Tre Johnson的动态

Tre Johnson's article on the challenges facing Black-led nonprofit organizations resonates deeply. We are navigating these same headwinds at The Liber Institute. While disheartening, this moment calls for perseverance and adaptation. This is an opportunity to build resilience, diversify support, and amplify new voices in this space. At Liber, we are emphasizing fee-for-service models and exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional philanthropy. ?? To my network: Your support in spreading the word about Liber's work is crucial! We are seeking partnerships with schools, districts, and mission-driven organizations committed to educational equity, and we get excited about leaders who are willing to lean into empathy building (engaging community), design thinking, and other people-first approaches. How can we collectively ensure the longevity of organizations working towards educational equity? #EducationalEquity #SustainableImpact #TheLiberInstitute

It's vital to recognize the challenges Black leadership and Black-led organizations face in securing funding. Our latest blog, written by Tre Johnson, delves into these pressing issues and the alarming regression since 2020. https://lnkd.in/eFPPayJF

It's Juneteenth and while the fight continues, many of us Black folks are exhausted. Tre Johnson, an incredible Board member of ours, wrote a critical piece making visible the current struggles of Black leaders and Black-led organizations. A few weeks back, I was talking to a prospective funder who didn't know how to respond after my share in a small group. His compassion showed and tears swelled in his eyes. ?? I was thinking out loud, healing out loud, "If research shows that Black women led orgs receive significantly less funding, is my identity holding back The Teaching Well?" It's a devastating question, one that was painful for me to say out loud, much less write here. But I need to. So, we are not yet free. But we are a resilient people. ?? ?? Say something. Leverage your privilege. Bring this conversation to anyone in your circle who has access to resources. ?? "The sense of loss – as a community and as individuals – that people are experiencing is staggering. This is, in essence, a public sector crisis, an epidemic that threatens the health of organizations, leaders, team members, communities, just plain people." ? Please read and share Tre's piece and then call your friends to take action. #nonprofitleadership #Blackled #Juneteenth #freedom #philanthropy #solidarity #coconspirators #fundingaccess #collectiveliberation

At times, it feels like there’s an invisible spotlight—constantly waiting, scrutinizing, and anticipating mistakes. Whether it’s from peers, staff, or even the broader community, there’s often a sense that my every move is being watched more closely, judged more harshly, and at times, unfairly. There’s pressure to succeed, not just for myself, but to defy the unspoken expectations that come with being one of the few Black leaders in this space. The gaze is constant, and the margin for error feels smaller. Despite that, I continue to press forward. I lead with integrity and remain committed to the work of uplifting communities, advocating for justice, and fostering real change. Because at the end of the day, my purpose is greater than the pressure. To my fellow leaders of color, I see you. We carry burdens that many will never understand, but we are here for a reason. Keep pushing, keep growing, and know that your impact reaches further than you may ever realize. #BlackLeadership #NonprofitLife #Resilience #EquityInLeadership #StayTheCourse

This report made me feel seen. "Black women and femmes, who face the double bind of resisting white supremacist and patriarchal work cultures, expressed frustration with being held to unrealistic standards of perfection and infallibility. Many are trying innovative ways to nourish and support their teams authentically and generously. But the high expectations that Black women and femmes in leadership will be able to reshape entrenched hierarchical structures and foster decentralized decision-making is often not realistic when their organizations are receiving declining philanthropic support, on top of deeply rooted power dynamics and resistance to Black women’s leadership. ...This tension points to a profound and deeper challenge for the progressive movement; honoring the humanity of Black leaders while asking them to take on increasingly demanding organizational and movement-building work." Thank you, Sean Thomas-Breitfeld and everyone who contributed to this report, for shedding light on such important trends. This is what we need to be talking about, together.

The Business Journal highlights 50 Twin Cities Black business and community leaders you should know in its second annual Black Leaders feature.

Today, I am grateful for awesome sisters in the work like Meredith Reitman, PhD! In Summer 2023 during another period of transition and deep morale-building at Mirror Group LLC, Dr. Reitman spoke our names in a "room" where we were not currently present. That invocation led to the opportunity to meet Sean Thomas-Breitfeld and share our Mirror Group posture in the work as an organization of passionate geniuses committed to making data and information meaningful, accessible, and actionable with learning organizations and the communities we love. We described our team-based consulting approach grounded in culturally responsive and racially equitable approaches, how we have been inspired by and tracking on Building Movement Project's work for some time, and the ways that it would be a joy to lock in arms to engage in collective sensemaking and lift up the joys and pains of Black leaders across the nation, centering their own words. This work feels deeply personal and resonant for me as a #BlackWomanFounder of an organization where everyday we strive to create the conditions for us to win! This is not easy work, nor for the faint of heart. This is long work, collective work, the work that generations build on. So I was over the moon to meet, share space, and bask in the "loving agitations" of Adaku Utah throughout the process. In short, we categorized this partnership as #quadruplewin where our MG colleagues Vanessa Segundo, PhD, Natalie J., and Eve C. showed up and showed out, locking arms in this work to amplify voice, mood, tone, depths and layers of the leaders we need for our collective liberation. The Result: "The report captures insights and wisdom from more than 50 Black movement leaders, including yourself. By centering the foresight of Black leaders, we hope this report will bolster advocacy efforts to sustain funding and investment in the capacity of Black-led organizing groups that are building power in communities across the country and critical to the broader struggle for Black liberation." https://lnkd.in/gxpqn7pp Read, Share, Re-Post, and Comment to come in agreement on how we all must reckon with sustainability and love on Black leaders and organizations navigating the funding cliff while organizing the infrastructure we all need to thrive!

