Bria Bryant’s Post

Getting Ready for Black History Month, South Asian Heritage Month & ESEA Heritage Month: How can your organisation make an impact? A reflection on Race Equality Matters’ Race Network Leaders and Future Leaders Event. Point of View- Isabel Beresford-Cole On the 26th June 2024, Race Equality Matters held an event discussing how organisations can get ready for various heritage months over the next year as part of their Race Network Leaders and Future Leaders Series. The event was highly successful, with 97% of those attending stating that they learned something new from the event that they would implement in their workplace. The event featured three inspiring speakers: Choon Tan, Binita Kane, and Joanna Alexander. They shared valuable insights on how companies can be more impactful and inclusive during heritage months. ➡️ East and South Asian Heritage Month: What can your organisation do to give the ESEA community a greater voice/become more visible? ➡️ How can organisations enhance the visibility of the ESEA community during ESEA heritage month? ➡️ What can your organisation do to celebrate South Asian heritage month? ➡️ How can we measure the impact of Black History Month celebrations? ➡️ How is your organisation going beyond representation to tackle race inequality for good? Read more in our latest article... https://lnkd.in/dDyZ4eZj #RaceEqualityMatters #BlackHistoryMonth #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #ESEAHeritageMonth

It's March 1. You may be thinking I'm late in posting for #BlackHistoryMonth, but I would challenge that. Should the conversation surrounding the challenges and celebration of our Black community end at midnight on February 29 (or 28 on non leap years)? All too often companies and brands jump on the opportunity to strategically market their allyship and then disappear until February 1 of the following year. I choose not to use voice throughout my #BlackHistoryMonth content throughout the month for two reasons: 1) When it comes to this subject, it's better for me as an Italian, caucasian man to listen rather than speak and 2) Elevating the voices of Black professionals and EID experts bettering the infrastructure industry needs to take precedence. I hope you found the content I reshared this month as insightful as I did. There's no secret, that the most successful and efficient teams have the most diverse backgrounds. Our industry cannot afford to not utilize the talents of all experts in our field. #EquityandInclusion #Equity #Inclusion #Diversity #Equality #SocialJustice #BHM #diversity #culture #allyship #inclusion

REPRESENTATION MATTERS. I’ve always found that statement a bit too basic for the realities of what it’s actually trying to unpack. But this is a picture of Hayel Wartemberg and I loving life at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity last year. We had the honour of heading out there with The Black Network’s Black Out programme after pledging £10k to the amazing initiative WHICH IS OPEN AGAIN FOR ANOTHER YEAR (deadline for entry is midnight on Sunday 28th - link in the comments!) In the evening of the day this pic was taken, and after upgrading our sweaty clothes, Hayel and I tried to get another picture taken. We approached two individuals to ask if they’d kindly take the pic. Before I could even finish with the request, one of them said “no, no I don’t want to buy anyth...” Stopping just before the end of the sentence he somehow must have realised that, no, we weren’t in fact street sellers. Funnily enough, after he semi-apologised for the embarrassing comment, we proceeded to have a 20min conversation which brought to light that they both worked at an organisation we had just signed a contract to do research consultancy for. System 1 responses are our near-instantaneous decision processes; they happen automatically, intuitively, and with little effort. They’re driven by instinct, our experiences and what we’ve seen and heard from young children. This is unconscious/implicit bias, a biological reality which I have no idea why people are so scared to admit exists. Cannes and the top tables of the advertising industry at large (and most influential spaces in the world), have historically been a monolithic space in many ways of exploring demographics. And whilst representation is just the tip of the diversity, equity and inclusion iceberg, having historically underrepresented communities intersectionally represented, active and included in spaces they have historically not been, benefits society to make better system one responses and beyond! As we count down the weeks to another rosè sipping, find-a-way-to-get-into-Spotify-party week in Cannes let’s appreciate the importance of schemes like Black Out (💐to Cephas Williams & The Black Network) and #CannesForAll (💐 to Ally Owen, Lisa💫 Goodchild, Brixton Finishing School & digilearning). Looking forward to all the serendipitous moments that are coming in June, give me a shout if you’ll be there! 💛

