EBONY Media’s Post

What does it mean to be Bold & Black in LA? It means embracing your full Black identity, even when society fails to acknowledge your existence, contributions, abilities, and greatness. Los Angeles boasts a rich history of Black creatives, tastemakers, standard bearers, thought leaders, political savants, and more, who have set standards, broken records, and woven the cultural fabric that defines LA today. Our work stands on the shoulders of these trailblazers, who carved paths and created opportunities against all odds. As we commemorate #BlackAugust, a time to honor the history of Black resistance and the struggle for freedom, we recognize the power and resilience of those who came before us. The Angeleno Project's Black Experience Action Team embodies this spirit, driving initiatives that uplift and inspire our community. Here are some Bold Black LA leaders who dared to envision and create a brighter, bolder future for #BlackLosAngeles. Each leader's journey is unique, but they all did it in a bold, Black way. Which ancestor inspires you to be Bold and Black this Black August?

Black Diamond ReOrigination "ReOrigination" is a concept that resonates deeply with themes of transformation, resilience, and cultural renewal. It encapsulates the idea of emerging stronger and more empowered from challenging experiences, particularly within the context of the Black Experience and Struggle. At its core, "ReOrigination" signifies a process of rebirth and reinvention, where individuals and communities draw upon their adversities as catalysts for growth, innovation, and empowerment. It represents a journey of overcoming obstacles, confronting injustices, and transforming pain into strength, wisdom, and creativity. In the context of the Black Experience and Struggle, "ReOrigination" embodies the resilience and perseverance of Black individuals and communities in the face of historical and systemic challenges. It celebrates the ability to not only survive but to thrive, to turn struggles into sources of inspiration, and to shape a new narrative that honors the past while embracing a future filled with possibilities. "ReOrigination" invites reflection on the power of cultural transformation and the capacity for individuals and communities to redefine their identities, narratives, and aspirations. It highlights the importance of resilience, solidarity,

Led by Torin Darling Brazzle, CEO/Founder of IGNITE! Central : The purpose of the "Winning with Purpose" Series is to reclaim and redefine the Black narrative, challenging harmful stereotypes perpetuated by entertainment, social media, and other forms of media. Currently, many inner-city youth and communities believe that pathways to wealth are limited to entertainment, athletics, or illicit activities, with violence being glorified and a lack of values, respect, and education. "Winning with Purpose" will counter these damaging perceptions by showcasing amazing Black Leaders who personify TRUE Black Excellence.

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.

Today is the final day commemorating Black History Month 2024 and as it draws to a close, I’m reflecting on the ways in which Black history is American history, and American history is Black history.   Our monuments and progress have been fueled by Black people and their ingenuity. Black artists have shaped our culture, and influenced those around the globe. Black activists have driven change across our society.   And yet our country must do more to support Black people, honor Black humanity, and invest in Black futures.   In the legal community, we celebrate and support Black lawyers who continue to make our profession better and more inclusive through their advocacy to empower the next generation of Black leaders to realize a brighter future. But our work cannot stop here.   We must start by building pipelines and demolishing the roadblocks of bias and systemic inequity, which have impeded our progress. We must build stronger network of partners guided by the data that tells us what’s effective and what’s not. At MCCA (Minority Corporate Counsel Association), we are invested in this work to ensure our partners know better, do better, lead better, and transform our sector and society.   Transformation is no easy task. But we are inspired by the power and persistence of Black leaders and luminaries throughout history who acknowledged openly the challenges and injustices they faced, then tackled them with determined optimism.   In his famous poem, "Let America Be America Again," Langston Hughes paints a vivid, devastating picture of the ways in which, in failing to live up to its lofty ideals, “America never was America” for Black Americans and for so many others as well. His work is not a lament but a manifesto and a reminder of what determination can achieve, and we join him in his powerful pledge:   "America never was America to me, And yet I swear this oath— America will be!" If you want to be part of the solution, join MCCA. We need all of you to make our vision a reality. #BlackHistory #BlackFutures #AmericaWillBe See link to full poem by Langston Hughes: https://lnkd.in/ec9TrPUv

Black History Month is a time for us to reflect on the stories we tell and those we amplify. For too long, the history of Black communities has been told through lenses that fail to capture the richness, resilience, and diversity of our experiences. This year’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ is about taking ownership of the stories that define our culture, celebrating excellence and challenging the narratives that marginalise or stereotype us. From historical figures whose contributions have been overlooked to modern-day leaders driving change, now is the time to honour our past and inspire our future. Let’s not just observe Black History, but actively participate in creating a future where these stories are not only told but celebrated. #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #BlackExcellence #DiversityMatters #InclusiveCulture

🎯The Black History Month is not a marketing strategy to advance your diversity agenda. Black History Matters. Today, I am reminded of a quote by Susanne B. Anthony that I have adapted for this post. 🎯"One day, we will be noticed, and everyone will think it has always been this way. Just as many young people today believe that all the privileges Black people possess today have always been ours. Every inch of ground we stand on was gained through the hard work, contribution, and sacrifices of great women and men in the past and present." 🎯To create an equitable future, we must be aware of and acknowledge the influence of Black people on the past, present, and future. Our stories need to be told and heard to promote understanding of our societal norms and constructs. This month is meant to highlight, recognize, and celebrate the contribution of Black people in the world. 🎯Without our history, we ultimately lack our identity. The Black History Month Matters. #BlackHistoryMonth #Leadership #WhatInspiresMe

The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “Changing Narratives”. This month, we are committed to spotlight untold success stories of black people in the UK who have, and continue to contribute to our country’s cultural, social, economic, and political landscape. We change narratives as we: ·        Honour Our Heroes: Challenge the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. ·        Embrace Our Stories: Take control of our stories, honour our heroes, and shine a light on the diverse and profound impact of Black individuals across various fields. ·        Empower and Educate: Join us in embracing, educating, and empowering one another through the stories that shape our collective identity.

As we come to the last day of February, our Black voices on the Block continue to truth and life into our organization + the communities we love. Meet someone who understands the human being vs. just the human doing, Devon Fanfair. Hear what Black History means to Devon and more below! "Black History means everything to me! It means Global History. It means the history of which the world was built and evolved. It means innovation and creativity in its purest form. It also means black futurism. When we look back on all we have done to help us remove the imposter syndrome, we should leverage that to create what we have yet to see and experience." "This is SO MUCH MORE than a group of brilliant black founders winning in this tech game! When Tradeblock/we win our “championship”, there will hopefully be photos of the entire team in both digital and physical print. The goal behind the goal is to have kids and adults see themselves in a way they hadn’t before. Sometimes all we need is to see someone that looks like us on a stage we haven’t been to realize that for ourselves. Tradeblock is black futurism." 🚀

In a world of contrasts, finding our own inner light is crucial. It can guide us through the darkness and help us navigate life's challenges. We must recognize the beauty in both light and dark, and celebrate Black excellence as a shining example. The Black community is resilient, strong, and rich in culture. From art to science, they have made significant contributions to society throughout history. Despite facing obstacles, their excellence shines bright, reminding us that greatness knows no color or boundaries. Let's come together to honor and uplift #BlackExcellence. Let's celebrate those who have paved the way for future generations. Let's embrace diversity and recognize the power within it. As we journey through life, let's remember to look within ourselves for our own light. And let's also shine a light on those around us who embody #BlackExcellence in their own unique way. Together, we can create a brighter world for all. 🖤