Chlo’e Edwards, MPP, RYT, SELF’s Post

It's less than 48 hours until...#CitizenFriday - yes you read that right! It's been 12 months since the launch of the citizen-centred, no spend alternative to Black Friday, the brainchild of Re-Action Collective. We had a virtual sit down with the organisation's Founder Gavin Fernie-Jones to find out how incorporating #CitizenFriday into his life each and every week has totally transformed everything from his connection with nature to the quality of his relationships. https://buff.ly/3OpEVhf It's a long read, but here's 5 important reasons why you should stick with it right until the end. You'll gain a: 💭 Deep and personal insight into why a shift in focus from consumerism to citizenship can open up rich possibilities for life and living in all its aspects 👦 A window into the journey that brought Gavin to the #CitizenFriday concept, including his early childhood in the Peak District ⌛ An honest reflection on how people who are time poor/nature-deprived can embrace participatory citizenship 🗣️ An thought-provoking answer to the individual responsibility vs systems change debate 🧵 Some practical ideas for how to enact the campaign's 'share, repair and get out in the fresh air' tagline

Happy #friday community and colleagues!! It’s the first Friday of the month of August, like many of you, I will be out enjoying why my city is known as #summertimeChi. One of the ways I plan to celebrate this season is by supporting #blackowned businesses in honor of #nationalblackbusinessmonth Here’s some facts you should know👇🏾 #August is National Black Business Month, an opportunity to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. According to data, there are approximately 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses employ 1.18 million people and generate $133.7 billion in total sales, highlighting their significant contribution to the economy. Fastest Growing Demographic #Blackwomen (like #me!✨) are driving entrepreneurial growth. In 2020, the number of Black women-owned businesses grew by 20.2%, outpacing the overall growth of Black-owned businesses at 14.3% and women-owned businesses at 3.1%. This trend highlights the crucial role that #Blackwomen play in the entrepreneurial landscape. How to Support Black-Owned Businesses Supporting #Blackownedbusinesses can significantly boost revenue and employment opportunities within the community. Here’s how you can get involved: #Buy from Black-owned businesses: Your purchase helps strengthen the economic foundation of the local business community, fostering growth and sustainability. #Engage in community events: Attend and support local events and markets that feature Black-owned businesses to show your solidarity and help build a stronger community. #Share on social media: Give a shoutout to your favorite Black-owned businesses (like #me!) using the hashtag #BuyBlack to increase visibility and of course tag @radicallyblended !! My business is all about #empowering people to strengthen their #mentalhealth and for those that call themselves #allies to the black community to use their voice and privilege for the safety and continual advancement of #blackpeople in shared communities. So, don’t just speak about your support, put it into action! *data sourced from https://lnkd.in/gKgynd8C Happy weekend!! Keisha Mathew

Three years ago, on Thanksgiving Eve, my husband and I were driving to visit his family for the holiday. We stopped at a local Rutter’s for gas when a news alert popped up on my phone: the jury in the Ahmaud Arbery murder case had reached a verdict. As we drove, I watched the livestream on my phone, my heart racing. When the guilty verdicts were read, I cried tears of relief and said a prayer of thanks. I can't imagine the emotions felt by Black friends and colleagues. I’m typically an optimist, but I was genuinely shocked by the outcome. In that moment, I thought, "Maybe—just maybe—our country is finally heading in the right direction." 💡 Now, three short years later, that hope feels dimmed. #Walmart —the nation’s largest retailer—has announced the elimination of its #DEI initiatives, including its supplier diversity goals and its five-year commitment to #racialequity. They’re not alone. Companies like Lowe's, Ford, Tractor Supply, Harley-Davidson, and Microsoft have also scaled back their DEI commitments. 😔 The ripple effects of these decisions will impact our #communities, our #education and social #systems, and our #economy for years to come. For professionals from excluded communities—those who have had to navigate systemic #bias at every turn—this is a devastating message: that the fight to prove their worth and value is far from over. ‼️ We all have a responsibility to push back against this regression, no matter our background. ‼️ Even as some companies falter, we can stay personally committed to #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion in our everyday actions and choices. That starts with how we treat people—with dignity and respect—regardless of their race, where they come from, or even their political affiliations. It extends to how we #advocate for equity in our #workplaces, communities, schools, and beyond. Progress is not inevitable—it requires each of us to stay engaged. We must choose to keep moving forward together. 💪 ❤️🩹 #NotGivingUp #StrongerTogether