🌟 Happy Black Inclusion Week! 🌟 Get ready for an unforgettable week of empowerment, celebration, and meaningful dialogue! With 50+ dynamic speakers and 13 inspiring events lined up, there's something for everyone to engage with and learn from. 🎤✨ This year, we're coming together to ignite change, celebrate diversity, and amplify the voices of the Black community across the UK and beyond! 🎉✊ Our theme for 2024, "Empowered for change: Building a better future together," reminds us of the power of unity and collective action in shaping a more inclusive society. 💪🌍 It's not just about recognising our potential - it's about harnessing it together, to create a brighter tomorrow for all. Now more than ever, it's crucial that we stand united and committed to building a future where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. 🌟 Whether it's through advocacy, education, or simply showing support, each of us plays a vital role in driving positive change. So, let's celebrate the diversity, resilience, and beauty of the Black community, and let's work together to create the inclusive world we envision. https://lnkd.in/eSKpVu6m Mahogany Inclusion Partners Auto Trader UK HSBC Moneysupermarket Group Wickes #BIW2024 #blackinclusionweek #diversityandinclusion #myBlackhero #togetherinaction #blackexcellence #dei #racialequity #empoweredforchange #blackempowerment #Empowerment #BuildingABetterFuture #buildingabetterfuturetogether #allyship #inclusionmatters #diversitymatters

🌟 Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Spirit of Juneteenth As we commemorate Juneteenth, we are reminded of the significance of this day in American history. Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, is a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey towards true equality. At PPC, we believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just buzzwords, but essential values that drive meaningful progress in our workplaces and communities. Here’s why DEI matters and how it relates to Juneteenth: 🔹 Diversity Enriches Perspectives: Diverse teams bring together varied viewpoints, fostering innovation and creativity. Embracing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives allows us to solve problems more effectively and build a more dynamic and inclusive workplace. 🔹 Equity Promotes Fairness: Equity ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities, recognizing that different people may need different resources to achieve similar outcomes. It’s about leveling the playing field and addressing systemic inequalities, much like the efforts that began with the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. 🔹 Inclusion Fosters Belonging: Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s about ensuring that all voices are heard and that everyone can contribute to their fullest potential. This spirit of belonging is at the heart of what Juneteenth represents—a community coming together to celebrate freedom and equality. As we honor Juneteenth, let’s recommit to building workplaces that reflect these values. Here are some steps we can take: Educate and Raise Awareness: Promote understanding of Juneteenth and its historical significance. Encourage conversations about race, history, and the ongoing impact of systemic racism.  Implement DEI Initiatives: Develop and support policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization. This includes everything from recruitment and hiring practices to training and development programs.  Celebrate and Support: Acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Black employees and leaders. Support initiatives and organizations that work towards racial equity and justice. Juneteenth is a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. Let’s continue to strive for a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, where diversity is celebrated, and where equity and inclusion are the norms. #Juneteenth #DiversityEquityInclusion #DEI #WorkplaceCulture #InclusiveLeadership #PreciseProcessConsulting 

