Mbiyimoh Ghogomu’s Post

📢 When things are going wrong in society we typically look for people to blame, we look for past underlying problems or deeply ingrained systemic issues. But what do we do when things are going right? Or, on the right track? I often hear silence in this case, I don't hear celebration of the accomplishments, I don't see or hear public congratulations, I don't even see or hear thank you. And so we wonder, what is wrong with society? Why don't we ever amplify the good? For the most part we humans are ungrateful creatures, we wake up everyday with and expectation to be alive, not knowing at anytime it (life) can be taken, we don't appreciate the days of our visitation, when what we've worked for is presently before us, instead we ignore, continue to complain about what we don't have instead of appreciating what we do have, all as it passes by. A few months ago I was introduced to Mark Harrison by the gracious Hugh Lawson (he/him) . More importantly I was introduced to the incredible network at the BTI, Black Talent Initiative Mr. Harrison and his team Hildah (Otieno) Juma and Lushwana Anderson-Stewart (Incredible humans) deserve a standing ovation and recognition on every platform, stage and TV network, the work they are actually doing in the community is commendable. They offer opportunities to share stories, network at numerous in person events and learn from industry leaders at the Friday speaker series. So many doors have been opened to me and many others through this network and it's not taken for granted. I deeply appreciate what the BTI is doing in our community. Our organization and myself as an individual has grown because of it. If we take a step back to observe the current Social Corporate landscape, you'll see that the doors are open, i dont care how slightly, its open and that's what matters, you don't need to kick but merely knocking will be sufficient, heck in some cases you may be given a key. But, don't expect anyone to drag you in, you must make a decision to enter, and please, when you get in, show appreciation for those who have guided and helped you along the way. Don't let this moment pass you by. Thank you Team BTI 💯 10:4

Juneteenth: Reflecting on Progress and Moving Forward On June 19th, we pause to honor a pivotal moment in our nation's history of racial justice. While the end of slavery brought freedom, the journey was long. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation, it took years for all to experience liberty. Juneteenth reminds us how slow change can be. But it also fuels our fire 🔥 to keep striving for equality under the law and in our communities. Honoring the past requires acknowledging present disparities. How will you use your power and privilege to empower others today? Rather than dwell in what was, focus on what can be. Support black businesses 🖤 and leaders making waves. Have difficult conversations to broaden perspectives. Join efforts creating access and opportunity for all. Change starts within. Let Juneteenth inspire your own step forward towards justice and healing. But we must walk together if we hope to run. Our shared future depends on understanding different stories and marching side by side. What will your contribution be? Share your thoughts below, and let's keep the conversation moving in a positive direction. Onward to the work still ahead!

So grateful to have my art on ACOG’s The Green Journal for the past two years. My thoughts going into this piece: In order to address the disparities in maternal health, we must pave a new path and provide guidance that can ultimately save lives. As we delve into the history of Black colleges and infirmaries, we witness both their rise and unfortunate decline. Our collective journey is centered around achieving positive health outcomes for all patients. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the dark chapters of our past. One such example is the pewter spoon, a symbol of the sins committed against enslaved Black women and children. These spoons were used in Montgomery for unethical experiments. It is imperative that we take action and strive to return to a time of compassion, empathy, and respect in healthcare (Black Doctors). By doing so, we can bring about a transformative change in the narratives surrounding healthcare today.

Juneteenth is next week, what are you doing to celebrate it with your company? Here are some great places to start: 1. Make sure you're informed on the history and importance of the day. Check out this article from the NMAAHC: https://buff.ly/3l5jJhH 2. Plan to make sure your teams know the significance of the day with a message or email from the company 3. Consider hosting a Juneteenth lunch and learn 4. Give your teams the day off! There are so many other ideas and ways to celebrate! Let us know how you plan to make it a special day in the comments 👇

We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For Eddie S. Glaude Jr. From the author of Begin Again, a politically astute, lyrical meditation on how ordinary people can shake off their reliance on a small group of professional politicians and assume responsibility for what it takes to achieve a more just and perfect democracy. We are more than the circumstances of our lives, and what we do matters. In We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For, one of the nation’s preeminent scholars and a New York Times bestselling author, Glaude makes the case that the hard work of becoming a better person should be a critical feature of Black politics. Through virtuoso interpretations of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Ella Baker, Glaude shows how we have the power to be the heroes that our democracy so desperately requires. The book begins with Glaude’s unease with the Obama years. He felt then, and does even more urgently now, that the excitement around the Obama presidency constrained our politics as we turned to yet another prophet-like figure. He examines his personal history and the traditions that both shape and overwhelm his own voice. Glaude weaves anecdotes about his evolving views on Black politics together with the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Dewey, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Ralph Ellison, encouraging us to reflect on the lessons of these great thinkers and address imaginatively the challenges of our day in voices uniquely our own. Narrated with passion and philosophical intensity, this book is a powerful reminder that if American democracy is to survive, we must step out from under the shadows of past giants to build a better society—one that derives its strength from the pew, not the pulpit.

Check out this article featuring our advisory board member, Paul Hood, as PennLive celebrates Black History Month!

Amy Narishkin, PhD - As requested, I'm excited to share with you my first post of the month for Black History. It's the origin story of business-networking and black participation. This is part 1 of a series that will explore the history and impact of black entrepreneurs and professionals in various fields. Stay tuned for more! In this series, I am going to cover many elements of business-networking and the various types of business-networking organizations. I'm super stoked to hear/read your thoughts on this topic. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Happy Juneteenth! Today marks a special milestone for IN FOR 13. We started this journey in our living rooms and kitchens on Juneteenth 2020, aiming to tackle systemic racism through agency partnerships.   And now, four years later in 2024, we're still in the fight to reach 13% Black leadership. Here's a video update from where we left off in 2023—three years after everyone made their initial pledges. The progress update shows that we moved from 3% in 2020 to 6.5% in 2021, then to 6.1% in 2022, and 6.3% in 2023. While we didn't achieve our goal of 13% in three years, we did double our representation in that time. We're curious where you all stand today. Have you regressed, maintained, or reached your own goals? This Juneteenth, we challenge you to reflect on your commitment to IN FOR 13. Do you still hold the same level of intention and dedication to addressing this systemic issue that we all inherited and are now called upon to fix? How did you feel then? How do you feel now? Are you still committed to the cause, or has your momentum slowed? What practical actions are you taking to ensure you're still in the fight? SHOUTOUT to the OG IN FOR 13 Three's a Crowd team - remember when to started this 😊 Justin Polk, Marcus Wesson, Charlie Jim-George, Olivia Campbell, Carol Dunn, Melissa Matos, Tahirah Edwards Byfield, Lauryn Alvarez