The WISE Fund’s Post

🎉 **Happy Juneteenth!** 🎉 Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks a pivotal moment in history—the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the continuous journey toward equality and justice for all. Here's how everyone, including those not part of the black community can support and honor this significant day: 1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: Take time to learn about the history of Juneteenth and share this knowledge with friends and family. Understanding the past is crucial to building a more equitable future. 2. **Attend Juneteenth Events**: Participate in local events and celebrations. Whether it's a parade, a festival, or an educational panel, showing up matters. 3. **Donate to Organizations**: Contribute to organizations that work towards racial justice and support the Black community. Every donation makes a difference. 4. **Amplify Black Voices**: Use your platform to share and uplift the voices and stories of Black individuals. Listen, learn, and amplify. 5. **Reflect and Act**: Reflect on the significance of freedom and consider what actions you can take to combat racial injustice in your community. Let's celebrate Juneteenth with joy and solidarity, recognizing the resilience and contributions of the Black community. Let's also commit to ongoing support and allyship—not just today, but every day. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Solidarity #SupportBlackBusinesses #Educate #Donate #Act

In celebration of Black History Month, we asked our Black staff the following question: In what ways can the foundation sector do more to support Black-led nonprofits? Adell Neal, our wonderful Operations Director, responded: "I'll just talk about one way the foundation sector can do more to support Black nonprofits by sharing a quote I love: "Those closest to the challenge are those closest to the solution." With that in mind, the foundation sector must embrace as partners Black nonprofits who identify specific needs. No more savior complex mentality on the part of foundations. No more jumping through hoops to qualify for funding on the part of grantees. By definition, philanthropy is "the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes." The foundation sector can expand that definition by giving gifts of time and talent along with funding, strategically seeking long-term solutions, and by collaborating (locking arms) with Black nonprofit leaders so that people and situations actually improve."

Today is the day to #giveblack and support black-led and black benefitting #nonprofits (along with the other 364 days of the year...) There are 70+ fantastic options here: bit.ly/CLTGIVESBLACK Here are 3 I'm supporting: Center for Community Transitions is a re-entry organization that supports those impacted by the justice system. I love the focus on the multi-faceted and multi-generational impact of incarceration. https://lnkd.in/g2QGDrNB As many of y'all know, I'm a huge fan of the #arts! The Arts Empowerment Project provides high-quality arts programming, enrichment experiences, and social emotional development for children in need of access to light, hope, equity, and opportunity, which together offer paths to resilience. I love the model of collaborating with other organizations to run programming instead of duplicating efforts. https://lnkd.in/gA_RBCcW The Theatre Gap Initiative (TGI) is a nonprofit college-prep program for recent high school grads who aspire to apply for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and conservatory programs. TGI's programming is particularly focused on helping artists from the global majority successfully navigate the process of applications, prescreens, auditions, and scholarships. Since the process is expensive and complicated, it is often exclusionary for many aspiring actors and we miss out as theater goers! https://lnkd.in/gNzJ4pDK So check out the page, pick out an organization or a few, and get your give on!

It’s February, and that means it’s time to kickoff Black History Month! We can’t wait to spend the next few weeks highlighting regional organizations that enhance the vibrancy of the Upstate by celebrating and lifting up our black communities! How are you celebrating Black History Month? Let us know in the comments! #blackhistory #upstatesc #nonprofit

