Imaginable Futures’ Post

🗓️✨Juneteenth is a pivotal moment in history when the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Texas, a state where many enslavers fled to continue enslavement. A year later, the 13th Amendment to ban slavery was ratified on June 19, 1866. While the Black community have been afforded more freedoms, there is still much to do to combat racism in this country. At Start Small Think Big, we see how communities marginalized by systems of oppression, particularly the Black community, bars them from access to social capital and economic freedom. We work harder all-year-round to uplift, spotlight, and redistribute our resources to support Black-owned businesses because they too deserve the financial opportunities and network disproportionately given to their white counterparts. As you celebrate Juneteenth today and beyond, we hope you take the time to support a local Black-owned business (or two! or five!). To grow our community and help businesses access free legal, marketing, and finance services, please share and tag your favorite Black-owned business below!

The EMBRACE Project - Expanding Meaningful Black Relationships and Creating Equity - is Kidsave's initiative to drastically reduce racial inequities in the foster care system and support Black families. By creating long-term connections between Black children and adults, the project aims to reduce homelessness, improve self-esteem, and support the success of Black youth. Learn more about this pivotal study: embrace.kidsave.org

During Black History Month, our dedication to providing decent housing remains unwavering, reflecting our belief in constructing homes, fostering communities, and nurturing hope for everyone, regardless of race. Aligned with these core values, we pledge to persist in combating racism in all its forms. We acknowledge the deep-rooted historical injustices within housing policies, disproportionately impacting Black Americans and perpetuating lasting racial disparities. Confronting this history is essential, guiding our actions toward a fairer and more equitable society. As we honor the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of the Black community, let us pay homage to their enduring legacy by giving back to our communities. We can effect meaningful and enduring change through advocacy and support for affordable housing initiatives and programs empowering Black Americans. Together, our collective efforts ensure that the Black community's invaluable contributions are remembered and cherished for generations to come. Let us strive for a future where everyone feels valued, empowered, and uplifted regardless of race or background. #HabitatForHumanity #BlackHistoryMonth #StrengthInUnity #ProgressTogether #MakeADifference #BuildingCommunity

On this Juneteenth, we celebrate the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865, finally ensuring that all enslaved people were free. But freedom didn’t mean an end to struggle. For over a century, Black Americans continued to face dehumanization and oppression through poverty, Black Codes and Jim Crow laws, and constitutional denials of basic human rights. Today, Black Americans continue to endure systemic challenges, including food insecurity, with 1 in 2 Black households in Massachusetts facing hunger on a regular basis. As Malik Yakini, the founder of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network puts it, “We’ve understood from the beginning that we can’t solve this problem in isolation, but the struggle for food justice and for everyone to have access to high-quality food has to be paired with the problem to eliminate poverty.” Yakini points to systemic racism as the root cause of inequities across education, criminal justice, wealth, health, and food access. Let's honor Juneteenth by advocating for equitable access to nutritious food and working together to create a hunger-free future for all.

Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It's a time to reflect on our history, celebrate Black achievement, and recommit ourselves to racial equality. At Harris Financial Coaching, we believe financial freedom is a key part of racial empowerment. We want to help our clients build a secure future for themselves and their families. Here are a few things you can do this Juneteenth: Educate yourself: Learn about the history of Juneteenth and the ongoing fight for racial equality. Support Black-owned businesses: Spend your dollars with Black entrepreneurs and creators. Invest in your financial future: Schedule a free consultation with Harris Financial Coaching to develop a plan for your financial goals. We are all on a journey towards financial freedom. Let's work together to build a more just and equitable future for all. #Juneteenth #FinancialFreedom #FinancialInclusion

Much of the current research and policy focus on Black Americans immediately leads to a conversation about the poor and working-class, but Black middle class families also face distinct challenges and have to overcome greater barriers than their white counterparts. We need to better understand the experiences of Black middle-class families to inform policies and practices that enables Black families to thrive.     To address this void in research, Urban Institute’s LesLeigh Ford and her colleagues in the Office of Race and Equity Research have created the Black Family Thriving Initiative. I encourage you to follow along:  

"Our goals include building understanding, informing policy, developing research, and changing the narrative about Black families. In the first phase, we’ll prioritize research, interventions, and policy changes to improve wealth and well-being for Black families. Future phases will focus on psychological well-being, physical health, and overall quality of life."

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day” and “Emancipation Day,” is a significant day in our history. It is a blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” and it commemorates an event that took place on June 19, 1865. On that day, the last of the enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, received news of their newfound freedom and rights under the Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued two-and-a-half years earlier. Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection and education. It reminds us of the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all. It is an opportunity for us to honor the resilience and contributions of Black Americans in our society today and throughout history. In recognizing Juneteenth, we reflect on our shared values and commit to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and support for one another. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: https://hubs.li/Q02CtGhH0 #Exponent #LifeAtExponent #Juneteenth

Recognizing the Power of Black Legacy! I'm sure by now you've heard about LeBron James and his son, Bronny, playing together for the Lakers next year. Amidst the excitement, there has been criticism suggesting that LeBron is unfairly using his influence to boost his son's career. This scrutiny is a stark reminder of the systemic racism that pervades our society. Let's be clear — favoritism, cronyism, and nepotism have long been tools used by white families to ensure generational wealth remains within their bloodlines, often at the expense of Black families. A study by the Economic Policy Institute highlights how these practices have entrenched economic disparities, with white families benefiting from historical advantages that facilitate wealth transfer and opportunity hoarding across generations. When Black individuals like LeBron James, Deion Sanders, and LaVar Ball leverage their hard-earned influence to uplift their children, they face undue criticism. This double standard underscores the bias that seeks to maintain the status quo and limit the progress of Black families. We should celebrate and support these Black fathers for using their platforms to create opportunities for their children. Their efforts are essential in breaking the cycle of economic inequality and building a legacy of Black excellence and generational wealth. Let's encourage and empower our community to continue these efforts. It's our duty to create and seize opportunities that set our children up for success. By doing so, we challenge systemic barriers and pave the way for a more equitable future. ✊🏽❤️🖤💚 #GenerationalWealth #BlackExcellence #LeBronJames #DeionSanders #LaVarBall #LegacyBuilding #SystemicRacism #BlackEmpowerment #SupportOurKids #EquityAndJustice

Juneteenth marks the day that the last enslaved African Americans finally learned that they were free- over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. While today is a day to celebrate freedom and resilience, it is also a solemn reminder that for Black Americans, justice is too often delayed. Children of color disproportionately face barriers to resources and opportunities due to discriminatory practices within our society and systems. Implicit biases are embedded in our legal, criminal, and education systems. Within our own community, there are thousands of children each year that need someone to stand up for them and protect their rights. When our children’s lives intersect with the juvenile justice system, they should be treated with respect and provided holistic support to address the root cause of the issues. This #Juneteenth, join us in celebrating the resilience of Black Americans, while also joining us in our fight towards equitable opportunity for children of color- from the courtroom, to the classroom, to our everyday lives. Please note: Our office will be closed today (6/19) in observance of this holiday. #BlackLivesMatter