?? Celebrating the Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis As we commemorate Black History Month, I'm honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of Reginald F. Lewis, a trailblazer whose impact continues to reverberate in the business world. Reginald F. Lewis, through his unparalleled vision, determination, and resilience, transformed the business landscape for black entrepreneurs and professionals. His legacy is one of empowerment, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations. Accomplishments that Inspire: 1. Billion-Dollar Deal: In 1987, Reginald F. Lewis orchestrated the groundbreaking leveraged buyout of Beatrice International Foods, a deal valued at $985 million. This historic transaction made him the first African American to orchestrate a billion-dollar deal. 2. Creating Opportunities: Through his firm TLC Group, Lewis facilitated access to capital and resources for minority-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment within marginalized communities. His commitment to providing opportunities for minority entrepreneurs remains unparalleled. 3. Philanthropic Leadership: Beyond his business acumen, Lewis was deeply committed to philanthropy. He established the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, dedicated to supporting educational initiatives, scholarships, and community development projects. 4. Inspiring Future Leaders: Reginald F. Lewis's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, strategic thinking, and seizing opportunities. ?? Changing the Narrative: Reginald F. Lewis's contributions transcended industry boundaries. He challenged conventional norms, shattered glass ceilings, and reshaped perceptions about the capabilities of black entrepreneurs in the corporate world. His legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of diversity, inclusion, and equity in driving innovation and progress. As we honor his legacy this Black History Month, let us recommit ourselves to advancing his vision of equality and economic empowerment for all. Reginald F. Lewis's impact continues to resonate, inspiring us to strive for excellence and create a more inclusive and equitable future. He is a man that greatly shapes my business mindset and one that truly admire. Feel free to share your thoughts and reflections on the enduring legacy of Reginald F. Lewis in the comments below. Let's continue to celebrate and amplify the contributions of black leaders who have shaped history and continue to inspire us today. #BlackHistoryMonth #ReginaldFLewis #BusinessLeadership #DiversityandInclusion #Empowerment #Legacy #Inspiration

During Black History Month we'll highlight the quotes of some Black Business persons. Robert F. Smith is an African American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, he has made significant contributions to technology and philanthropy. He is known for his insightful perspectives on business and success. This quote is one that can be relevant for us all. It encourages us to be our complete selves. When we look at our life and business holistically, we can achieve much more than by separating the various parts of ourselves. If you're not on my email list and would like to receive my newsletters - which converge tips for business owners on Mind, Body, and Spirit, please let me know... send me a DM! #blackhistorymonth #blackbusinessowners #makingblackhistory

Each year, #BlackHistoryMonth honors the history, legacy, and achievements of the Black community, and the paths that trailblazers have forged through their struggles and triumphs in the fight for equity. At Deloitte, we have the opportunity to work alongside many organizations that are led by exceptional Black leaders who are carrying the torch forward from those who came before us in this ongoing journey toward greater equity and opportunity for all. Leaders like: ?? Richard Buery, who is helping to create impactful and scalable solutions to lift families out of poverty in New York City with Robin Hood. ??Sherri Chisholm, who, through her work with Leading on Opportunity, engages diverse voices to create transformative and long-lasting change to tackle intergenerational poverty and break barriers to economic opportunities. ?? Frances Toni Draper, who carries her family legacy leading The AFRO-American Newspapers to bring reliable and credible information to the Black community in Baltimore. ?? Debbie Dyson, who is leading the way at OneTen to train, develop, and hire Black talent into family-sustaining careers and ignite their potential. ?? Tulaine M., who, through her work at New Profit, is backing social entrepreneurs who are advancing equity and opportunity to drive lasting, transformative impact in our communities. ?? And Samantha Tweedy with the Black Economic Alliance, who is advancing economic progress within the Black community by bringing together leaders and aligned advocates to have important conversations around work, wages, and wealth. Each of these fearless leaders is a force for good in driving impact through their respective organizations, but they are all part of a tapestry of changemakers who continue the hard but necessary work in our collective journey toward a more equitable society. I am so inspired by their impact the legacy they are building in the fight for equity. A tremendous thank you to the leaders above, and to all of those too numerous to mention who continue to forge our path forward. #BHM #OurPurposeImpacts