Diverse: Issues In Higher Education’s Post

Opinion: How Black Americans’ refusals of injustice have shaped our national story This recent #Juneteenth Opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times by Historian, Author, Educator, and Speaker, Kellie Carter Jackson, really resonated with us here at CEEM Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement as we renew our commitment as a beacon in these dark times. As we navigate the complexities of today's America, we must remember the lessons of our past. The same spirit of refusal that led to the creation of the Underground Railroad and the Black Panther Party's social programs is needed today to combat the continued attacks on our freedoms and opportunities for equity and prosperity. We must continue to refuse to accept the status quo, refuse to let our civil liberties be eroded, and refuse to be silenced. Only through the unity of collective refusal, collective economics, and an unwavering commitment to justice can we hope to pave the way for a more just and equitable future for future generations. We must continue to insist on creating our own destinies, just as our ancestors did. We will do this, just as we always have - together. Kellie's new book "We Refuse - a Forceful History of Black Resistance" is out now. #Juneteenth #BlackOwned #BlackCommunity #BlackEducation #BlackProsperity #BlackRefusal #BlackResistance #FreedomDay https://lnkd.in/gZ9BykWW

WHY I WROTE Posted on July 26, 2023 By CW Porter A PEN WITH A POINT OF VIEW… When I first began to research our history in the 80’s, it was for our church’s Black History Month in February. Each year I culled through 7-8 websites to gather as much as I could find; and I began to notice the differences between websites concerning dates, time, articles, and information. That only made me dig deeper. So much of the history we now take for granted was hardly there, and so much was left out. Gradually I noticed that many of the incidents I researched came as a direct result of US laws and Supreme Court Rulings. They affected our lives, and our oppression much more than anybody was telling. Again, I dug deeper. So, I went backwards from the 1900’s to the 1800’s. That was a real eye opener. THAT was where most of the present-day approaches, policies, and attitudes towards Africans, Blacks, Coloreds, and Negros were established. I was so used to the romanticized version of ladies with bustled dresses and men in top hats and cravats. Those in power were well-dressed cruel, avaricious, cutthroats, NOT gentlemen. The War of 1812, The Civil War, the Succession of southern states from the Union in 1861, and The Reconstruction Era, pitted State Laws against the US Constitution; and it’s still happening! Most history didn’t focus on this time period. Again, I had to go further back. In those days most US history started with the War of Independence in 1775. But earlier Colonial history gave more insight. Here, a continuous thread began that has managed the oppression of my people, State (or Colonial) Laws. Before the War of Independence, whatever one state established, the other states followed. That is still happening today. Former slave states have not changed their defiance of the Constitution. Democracy (or the will of the people), and the Law of the Land, became an instrument of oppression. When we use the term “THEY” White Nationalists and extreme-right-wingers are those whom we speak of. . I'm looking forward to giving a "black spin" on black history........

Why Every Month Should be Black History Month! Anyone who misses Black History Month might want to consider three of the best examples of "Every Month is Black History Month" on social media: • Theresa M. Robinson, ABD • Elizabeth Leiba • Ernest Crim III, MA You might agree with Supreme Court Justice John Roberts that housing was segregated by "personal choices". Until Black History shows us how housing was segregated by Federal, State and local laws and rules. Many US Americans believe the Second Amendment enshrines a sacred right to bear arms to protect ourselves from Federal overreach.  Until Black History relates how James Madison crafted the amendment to reassure worried enslavers that state militias could crush rebellions of the enslaved. Some folks push back against reparations in California saying, “This was a Free State.” Until Black History tells us how enslaved Black workers were brought to the state and forced to remain in bondage, with government connivance. Future L.A. real estate investor, Biddy Mason, successfully sued for her freedom but many of the enslaved continued to be held illegally. As an old white guy, Black History helps me know "the whole truth" of the US. Ignorance is not a productive way forward. We need to join hands and solve this country's persistent social problems. Knowing these hard historical truths also helps me better empathize with and support Black friends, neighbors and colleagues. They're just trying to get justice like we all want for ourselves. Rooted in Equity, -john #BlackLivesMatter #BlackHistoryMatters #SocialJusticeforAll

