplomacy Incoming! A simple but impactful step that high-level political leadership can play in sparking diverse forms of #diasporaengagement whether it be for cultural promotion, economic engagement, nation building, etc is to ensure that a dialogue with diaspora is held on their relevant commitments abroad. Having been in those rooms for many, many years, it is clear to me that you cannot understate the importance of those exchanges. They allow the people-to-people connections required for diaspora engagement to flourish. Onwards. https://lnkd.in/eHeWdAWd

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“It will take 210 years at the current pace for Black Communities to reach economic parity.” Shifting from Incrementalism to Transformative Impact. Final keynote by Adair Mosley at African American Leadership Forum We currently live in a paradox of the best of times and worst of times. Progress is not linear. But on the other side of the struggle is liberation. We design the future we want to live in. Engage for Good #EFG2024

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I'm honored to have been interviewed in Lean In's Leadership Fundamentals for Black Women series. https://buff.ly/4eaojpc While Juneteenth celebrates some of progress made in this country, we still have a ways to go. Black women still earn 63.7 cents for every dollar earned by White men. A McKinsey study shows a significant decline in promotions rates for Black women in the last couple years; we are promoted at only half the rate as all men. We still need to advocate for ourselves when it comes to promotions and raises. Check out the "How to get the recognition you deserve at work" segment below for powerful tips as we continue to navigate these challenges.

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I am deeply saddened by the recent appeals judge ruling against the Atlanta-based Program for Women Business Owners. This program has been a lifeline for many Black women, providing crucial support and opportunities to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys. Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., with over 2.7 million businesses owned by Black women, yet they receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. This setback is a stark reminder of the unique challenges Black women still face in the business world. Now, more than ever, we must stand together and support each other. Let’s lift each other up by: - Supporting Black women-owned businesses with our purchases and recommendations. - Urging policymakers to support programs specifically designed for Black women entrepreneurs. - Offering mentorship and guidance to those affected by this ruling. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive business environment. Let’s ensure no Black woman is left behind. 💪🏿❤️ #BlackWomenInBusiness #SupportBlackWomenEntrepreneurs #EqualOpportunities #DEI #StrongerTogether

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Writing your first book is tough. I know. It’s something you put your heart and soul into. You leave it all on the pages, then hope and pray people understand why you’ve dedicated so much time, effort, and even a piece of your soul to share your experiences or perspective with the world. And most of all, you hope they take a chance on you by buying and reading a copy. This post is for another new author who has taken the plunge. Here’s a little about Jacqueline Potter Jones’s new book that I recently preordered, “Through it All: 30 Black Women’s Stories on Navigating Workplace Discrimination”. I hope you’ll join me in supporting her by preordering your copy. The book captures the deeply personal and powerful experiences of thirty Black women who have faced workplace discrimination and how they navigated it. The voices of these women may align with the experiences of many other Black women. Jacqueline felt these women’s voices deserved to be heard, and now you have an opportunity to make it a reality! By supporting the pre-sale campaign, you will contribute to a project to empower Black women, educate allies and corporate leaders, and inspire workplace change. The book will also enlighten and prepare new or recent workforce entrants about experiences they may encounter in the workplace. Click (or copy the link) here to secure your copy today! https://lnkd.in/e9gsDFfu Through it All: 30 Black Women’s Stories on Navigating Workplace Discrimination #newblackauthors #blackauthors #blackauthorsmatter Jacqueline Potter Jones

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Participants heard from a panel of dynamic Black women who are challenging the status quo, driving systemic change, and redefining success for Black learners. Through candid discussions and actionable insights, we examined how to create learning environments that not only acknowledge but celebrate the rich cultural heritage and potential of Black students. Black Women for a Better Education Education Powerment LLC Thriving Through Transformation LLC

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