Black Leaders Awareness Day’s Post

It is very important for white leaders to understand this and take the lead. Thank you, Jamila and Shari, for this article, which provides an excellent grounding point for leaders who want to do it right. We address these issues and more in our Racial Equity Guide, and at BoardSource, we also are on a similar journey by hiring Monika Kalra Varma, our first BIPOC leader. We also support BIPOC leaders through our BIPOC Leadership Initiative, the Glass Cliff Initiative. https://lnkd.in/eacKX4BE

"Creating a legacy is about intentional actions today shaping the future. Set goals aligned with your values & take steps daily. Brian Olds is paving the way for future Black speakers with his Black Speakers Network. Hear him speak at the transformative “From Struggle to Strength Conference”. Join us and bring a friend. Us the following link or see link in the bio. https://lnkd.in/ebc8bh_k #LegacyBuilding #IntentionalActions #BlackExcellence #FutureGenerations"

**THE AUDACITY OF GREATNESS** Completely co-sign and deeply appreciate Lee Jasper's words here. For context: I have maintained involvement in EYLA for twenty years. I served as a trustee for nine years until 2013; since then I have worked with Ray on EYLA's ongoing evolution and strategic development. Most recently (like this calendar year) this involved exploring with Ray and the EYLA board how to build on the lessons from the COVID pandemic to make online education a more significant element of EYLA's delivery. So I know EYLA well. I last saw Ray on Saturday 23rd March at a pre-retirement gathering of Young Leaders and parents. None of us knew that he would not survive another weekend. I got the news of his passing last Saturday whilst abroad. With travelling back and then moving house I have barely had time to process it all. So I will save lengthier thoughts for another time. To echo Lee: EYLA has had unparalled reach and impact over its lifetime. I have seen an evolution from a supplementary-school operation, to partnering with schools on classroom delivery, to brokering scholarships to elite boarding schools for young people with the talent to benefit. Hundreds have now been through the Scholars programme. An example of promise fulfilled: one of the earliest graduates from the Scholars programme is now the Chair of EYLA's Board of Trustees. This and so much more has happened because Ray had the audacity to be great. He had the audacity to expect greatness from the first group of black boys EYLA worked with at the beginning and from all the boys (and now girls) who have followed them since. He held them and himself to high standards, in ways that many had never encountered before. That challenges them; it challenges some of us too. He had the audacity to convey that greatness to people who ordinarily would be nowhere near supporting the cause of black boys' education - politicians, high net worth individuals, corporate hot-shots. As many have commented, the politics have been 'interesting', but not (IMO) for the reasons that many might think. Now is not the time for that. Alongside all of that, just one personal reflection I will offer: when I came out of hospital following a heart attack ten years ago, the people waiting for me to take me home were Ray and EYLA's co-founder Anne Collard. That is just one measure of who Ray was (and is) to me. To echo Garvey's words, we should not fear death, it is but a change as we are still in the universe. Ray has left his indelible mark. I am honoured to call him colleague, friend, and brother, and will mourn his loss like few I have known. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and immediate family, the EYLA community of Young Leaders, parents, staff, and supporters, and the wider fraternity of Young Leaders Academies who have taken their inspiration from EYLA and from Ray. We have lost a public figure, a private man, and a giant who walked among us. We are blessed with his memory.

Importance of your role as a line manager

In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, we are highlighting some of the voices of Black leaders who have joined in this work, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the healthy buildings movement. Their voices are essential in creating spaces that promote health, equity and well-being for all. https://ow.ly/zPcJ50QIrMe

The leadership journey can come at a cost to the personal and emotional well-being of Black women leaders who work in the criminal legal system because the work is both professional and personal. National Legal Aid & Defender Association President and CEO April Frazier Camara, Esq. shares how she centers wellness for herself: https://lnkd.in/gqQ6CpaQ

In a time when leadership integrity seems to be in short supply, it's refreshing to think about those in positions of power who truly listen to their constituents. We need more leaders who prioritize the genuine needs of their communities over the influences of lobbyists, bureaucrats, and profit-driven corporations. Unfortunately, there's a critical conversation to be had about the role of black elected officials and government bureaucrats. While holding positions of power, they continue to face criticism for not effectively advocating for and advancing the communities they represent. This issue isn't new; nearly two decades ago, analyses were already pointing out the shortcomings in the political efficacy of black leaders in government. The lack of progress in black communities has often been laid at the feet of the Democratic Party. However, a closer examination suggests that the real issue may be with black officials who have not leveraged their power to prioritize and uplift their own people and neighborhoods. Other ethnic groups have demonstrated that when they come into power, their communities benefit as they put their interests at the forefront. It's time to reevaluate and reinvigorate the mission of our black elected officials. It's essential that they reconnect with their roots, listen intently to the voices of their constituents, and wield their power in a way that brings tangible, positive change to the communities that have entrusted them with their votes and their hopes.

I was asked to delve deeper into the black leadership void and what could be done ! Well, the “Black Clergy” has been looked at as ineffective, and now they’ve been rejected. It does not diminish their contribution but acknowledges a shift in how leadership is perceived and accepted. We are at a point where it will take a concerted effort from Black professionals across various fields-people who possess both the intellectual rigor and cultural understanding of our community- to guide us through this crisis. These individuals, whether in education, healthcare, law, business, or urban planning, have the potential to inspire hope and empowerment. They have the knowledge and experience to develop actionable strategies that address issues while restoring confidence in leadership.   The solutions we need are not just spiritual; they are structural and require a deep understanding of policy, economics, and social frameworks. These leaders are not far removed—already embedded within our communities. They are the educators who understand the impact of underfunded schools, the doctors and mental health professionals who see the disparities in care, the lawyers working within the justice system, and the entrepreneurs building businesses despite barriers. Black professionals must step up to fill the leadership void in ways that reflect our people's modern needs. Only then will we be equipped to address the crisis by responding to its symptoms and dismantling the root causes with strategic, community-centered action. This is a call to action and a necessity for our community’s future.

The Truth Summit is an interactive event to investigate and analyze important topics influencing Black Milwaukee. Three thought-provoking panels will be presented at this year's summit, each addressing a topic with insight. Speakers include Sherwin Hughes, On-air Host; Jason Fields, On-air Host; Dr. Lita Mallett; Dr. Glen Mathews; LaNelle Ramey, MA; J.B. Bell, Bell & Wright; and Fred Johnson, Erie Insurance Policy and Politics: “Chasing Demographics” Experts and analysts explore the complex interplay between political policies and demographic shifts in this panel discussion. Higher Education: “From First to Third Generation” This conversation explores how higher education improves lives by looking at it from the perspective of generational advancement. Black Economics: “The Four Walls of Wealth” The goal of the conversation is to draw attention to methods for resolving financial difficulties and fostering legacy wealth-building. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gT4_pXsY