This has been a Hell of a Black History Month...... As Black History Month progresses, a heart-wrenching narrative unfolds in Texas, my home state, where Darryl George, a high school student, stands at the crossroads of heritage and legality. Darryl's refusal to cut his locs—a profound expression of his identity—has led to an educational denial, spotlighting a grim reality in our seemingly progressive journey. This incident isn't an isolated struggle but a testament to the ongoing battle against systemic racism, magnified by a Texas judge's ruling that threatens to unravel the protections afforded by the CROWN Act. This moment is bigger than us. It's a clarion call for unity, for raising our voices against policies that dare to dictate our appearance, to challenge our essence. The potential escalation of this issue to the Supreme Court could set a precedent, not just for Darryl but for countless others who seek to live authentically. As we navigate these trying times, let's draw strength from our shared history of resilience and resistance. I invite you to reflect on what the CROWN Act represents and how its reversal could impact us all. How can we stand in solidarity with Darryl and others facing similar injustices? How do we ensure our rights are not eroded but instead affirmed and expanded? Your thoughts, your voice, and your action are crucial now more than ever. Let's engage, share, and mobilize. Because when we stand together, our collective power can move mountains. #SolidarityWithDarryl #ProtectTheCROWNAct #BlackHistoryMonth #OurIdentityOurFight #TrillMBAShow #WeAllWeGot

In the course of my reporting on this event, I overlooked the pomp and circumstance to ascertain what substantive action would come out of this historic meeting of Black history descendants. Even Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., a descendant I interviewed at the White House, expressed surprise at the heaviness of my first question: What will the Black history descendants discuss during their two-day convening and what tangible project will come out of it? My strategy is a testament to being around entirely too many "talking heads" over the last decade or so. More importantly, it shows my nationalist, race-first outlook that reveals the U.S. government as an entity threatened by true Black self-determination. My article in The Washington Informer acknowledges the historic significance of this descendants meeting while noting that it will result in something more than an election year photo op for the White House. NOTE: Proximity to "power" means nothing without collective control of our resources and destiny. In these times, Black journalists bear the responsibility of asking the real questions and not folding under the allure of celebrity. Let's do our best to keep the pressure on our (s)elected officials, all in the spirit of Ida B. Wells and countless others. https://lnkd.in/edGAvFxN

How do you thrive and progress your career in a competitive field such as finance - where bias and corporate structures can be difficult to navigate? Delighted to be back at the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW)to share strategies for personal and professional growth. It’s been years since I qualified so this takes me down memory lane. #financeprofessionals #charteredaccountants #blackhistorymonth #inclusiveleaders #genderdiversity

What should you know about Black history? Periodically, I hear someone say that they hadn’t known this or that about Black history, and they decry the educational system that had kept that fact hidden from them. With this in mind, I was intrigued by Allison Wiltz’s list on Medium in an article entitled, “What Do You Wish More People Knew About Black History?” Explaining that 36 states have now adopted or introduced laws or policies restricting teaching about race or racism, she asked people on Twitter to say what they thought people should know. In honor of Black history month, I give a succinct summary of the seven topics that she chose to write about in the comments below. If the brief phrases I give to describe each one leaves you cold, you can learn more from her article [link in first comment below], or try googling the topic. A caveat: This is *her* list, not mine. I thought it was good enough to post about, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect my top seven. 

This Juneteenth, as we recognize and commemorate the centuries-long struggle Black Americans have undertaken in this country, we must remember a few things: First, in light of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, it is important to understand that we celebrate Juneteenth regardless of whether it is an “official” holiday or not. To paraphrase Dr. Ben-Jochannan, we don’t need to ask for a holiday; we simply take a day. We must also be clear about what constitutes the Black agenda, and not accept symbolic gestures as tangible gains for the Black community. Second, Juneteenth should not be generalized to all groups, as this is a holiday specifically for the descendants of American slaves who have had to endure centuries of oppression. That does not mean other people cannot recognize it, but Black Americans' achievements and culture are often spread out to all groups, and it is important to acknowledge Black Americans' unique history and contributions in America. Third, when reflecting on our history, we must consider what has enabled our success thus far. One of the most important factors in our success has been the prevalence of our code of conduct. By creating and enforcing this code, we ensure that no individuals will be allowed to undermine our efforts from within, and we must continue to use this same strategy going forward. Lastly, we can commemorate our history today, but we must take action tomorrow. I therefore implore all those supporting justice to do so by educating yourself and those around you about our history and present circumstances, and looking for opportunities for activism in your communities. This summer, I’ve committed to reading a number of different books by some of our greatest teachers, including: “A Black History Reader”, “Black Labor, White Wealth”, and “PowerNomics” all by Dr. Claud Anderson. “Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust” by Dr. John Henrik Clarke. “The Isis Papers” by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. I highly recommend all of these scholars' books, as well as their speeches and lectures, many of which are available now on Youtube. Happy Juneteenth, and may we continue in our progress towards equality. #Juneteenth #BlackEmpowerment #BlackHistory #Resilience #Justice