#98PercentBlackSponsored! Thank you Inclusion Champions Awards sponsors! Your donation in kind and financial support made a big difference to our impactful event We want to recognize that our awards gala was 98% sponsored by #BlackFoundedOrganization. This comes as a result of little to no funding available for all Black run organizations. Most times, members of the Black organizations have to dig into their pockets to fund their own programs or impactful community causes that they deeply care about! Our hope at ICC is that, with the help of big funders/sponsors and donors we can change this reality and make even a bigger impact in our society. We urge the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, United Way of Calgary and Area, Calgary Foundation, Calgary Economic Development, Rotary Club of Calgary, Downtown, City of Calgary, Africa Centre, Foundation for Black Communities , Black Business Initiative and other private donors to consider Immigrant Champions of Canada (ICC) in their next rounds of funding to help us continue providing cultural centric career services to our African Black and Caribbean youths and adults as well as settlement services to the underserved ABC communities in Calgary. We also urge funders to consider our vital contributions as Black people in the addressing of the Black socioeconomic challenges that have plagued our communities for decades, despite funding being routed to non-Black found and non-Black run organizations to solve our challenges that are clearly and directly related to our distinct cultural identities. This lack of funding is true across all Black led organizations in Calgary yet the work we do is both important and impactful! We believe that, it is time to #FundBlackOrganizations #FundBlackGrassrootOrganizations #InclusionChampionsAwards #InclusiveOrganizations #InclusiveProfessionals #InclisiveLeaders Thank you Capability Career Group - (CCG) Calgary African Community Collective (CACC) , Ellie Bianca Beauty, TD , The Tanya Eklund Group, RE/MAX Real Estate Central, Ruth's House Society, Osuji & Smith Lawyers, Indire Entertainment Inc. & MUT consulting services

Black History Month is a time when people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate and honor the contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. There are many ways to celebrate this month and show your support for the black community. One way to celebrate is to attend local events and activities that highlight the achievements of African Americans in your community. Many museums, libraries, and community centers offer exhibits, talks, and performances that showcase black history and culture. Another way to celebrate is to educate yourself about black history and culture. You can read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that explore the experiences of African Americans throughout history. You can also support black-owned businesses and organizations. By shopping at black-owned stores, eating at black-owned restaurants, and donating to black-led charities, you can help support the economic empowerment of the black community. Lastly, you can also take action by volunteering with organizations that work towards social justice. By taking these actions, you can help create a more equitable and just society for all people.

Here is what you should do for Black History Month. If you are an American corporation: 👉 1. Pay your Black employees a 10% bonus. 👉 2. Hire three Black speakers to speak to your organization and give your Black employees that time off. 👉 3. Donate at least 20% of your previous annual charity budget to Black-led nonprofits by and for Black people. This is a bare minimum suggestion in my opinion. If you're a person, please continue to educate people about Black excellence and the continued impact of racism and injustice. But corporations are terrible at education. Just use your money already. 🌎💕 What did I miss? I see a lot of posts about awareness and solidarity, when most of my Black friends want money and tangible results. Why should Black people have to wait any longer to reap the rewards of a just society? (And please don't come at me with "what about...???" This is Black History Month in America, a country founded on slavery. If it doesn't apply to you: scroll, don't hate.) #racism #justice #purpose #leadership

Celebrate Black History Month with Us! Here are a few ways you can show your support: -Engage with Black-Owned businesses and restaurants via social media. -Visit and support Black-Owned businesses and restaurants. -Read literature on African American history. -Attend virtual events or webinars hosted by museums, libraries, or cultural organizations that focus on Black history and culture. -Contribute to charities and other organizations that support African Americans entrepreneurs. Comment below how you and your organization are choosing to celebrate this year! #EquityforAll #MasonCountyWA #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackOwnedBusinesses

Our MOSAIC Employee Resource Group recently hosted "Origins of Black History," a virtual event that provided a comprehensive examination of the establishment and significance of #BlackHistoryMonth. Through an exploration of historical contexts, key figures, and pivotal events, attendees gained valuable insights into the resilience and achievements of African Americans. The session sparked meaningful discussions on the ongoing relevance of Black History Month in advocating for racial equity and social justice. Here are several ways to honor and commemorate Black History Month: • Explore African American History: In your local area – visit a local museum that showcases the contributions of the African American community. • Share Knowledge: Spread awareness on social platforms and within your network. • Support African American Nonprofits: Donate or volunteer your time to an African American nonprofit to help continue their work. • Stay Educated: Commit to continuously learning African American history.