VA250 Commission’s Post

To all of my friends in hospitality/tourism this literally is only the beginning in my opinion.

Leadership 🩷💚🖤💛 Well done Curtis Bunn! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Here’s how you can make sure we stay in touch! 🛎️ Ring the bell icon on my profile to never miss my content 📚Order my latest book, Inclusion Uncomplicated: A Transformative Guide to Simplify DEI, published by Forbes Books ↗️Follow my business page Nika White Consulting #️⃣ Follow my hashtags: #InclusionUncomplicated #NikaWhiteSpeaks #IntentionalInclusionist #SimplifyDEI #IntentionalConversations #UnravelTheKnot 🙌🏾 Like, comment, and share this post 🗞️Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter, Inclusion Insider 📝 Take my LinkedIn Learning course, Individual Accountability for Equity & Inclusion

The only people who benefitted from chattel slavery in America were white people, that is the truth of it. Slave owners were paid for the labor of the slaves. MANY modern-day corporations built their wealth and power off the backs of slave labor. Colleges/ Universities and other public institutions benefitted from slave labor. Whiteness became a "thing" so poor whites and enslaved black people wouldn't find a common cause to end slavery in America. Whenever black people have established (without white assistance) our communities, which did very well WITHOUT white support or patronage, neighboring white communities either worked to destabilize black communities or just destroyed them through violence - Tulsa, Ok was NOT an anomaly, but the norm. Black people need to stop spending black dollars in Florida or any other state that is looking to minimize the impact that slavery still has on our country today. Florida's BS is an attempt to claim that America does not owe a debt to African-Americans.

There is a difference in acknowledging that “Black Labor” (Slavery) was critical to the growth of America and SLAVERY being beneficial to a human and their rights. Our failure to acknowledge the difference, only deminishes the injustice that was delivered! To say anything except the TRUTH, does not erase or take away the injustice of indentured African Americans! Enslaved people built the country's early infrastructure and produced lucrative commodities such as cotton and tobacco. After emancipation, African American labor was crucial in industry, agriculture and services. “Black labor has been foundational to the growth of America and our economy.” INCORRECT “Enslaved African Americans were the foundations to the growth of America and our economy.” CORRECT If the truth makes your uncomfortable, I encourage you to sit in and reflect your feelings. We can’t change the past. However, we are all accountable for supporting one another, here and now. Definition: Slavery: 1. a : the practice of slaveholding b : the state of a person who is held in forced servitude c : a situation or practice in which people are entrapped (as by debt) and exploited 2. submission to a dominating influence

If you ever wondered about the history of the Duke family behind Duke University, Duke Energy and The Duke Endowment, read all about them at the link below:

Throughout South Carolina, we’ve been building upon a track record of economic development success for several decades. While that momentum has continued to push us onward and upward, the South Carolina Department of Commerce recognizes that no one — no company, nor industry — is immune from the technological advancements happening throughout all business sectors.     With a nod to our heritage, an eye toward the future and a spirit of embracing innovation, S.C. Commerce today unveiled our new agency brand and tagline, Launch to Legacy. Ultimately, we want businesses to know that Launch to Legacy reinforces the fact that you can start, thrive, expand and build a legacy right here — and S.C. Commerce will be there to support you, every step of the way.    The rebranding process has taken over a year and involved many of our key partners and stakeholders to ensure representation across as many industry verticals as possible. It’s been a thoughtful and deliberate process, uncovering and focusing on some of South Carolina’s greatest attributes. We’re proud of the result, and we’re excited for what the future of economic development holds throughout our state!    Learn more about #LaunchToLegacy, including what it means according to a few South Carolina CEOs, in their own words: https://lnkd.in/ebmuS-vJ 

In the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, a historic moment was captured as fellows from the Detroit cohort of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice's Black Leadership Institute gathered outside the iconic Harris House. This image represents more than just faces; it reflects the convergence of history, purpose, and community. Standing in the shadows of a home that once provided refuge for Dr. King, John Lewis, and the Freedom Riders, I was reminded of the profound impact that black homeownership, entrepreneurship, and the church had on the civil rights movement. These elements were active catalysts for change, embodying resilience, empowerment, and unity. The church, in particular, served as a powerful hub for community cohesion. Beyond its spiritual role, it served as a gathering place where shared values and purpose intertwined. Through worship, fellowship, and community initiatives, the church nurtured a sense of belonging among its members. As a fellow of the Black Leadership Institute, I am reminded of the important lessons from this historical nexus. In pursuit of housing reforms, stability, and repair in Detroit today, I recognize the importance of fostering homeownership for stability, encouraging entrepreneurship for economic empowerment, and leveraging the church as a unifying force. The photo may freeze a moment, but its implications are dynamic. It encapsulates not only our physical presence outside the Harris House but also the spirit of collective progress. Let us echo the past to inform our future as we navigate the path toward holistic community revitalization. #MusingsOnAlabama #INPBLI #INProud2Lead #EchosOfThePast

Let's look at the facts: "This year, twice as many congressional offices requested fellows than there are fellows available." ~ Jonathan Bagger, CEO of American Physical Society, an STPF founding partner society in our video series of important voices in STPF history. 🎥 Watch here! https://bit.ly/3LC6C4y

Check out my latest article in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) Center for Justice in Public Health (CJPH) commemorates this February 2024 as Black History Month, recognizing the important role of Black Americans in U.S. History. Black Americans have significantly contributed to the nation’s greatness through innovations like Garrett Morgan’s three-way traffic light; Dr. Charles Drew’s contributions to the development of a safe, effective, blood collection system and organizing America’s first large scale blood bank system; and Katherine Johnson’s role as the first Black woman to work as a NASA scientist and playing an important role in America’s moon landing. Despite these substantial contributions, Black people continue to face systemic discrimination based on the societal construct of race. As we honor these achievements, NACDD is committed to advancing health equity, racial equity, and social justice toward a more just and equitable society. Click the article below to learn exactly how NACDD's Center for Justice in Public Health is advancing health equity, racial equity, and social justice.