I have been reflecting deeply on the appalling comments made towards Diane Abbott and it's evident that we're far from achieving the equity and inclusion we strive for. Black women like Diane face not only racism but also misogyny, AKA - Misogynoir and highlights the systemic discrimination ingrained in our society. I wish as a society we would also acknowledge the collective trauma and vulnerability experienced by Black women. It’s so often overlooked and TBH- it’s getting annoying/damn right rude and unkind. As a society we just aren't in a place where Black women can truly feel valued, safe, and empowered, free from dehumanisation and systemic barriers- we just aren’t there yet- and sorry to be pessimistic- but I’m not sure we will ever be there.. I can’t believe we haven’t really moved on from this famous quote by Malcom X (made in 1964): “The most disrespected person in America, is the black woman” (not just America, but around the world) Can we amplify Black women's voices and support their leadership in all spaces? including in politics and the workplace? I don’t know… haven’t seen it yet. Are we ever going to be ready to truly begin to pave the way for equity and equality for Black women? In the event industry, we have a responsibility to foster safe, inclusive environments where Black women can just ‘be’ without fear or retaliation. This is one of the reasons why I started my business, Diversity Alliance. To help organisations create truly inclusive spaces where Black women can flourish, because event organisations can achieve antiracism by... 👉 Creating strategies that address unique challenges faced in the workplace through delivering antiracism workshops that raise awareness and promote DE&I in all aspects of the workplace. This way we can create a future where every Black woman is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to succeed. Are you in? #EmpowerBlackWomen #EndMisogynoir #EqualityForAll

🗣 Ahead of Black Inclusion Week, we’re reflecting on the importance of recognising various cultures and the roles individuals play in your business. Successfully leading diverse teams and promoting collaboration allows us to amplify the voices and contributions of the Black Community. It’s so important to recognise that inclusivity is a journey that we can all collectively embark on. The theme for this year’s Black Inclusion Week is ‘Empowered for Change: Building a Better Future Together.’ We’ve got 3 top tips below on how employers can build a better future to empower change: 1️⃣ Encourage cross-cultural collaboration - foster an environment of understanding to promote respect across different cultures 2️⃣ Leading by example - engage in active listening to develop cooperation 3️⃣ Promoting continuous learning - encourage all team members to learn and engage with each other Find out more about how you can become an employer of choice amongst young people here: https://lnkd.in/grQA7WKJ #BIW2024 #DiversityandInclusion

Honoring Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection Today, we join millions across the United States in celebrating Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the enduring fight for equality and justice. Juneteenth is not just a historic milestone; it’s a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of the Black community. It’s a day to reflect on our journey towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We stand together in our dedication to driving meaningful change and promoting a culture of respect and understanding. Join us in honoring this significant day and continuing the conversation about freedom, justice, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in our communities and workplaces. #DiversityandInclusion #FreedomDay #Juneteenth2024

This Black History Month UK, Michelmores is exploring the campaign theme: #ReclaimingNarratives with storytelling. We're honoured to hear from our people as they share their experiences and cultural heritage; it is one way that we can contribute to reclaiming narratives and celebrate diversity. An important part of our Destination 2030 strategy is our commitment to fostering a more inclusive Firm - for our people, clients and our suppliers. We know that building an inclusive workplace helps us to guide our clients, and to create more profitable, equitable and sustainable futures for their businesses. In his article on hair discrimination, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, Daniel Onafuwa explores the campaign for Afro hair to be made a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and the impact that this could have on employees and businesses. You can read the article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/emVzcn36. If you would like to discuss the issues in the article, please get in touch with Daniel or another member of our Employment team at https://lnkd.in/eVdh4ZsE #EqualityAct2010 #BlackHistoryMonth

📢 Join us for a powerful LinkedIn Live: Purposeful Conversations ✨ How White Women Can Support Black History Month—Not Just for One Month, But 365 Days a Year ✨ 🗓 Date: 17th October  🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM BST  🎙 Hosts: Chikere Igbokwe & Katherine Longhi White women hold a unique position of influence and power in workplaces and society. But allyship isn’t just about showing up for Black History Month—it’s about continuous, year-round commitment to equity and change. In this conversation, we’ll explore how white women can: - Use their privilege to uplift Black voices - Challenge systemic barriers in meaningful ways - Be active allies, not just in October, but every day of the year This is more than just a discussion—it’s a call to action. Let’s move from awareness to intentional, impactful change. 💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and take action.  Be part of the solution! #Allyship #BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #PurposefulConversations #DEIB #WhiteWomenSupportingBlackCommunities