Dear X, I saw your reply to my post SuPeRmArKeTs don’t SeE CoLoUr….Errr they do and anyone who thinks there is not a colour issue in the food industry is lying to themselves Well my friend it is ALL ABOUT THE SUPERMARKETS (they can play their part by showing allyship) let’s look at the facts shall we and while you are at it remove that privilege →7.1% of Black and ethnic minority founders receive funding. →0.02% of funding goes to Black women →Black community contributes around £70 billion to the British economy. These numbers don't add up, and it's time for change. The facts do not lie, I will continue to do what I do for the community. If it was not about tHe SuPeRmArKetS, why have Tesco got their Black Action Plan? Why for 31 odd days in October do supermarkets wet their pants to support us Black folk during BHM?…. We only get 31 days’ folks Why are brands like Lloyds Banking Group & Virgin Startups “supporting” ethnic minority start-up’s? Need I go on, guess you see the point fella Before you get the urge to comment on my post questioning the ‘Why’ how about you stop and think about ‘why’? That white privilege is showing my G Sincerely, Colin 📌P.S. If you are triggered by the above......its a YOU problem! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👋I’m Colin, aka (“the food scene’s Kanya King”) a London-based food and drink Content Creator🧙 📚Helping foodie brands promote themselves via storytelling. 💻Connecting foodie brands with their target audiences via social media 🗣 Wanna chat? 📲Connect with me, and we can talk about your projects😁

Today is #CITIZENFRIDAY 🌍 It's time to change the narrative. Take control of your story. Join the #BlackFriday rebellion! 🚫🛍️ Be a citizen, not a consumer. 🌱 Ask the collective questions: What is best for our community? 🤝 What is best for the world? 🌎 What is best for us collectively? 🫂 The “what is best for me?” questions always lead to short-term thinking. They keep us locked in a cycle of self-interest, focusing only on what's immediately in front of us, trapping us as individuals, not communities. Consumers, not citizens. 🛒❌ These questions push us to seek outcomes that reduce everything into a commodity. But outcomes—goods, services, possessions—are merely by-products of the relationships that create them. If we focus only on outcomes, we miss the deeper foundation: the relationships that shape our reality. If we want new outcomes, we must address the conditions that create them. We don't just need better outcomes, we need new systems that generates those new outcomes. 🔄 To achieve real change, we must ask new questions and tell new stories. We need to look beyond self-interest and focus on the long-term, collective questions. 💭 If climate change isn’t in your face 🌡️, If war isn’t in your face 💥, If racism, colonialism, and inequality aren’t directly in your face 🚫, It’s not because these issues don’t matter—they are ignored by design. Our current political and economic systems reduce us to individuals, asking, "What’s best for you?" rather than, "What’s best for humanity?" 🤔 But deep down, we know that the world would be a better place if we acted on these issues. A better place for both you and your neighbor. 🌍🤗 Black Friday sales? I couldn’t care less. Everything is broken. Let’s step outside, take a breath, and reflect on the right questions. 🌳💬 Democracy is built on relationships. If we want a democracy that addresses long-term, collective challenges—whether it’s stopping war, alleviating poverty, or surviving ecological collapse—we must ask collective questions. 🔑 People are not inherently selfish. But many of us live in systems that only empower us when we ask selfish questions. It’s an illusion of power—locked into individualism. Yet we know power is found in unity, in the collective. ✊ We can change the system now—not just for the sake of change, but for the sake of humanity and to reclaim our democracy. Because, when we ask collective questions at scale, they will always be superior to the false hope that individual self-interest can add up to the greater good. It never will. As individuals, we hold no real power. ⚖️ #CollectiveAction #ChangeTheNarrative #FutureFocused #CommunityFirst #DemocracyMatters

When I read the bottom sentence my heart sank 💔 I realized... "the worst" thing you can be in any corporate workplace is black and anything else. 😔 If you are black and shy you're targeted. 😪 If you are black and confident you're targeted. 😟 If you are black and mourning you're targeted. 🫨 If you are black and stressed you're targeted. 🤔 If you are black and ask for help you're targeted. 🫥 If you are black and successful you're targeted. The possibilities are endless in the worst way. My mother, Jacquie Abram, and I, are the international best-selling & award-winning authors of Hush Money. We help employees in toxic workplaces walk away but not empty-handed because what's happening to them is not unconscious it's unconscionable. It's not the result of unconscious bias it's unconscious B.S. 1,700 people attended my mom's explosive Linkedin Live event last month called Surviving in a Toxic Workplace Strategies to Help You Protect Your Career. Watch the replay in the comments to learn how to fight back, expose your toxic leaders, and increase your chances of getting your own hush money. Need our help? Message her to schedule an initial consultation. Our fee has been waived this month in honor of my mother's upcoming birthday on New Year's Eve. #Black #theblackexperience #corporateamerica

