Alkeme Brand的动态

“Worldbuilding is the act of imagining — and bringing into being — a different world where all people live in dignity, and all beings can thrive.” This month we celebrate the power of an Afrofuturism lens in the philanthropic sector. As Black people, we have consistently imagined and charted new paths to new futures. It is time for philanthropy to center the voices of Black leaders, women, and gender expansive people as we work to create a new world. https://lnkd.in/grP6R7cm

Looking for a space to connect over Black girl magic and innovation? Save the date for #BlackGirlFreedomWeek! Join and participate in virtual events and conversations that celebrate our stories, creativity, and leadership! Register now and tune in this week, February 12-18, 2024: https://lnkd.in/dfJ6aPz Black Girls Freedom Week is an annual celebration of Black Girls and Gender Expansive youth designed to uplift the infinite possibilities that lie before them. This year’s theme is “Black Girl Freedom Week: A Future of Justice and Democracy”. This particular week was chosen in honor of Black History Month and the birthdays of pioneering thought leaders in the Black Feminist movement, Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison. Black Girl Freedom Week is hosted as part of the Black Girl Freedom Fund campaign, #1Billion4BlackGirls. This campaign, launched in 2020, is a 10-year philanthropic initiative designed to invest one billion dollars in the brain trust, innovation, health, safety, education, artistic visions, research, and joy of Black girls and their families. According to the Ms. Foundation for Women's landmark study on philanthropy, women and girls of color account for 0.5% of $66.9 billion given by foundations, totaling just $5.48 per woman and girls of color in the United States. Black Girl Freedom Fund is the largest initiative at Grantmakers for Girls of Color which is fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy advisors; this partnership highlights the systemic change that can be achieved through collaboration and the targeted philanthropy organizations with a common vision and shared commitment to dismantling oppressive systems.? For too long, philanthropy has overlooked the needs of Black girls and gender-expansive youth. Until now. Help us mobilize?#1Billion4BlackGirls?and support our collective liberation with?1billion4blackgirls.org

At 318 Foundation, we do something. We don't sit back and watch—we take action to create opportunities for young girls who need it. Michelle Obama's words at the 2024 DNC resonate deeply: "Our responsibility is to give more than we take. Don't just sit down and complain—do something!" These words remind us of the critical role each of us plays in creating meaningful change. Advocacy isn't passive—it demands active participation in building a better future for the communities we serve. At 318 Foundation, we aim to close the opportunity gap for Black girls and historically marginalized communities. Through our transformative programs—318 VISION, 318 ACTION, and 318 SPORTS—we offer immersive experiences, mentorship, and transformative training to equip young women with the tools they need to succeed. We empower these girls to confidently navigate academic and professional pathways by fostering self-expression, leadership, and elite athletic development. Voting is a fundamental part of this empowerment. Encouraging civic participation, especially for underrepresented groups, is critical in shaping policies that affect our communities. At 318 Foundation, we advocate for this level of engagement, teaching the next generation that their voice matters in every arena, including at the polls. Partners like you make this possible. Your support is an investment in our programs and the future of these young women. We create opportunities to ensure a brighter future for those historically overlooked. Join us in empowering the next generation—donate now at https://hubs.li/Q02PxxSM0 #318Foundation #VotingAdvocacy #ClosingTheGap #DoSomething #SocialImpact

To win the @sheamoisture first prize means that I can now starting a community called "Black Girls of Australia" which will serve several purposes: 1. Representation: It will provide a platform for Black girls and women in Australia to have their voices heard and their experiences validated. Representation is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within marginalized communities. 2. Support and Empowerment: The platform and community will create a safe space for Black girls to support and uplift each other, sharing resources, advice, and encouragement. This can be particularly important in combating feelings of isolation, discrimination, addressing trauma, mental health and physical health. 3. Visibility and Awareness: By highlighting the experiences and achievements of Black girls and women in Australia, the community can raise awareness about issues they face, such as racism, stereotyping, and systemic inequalities. This can contribute to broader social change and advocacy efforts. 4. Networking and Community Building: It facilitates connections and networking among Black girls and women across Australia, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. This can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and friendships. 5. Celebration of Diversity: It celebrates the diversity within the Black community in Australia, recognizing that experiences and identities can vary widely based on factors such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, and socio-economic background. Overally, starting "Black Girls of Australia" is an empowering and important initiative that can have a positive impact on the lives of Black girls and women across the country and nation of Australia. Thank you to everyone who has gone ahead and voted for me. #sheamoisture #blackgirlsofaustralia https://lnkd.in/gQwZyaZA

Excellent piece by Brandee M. Butler in Alliance magazine: "When donors talk about trust-based philanthropy, it’s painfully clear who they do and do not trust." She makes the following recommendations on how allies can support Black women leaders: ???? Trust and resource them: Donors who care about human rights and social justice should direct more flexible funding, at scale, for Black women–led organisations, especially for their protection from threats. ???? Center their leadership: Powerful donors should use their visible platforms to highlight, credit, and uplift the leadership and activism of Black women ???? Examine your own funding practices: Black women are intersectional organisers, addressing multiple systems of oppression, and across movements and borders. Donors must adapt their strategies to better allow for intersectional and cross-border organising through flexible funding. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e7W27Bkg

