Happy Juneteenth! Social media is not enough, and one day is not enough. Every day, we have a responsibility to step aside and let Black women lead while vocally opposing the systems of oppression and racism active in our communities. If you’re off today and you’re white- the LEAST you can do is acknowledge Juneteenth. Go to a Juneteenth celebration. Educate yourself. Support Black owned businesses. Support Black led nonprofits and grassroots organizations doing the work. Check your privilege. Examine the biases that exist in ALL of us. Step aside.

✊ Juneteenth - a day etched in history, a reminder of the long road to freedom. Tomorrow is more than just a celebration. It's a call to reflection, to honor past struggles, and to recommit to building a more just future. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Here are some ways we can contribute: 📖 Educate ourselves: Learn about Black history and the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities. ✊🏿 Support Black-owned businesses: Invest in the economic empowerment of Black communities. 🗣️ Advocate for change: Speak out against racism and support policies that promote racial equality. 🤝 Become an ally: Use your voice and resources to challenge discriminatory practices and stand in solidarity with the Black community. By understanding the history of Juneteenth and recognizing the ongoing fight for equality, we can all work towards a more just future.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American history – the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth not only honors the struggle and resilience of African Americans but also offers an opportunity to educate ourselves and support the ongoing fight for racial equality. AAEG (African American Employee Group) a BASF ECMS Employee Resource Group (ERG) shared with us a few ways we can support and learn more about this federal holiday. • Support Black-Owned Businesses – seek out local and online Black-owned businesses and make a conscious effort to support them year-round. This not only helps to uplift these businesses but also contributes to the economic empowerment of the Black community. • Advocate for Change – use your voice and platform to advocate for policies, initiatives, and education that promote racial equity. Whether it's through social media, community engagement, or other channels, your advocacy can help drive meaningful change. • Reflect and be part of the change – being part of the change involves continuous learning and a commitment to standing in solidarity with the Black community. • Amplify Black Voices - Listen to and amplify the voices of Black individuals and communities. Actively seek out perspectives and experiences that differ from your own. Engage in meaningful conversations about race and inequality. Remember that allyship is an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning, reflection, and action. • Donate – support organizations that advocate for racial justice and provide education by donating your time or resources. #togetherWeLead

This years Black History Month theme is reclaiming narratives. Black history is often overlooked, diminished and mis-told. Black History Month 2024 asks us 'to take control of our stories, celebrate our heritage, and ensure our voices are heard.' We invite our members and community of women and girls organisation to share with us stories from your projects to bring a bigger platform to the lives, histories and heritage of black women in the North East. Not just this month, but every month. [email protected] Black women's voices and experiences in the North East are still being marginalised, overlooked and ignored. Our members tell us that recent riots have left many black and minoritised women feeling afraid. Culturally sensitive services and programs which truly understand differences in history, culture and faith practices and how they intersect with relationships, family dynamics, and work are essential to provide black women with the support they need. It's essential that projects led by black and minorities women for black and minoritised women exist and are supported financially to thrive and that a greater understanding of Black history and culture is cultivated in our communities.

As we are nearing the end of Black History Month, Text Power Telling wants to take a moment to acknowledge that Black women are more vulnerable to sexual violence than other groups. Numerous survivors choose not to disclose their experiences of assault due to a range of factors, including feelings of shame and humiliation, encounters with racism, a historical pattern of disbelief, and inadequate protection for Black women. We stand united in raising awareness, advocating for justice, and fostering support systems that address the unique challenges faced by Black women who are survivors. One of the most vital things to do is be educated on the issue of sexual violence for Black women including its history and how that has carried into the present. By recognizing and addressing this intersectional concern, we strive to contribute to a future where every Black woman can reclaim her strength, dignity, and agency, free from the shadows of sexual violence. Here is a link to https://www.nbwji.org/ National Black Women's Justice Institute with great resources to look at.

🖤 Happy Black History Month 2024! 🖤 As we celebrate the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals, let's also reflect on how we can actively support and uplift the Black community beyond February. Here are a few ways we can make a difference: ✔ Amplify Black Voices: Take time to listen, learn, and amplify Black voices and stories. Share articles, books, and resources that celebrate Black history and culture. ✔ Support Black-Owned Businesses: Invest in Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in your community. By supporting their endeavors, we contribute to economic empowerment and growth. ✔ Advocate for Equality: Stand up against racial injustice and inequality in all its forms. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. ✔ Educate Yourself and Others: Continuously educate yourself and others about the history and ongoing struggles faced by the Black community. Engage in meaningful conversations and promote awareness. ✔ Take Action: Get involved in organizations and initiatives that actively work towards racial justice and equality. Whether it's volunteering, donating, or participating in advocacy efforts, every action counts. Let's make this Black History Month a time of reflection, celebration, and meaningful action. 💪🏽 Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackExcellence #InclusionMatters Photo cred: https://lnkd.in/e7_3Ajpi

As UK Black History Month comes to a close… 1. I hope that, rather than the end of something, you will see this as the beginning of a discussion that lasts throughout the year and where you get involved in anti-racism action, read and listen to black people's perspectives, and seek to understand their experiences. 2. I hope you were able to take some time to reflect on your prejudices and how they might affect colleagues and loved ones. 3. I hope you feel confident to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.   Together, we can really make a difference.   As a Black women, it can be easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of our history, but it is important to remember that self-care is really about self-preservation. The origins of today’s self-care industry are deeply embedded in the Black Power movement of the 1960s and ’70s, in underserved communities in the US. As the healthcare system was failing the black community, "Black women, often queer, pushed other activists toward caring for themselves as a necessary, everyday revolutionary practice" (quote by Maryam K. Aziz, Ph.D.).   This is why to conclude this month, I pay homage to self-care as a radical practice.

🌟 We’re 16 days into Black History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history. Yet, as I scroll through my feed, something feels -- off! Where are the posts about allyship? Where are the articles on supporting Black colleagues? Where are the pledges to donate to organizations uplifting Black communities? Sadly, they seem to be missing this month. 🤔 #howironic As a Black woman, it's disheartening to witness this absence. We're often called upon to amplify the voices and messages of so many others, yet our own contributions are frequently muted or overlooked. This Black History Month, let's recommit to being better allies, specifically to Black women by: 1.  Giving credit where it's due and ensuring that Black women receive the recognition and visibility they rightfully deserve. (this one is HUGE!) 2.  Amplifying their voices and advocating for their representation in all spaces. 3. Taking meaningful action to address issues of inequality and injustices that disproportionately impact Black women. 4. Let Black women be themselves - don't police their hair or communication style. #LetsDoBetter #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackWomen #Allyship

Today is National Black Girl Magic Day! Let’s 🎉 HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BLACK GIRL MAGIC DAY Celebrate yourself You cannot celebrate National Black Girl Magic Day without celebrating yourself. Wish yourself and your Black women friends a very Happy National Black Girl Magic Day, and celebrate with a party or a casual day off. Read up on the history Another great way to observe National Black Girl Magic Day is by learning the history of Black women. Learn about the Black women who came before you and their contribution to the fight for equality and justice. Support businesses of Black women Convert your words into actions by supporting businesses led by Black women. Observe National Black Girl Magic Day by giving shout-outs to brands by Black women that you love.

In the face of global crisis and capitalism, the need to finance Black feminist movements is increasingly urgent. Yet 59% of Black feminist organizations have never received core or general support funding. Join us in our mission to resource Black feminist movements towards our collective freedom. #FundBlackFeminists