💥 Black Friday is Here – and We’re Opening This Up for Everyone! 💥 This week, I introduced the Wealthy Woman Ambassador Program exclusively inside our Real Entrepreneur Women Facebook Group – and I’ve already been blown away by the incredible women I’ve been connected with so far. The energy, excitement, and potential are undeniable, and it’s made me even more passionate about opening this up to everyone this Black Friday weekend! If you’ve been looking for a way to make an impact and get rewarded, this is your chance. This weekend only, when you introduce a female coach or consultant to the Wealthy Woman Mastermind, you’ll not only receive $500 cash, but I’ll also send you a special gift as a thank you! 🎁 It’s not just about the rewards (though they’re pretty amazing). This is about helping someone you know step into their next chapter with the clarity, support, and proven strategies they need to grow their coaching business. Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Think of just one coach or consultant who’s ready to rise. 2️⃣ Connect us via Messenger with a quick intro. 3️⃣ Once they join, YOU get $500 cash, THEY get $500 cash back, and both of you step into something extraordinary. This Black Friday weekend, let’s focus on more than just gifts – it’s about growth, empowerment, and creating opportunities for more women to succeed. Want in? Type "AMBASSADOR" in the comments below, and my gorgeous team will send you all the details! Don’t wait – this special bonus is only available until Monday. Let’s make it happen! Backing you to rise, Sophie x

🖤✨ There’s nothing like connecting with our community at Black Culture Market! ✨🖤⁠ ⁠ Whether you’re a trader or a visitor, our market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. From discovering unique, handmade products to supporting Black-owned businesses, there’s so much to love! 💚⁠ ⁠ For our amazing traders, it’s an opportunity to showcase your talent, network, and build your brand. For attendees, it’s a chance to explore and uplift incredible entrepreneurs, all while experiencing the vibrant energy of our community. 🙌🏾⁠ ⁠ What’s your favourite thing about Black Culture Market? Whether it’s meeting talented traders, finding that perfect product, or just soaking in the atmosphere, we want to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know! 👇🏾💬⁠ ⁠ 🗓️ Sat 5th + Sun 6th Oct 2024⁠ 🛍 40+ traders⁠⁠ 🌯 Tasty food⁠⁠ & cakes⁠ 👗 Fantastic fashion⁠ 🎁 Beautiful gifts⁠⁠ 📖 Books⁠ 🧴 Natural Skincare⁠ 🧸 Toys and Educational products ⁠ 🖤 Black History Month⁠ 🎨 African Art⁠ 🕚 11am-5pm (both days)⁠ 📍Downstairs at The Department Store, Brixton, SW9 8FR⁠ 🎟️ Book a FREE ticket - https://lnkd.in/e2C4EVBM #BlackCultureMarket #SupportBlackBusiness #BlackExcellence #CommunityVibes #ShopLocal #BuyBlack #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackOwned #CelebrateCulture #CommunitySupport #SupportSmallBusiness #ShopBlack #BlackCreatives #MarketDay #LocalBusiness #BlackJoy #BlackHeritage #CultureAndCreativity #SmallBusinessSupport #CommunityWealth #BlackInnovation #BlackCommerce #BusinessNetworking #BlackArtisans #ShopSmall #BlackVendors #SupportLocal #BlackEconomy #BlackEmpowerment #UpliftTogether

This Black Friday, Support Black-Owned Businesses! 🖤 As you hunt for deals, remember the power of your dollar. Shopping with Black-owned businesses helps build stronger communities, creates opportunities, and celebrates innovation and culture. ✨ Whether it’s fashion, beauty, home goods, or services, Black-owned businesses have something amazing to offer. Let’s make this Black Friday about more than just savings—let’s make it about impact. 💪🏽🛍️ . . . . . #BuyBlack #SupportBlackOwned #BlackFridayShopping #CommunityEconomics #ShopWithPurpose #BlackCommunity #BlackCulture #fyp #BlackEmpowerment #BlackEconomics #BlackWealth #BlackWealthMatters #BlackDollarsMatter #BlackEntrepreneurship #BlackOwnedBusiness #BlackBusiness #BlackLeaders #BlackConciousness #Goals #SmallBusiness #Customer #Contracts #Capital #BBIProfessional

News Article posted by BuyBlack.org about Elevate Your Holiday Giving with Unique Gifts from Black-Owned Businesses: The 2024 New Voices Family Guide on BuyBlack.org. #buyblack,#blackownedbusiness,#blackexcellence,#blackownedbrand