As we enter the last stretch of Black History month and enter Women's History month I would like everyone to take a look at the theme of this year's Women's History month as it is exceptionally important and near and dear to me. As noted by the WHA the theme for this year is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. " back in 2021 their theme was "Woman Who Refused to be Silenced. https://lnkd.in/gpszyQMf I would like people to think about this and where these things intersect. Why this is important to you as an individual for your businesses and for the ways in which you want your company to change the world and your advocacy and accessibility practices. You see, something that we must always remember all year round is that it is never a bad time to raise our sisters up and focus on amplifying their voice and supporting their visions within the workplace. There are going to be many cases on social media and out in the world in which women, non-binary people and specifically women and non-binary people of color will often be spoken over by those who hold more outdated practices in their hearts, and many of these brilliant minds end up getting pushed aside for acts that are merely performative outside of the workplace. and this is something that bugs me as somebody who is non-binary/ Indigenous Two Spirit. this theme, is something that I want people to internalize "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion" as we increase the visibility and support of the women who are the backbones and hearts of our company now more than ever. Long ago an Indigenous mentor of mine taught me something that I say in my own words and hold in my heart, and so I tell this to you "A decision made without the council of women in your midst, your equals and other half, is not a decision worth making. " "In all crucial decisions we must hear their voice and act in solidarity. Your clan mothers , those who raise you ? they look at you your entire life and know whether or not you have what it takes to be a leader. Representation is to honor and respect their spirit. Without our clan mothers input we could not make crucial decisions, whether it was where to hunt, where to fish, or whether we should go to WAR. " and while the current government of the great turtle Island does not honor these words as it should, these words are a version of something I learned long ago. ______ As a curriculum specialist for Social Optics, woven into each lesson exists a knowledge of women's rights, history, and health that comes from the strong women whom I am blessed to work with, including upcoming lessons on Woman's History Month, Perspective, and More ! Previous lessons have covered everything from self-esteem, and the ways in which we talk to ourselves internally, and even covering bodily autonomy and the importance of consent, lessons even more important now then ever.

Happy Women’s History Month! Let us celebrate how far we have come while maintaining our laser focus on how far we have to go. This year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. ??From inside your own home to your workplace to your neighborhood to your local government. ??Advocate everywhere and lift the voices of others, speak up for those who can’t or whose voices are so often trampled on. Be the change this world needs. With conviction. “It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Throughout 2024, we honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.” https://lnkd.in/g_C_8EVZ

Thanks to the generous support of our community, Boss Women Matter (BWM) Round Table Talks have become a vital resource for Black women founders in Chicagoland. These open dialogues are a lifeline for Black women founders and serve as a cornerstone for community building, policy advocacy, and capacity building. While substantial progress has been made, the journey to economic equality for Black women founders remains challenging. Despite persistent systemic funding disparities to underrepresentation, our expanding community of founders is steadfast in their commitment to overcoming these barriers and creating a more equitable economic landscape. ? Never before has our work been more critical. By dismantling these obstacles, we not only empower individuals but also uplift entire communities. Each Black woman founder supported is a beacon of hope, illuminating a brighter future for us all. ? So today we invite you to make an impact with a powerful statement of support. Your contribution will not only help us expand our Round Table Talks, but provide mentorship, and advocate for policies. Together, we can empower the next generation of Black women entrepreneurial leaders. Will you join us in creating a brighter future? Donate now to support Black women founders. https://lnkd.in/g_ZJZZhq Not on our email list? Join us by subscribing below! https://lnkd.in/gkZF3xEA

Juneteenth is More Than a Day Off: Celebrating Freedom with Purpose, Action, and Impact in Philanthropy As we commemorate Juneteenth, we are reminded of the historic strides made towards freedom and equality, and the enduring journey that lies ahead. This day marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865, a pivotal moment in American history that underscores the resilience, strength, and unyielding spirit of the Black community. For those of us in the philanthropic sector, Juneteenth serves as a profound reminder of our role in championing justice, equity, and systemic change. Philanthropy has the power to shape a more equitable society, and Juneteenth is a call to action for all of us. Here’s how we can harness this moment to make a lasting impact: Educate and Advocate: Utilize your platforms to educate stakeholders about the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggles for racial justice. Encourage conversations that foster deeper understanding and commitment to Black history and culture. Invest in Black-Led Organizations: Direct funding to Black-led nonprofits and initiatives that are at the forefront of social justice work. Amplify their voices and support their missions to drive meaningful change. Promote Economic Empowerment: Support programs and initiatives that focus on economic empowerment within the Black community. This can include funding for Black-owned businesses, workforce development, and financial literacy programs. Engage in Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with other foundations, corporations, and community organizations to create a unified approach to addressing systemic inequalities. Strategic partnerships can amplify impact and drive sustainable change. Advocate for Policy Change: Leverage your influence to advocate for policies that address systemic racism and promote equity. Engage in policy discussions, support advocacy efforts, and fund research that informs equitable policy development. Reflect and Commit: Take this opportunity to reflect on your organization’s practices and commitments to racial equity. Conduct equity audits, engage in ongoing learning, and make tangible commitments to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization and the communities you serve. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility in the philanthropic sector to advance freedom, justice, and equality. Let us honor this day not only with celebration but with purposeful actions that drive impactful change. Together, we can build a future where equity and justice are realities for all. #Juneteenth #Philanthropy #SocialJustice #RacialEquity #CommunityImpact #EconomicEmpowerment #PolicyChange #BlackHistoryisAmericanHistory