Girls Inc. of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area’s Post

During #BlackHistoryMonth this year, we are reflecting on what we’ve learned about how to lead with aspirations and strengths, and the importance of centering community voices to tell their own stories, celebrate successes, and pursue their goals and dreams. Learn more in our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/enj3vXs4

As we observe Women’s History Month and reflect on the incredible women who have shaped our lives and communities, I am compelled to pay tribute to my grandmother, Madie Maddox Smith-Moore, on the 1-year anniversary of her passing. Her impact continues to resonate deeply within our family and beyond, inspiring us to carry forward her unwavering commitment to service and empowerment through the Madie M. Smith Women's Health Equity Institute. Nana believed fervently in the power of leadership and advocacy, especially for those facing barriers due to gender and race. Her words, immortalized in her quote, serve as a guiding light for us all: “We should always be prayerful for the courage to lead when the odds are against you only because you are a woman and the color of your skin. When we get the opportunity to lead, we should mentor and uplift others with compassion, and respect.” – Madie Maddox Smith In her honor, we remain dedicated to embodying her principles through the framework of our 6 Over-Arching Pillars: 1. Leveraging intentional relationships, partnerships, and existing strengths collectively. 2. Fostering oneness and creating shared values. 3. Opening doors for the next generation to lead and serve. 4. Grounding our work in authenticity and data-driven insights. 5. Amplifying and honoring the lived experiences of women. 6. Mobilizing collective power to drive meaningful change in public policy for women’s health issues. Although a new website will roll out soon, learn more here about the institute: https://lnkd.in/enbK_PE6 #WomensHistoryMonth #Legacy #Leadership #Empowerment #MadieMaddoxSmith #WomenLeaders #Service #Advocacy

Hot takes from SXSW EDU morning keynote with Kimberle Crenshaw. These are all quotes or modified quotes from her: - Critica race theory is about raising our race consciousness as individuals and a society. - Racial inclusion has always been a fight for the civil rights of those who believe they have a right to exclude. - Not talking about racism doesn’t prevent or end racism. It actually serves as a tool for racism. - Distorting or erasing history robs us of our ability to live and function in a multiracial society. - Need to teach critical thinking and the multiple voices and stories, including White allies, abolitionists, and activists, around race and racism. “If you are feeling ashamed of history, you are learning the wrong history.” - We are experiencing a resistance to empathy in our country. What do we want for our children and all children? - “Free the storytellers! Free the books!”

❓Ever wonder what happens when three like-minded souls occupy the same space? Let me tell you, the energy is undeniable. 💪🏽Last weekend, I had the incredible privilege of connecting with two phenomenal Black women, Tyra Harrison and Aurelia Ortiz, in public education at the ASCD conference in Washington, D.C. Together, we're committed to doing what's right for our kids, and let me say, the time we spent was nothing short of inspiring. With over 5,000 attendees, this conference was a melting pot of educators all united by a common goal: improving outcomes for our students. It's a beautiful testament to what we stand for. The synergy among us was palpable, proving that when we come together, our collective effort can indeed move the needle faster and stronger than when we try to tackle challenges on our own. Looking ahead, the prospect of future partnerships fills me with excitement. It’s clear that by pulling together, we can generate a momentum that’s both unstoppable and transformative for the educational landscape. 👏🏽So here's to the power of unity and to all of us who believe in making a difference. Together, we're not just changing the game; we're rewriting the rules for the betterment of our students. Keep going, because the world needs more of what you have to offer. #womenleaders #onegoal #keepgoing #collaborate #publiceducation

I love the opportunity to connect with people on the journey to silence their Inner Bullies. Tanisha Rodriguez, MSM created a group centered around my journal and I had the opportunity to meet with some amazing qomen doing amazing things. I am sharing the post Emma Loliya made about her experience. You can get your copy of my journal here: https://lnkd.in/gZXANUFS #silenceyourinnerbully #acknowlegmentjournal #acknowledgeyourwins #impostorsyndrome #impostorphenomenon #impostersyndrome

Check out our new episode, in which I do my best to wear righteousness as a girdle!!!

The Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation was honored to participate in Thriving Together: An Employers’ Best Practice Convening, led by Black Women Thriving East of the River. This impactful event addressed the dual challenges of workforce development and cancer survival for Black women in Washington, D.C.’s Wards 7 & 8. Our shared mission is to create equitable health-related career opportunities and reduce cancer mortality among Black women who face significant barriers due to social determinants of health. At the Foundation, we remain committed to systemic change through initiatives that support Black women’s career growth and health journeys. Based on comprehensive research, the event showcased best practices that employers can adopt to improve recruitment, retention, and advancement for Black women in healthcare—such as mentorship programs, equitable workplace policies, and community-driven support. To read more, visit: www.thrivingeotr.org

My first thought was, "Why has this never been in my purview? Why was I in the dark?" I had barely logged into the webinar when I heard one panellist share their experience of discovering the challenges in the adoption of Black children. Their voice tinged with frustration. Revisiting my notes from the Black Adoption Project webinar in February 2024, it occurred to me that I didn’t share the lessons i took away from the webinar and that prompted this post. The session explored the theory of change for the Black Adoption Project, a collaboration with Adopt London and LBTC. This initiative aims to bridge gaps and improve outcomes for Black children waiting for families. The discussions were rich with insights and a shared determination to create meaningful change. In terms of challenges and barriers, the room seemed to grow heavier with these issues; - Systemic racism 🚧 - Adoption delays ⏳ - Trust issues 🤝 - Prospective adoptive parents need confidence in the adoption process and its support systems Yet, the key areas of focus were presented not just as bullet points but as vibrant pathways toward a better future: Children: Envisioning a future where adoption is celebrated in schools, with unique stories embraced and valued. Families: Lowering barriers to adoption, building trust, and offering tangible support. Communities: Fostering warmth and unity through community support and understanding. Workforce: Equipping the workforce to support diverse families and address racism head-on. Systems: Reimagining systems to meet the needs of Black children with continuous improvement and innovation. When the webinar concluded, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advocating for these essential changes. The voices of the panellists, filled with passion and resilience, has stayed with me. Question for you: How can schools better integrate and celebrate the unique stories of adopted children?🤔 ======================== Hello! 👋 I'm Ade Larigo, I help forward-thinking adoption and fostering services improve cultural consciousness and anti-racism in their practice 🚀 Interested in how I can assist? Drop me a DM! 💌 Don't forget to follow 👉🏽 #AdeAspires, activate notifications 🔔, and stay connected for more insights. 🤍💛💙 #AgencyConnection #DEI  #AFDiT #PanelDiversity #AntiRacist #RacialDisparity #AdoptionAndFostering

In our pivotal report, “Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood,” we reveal that adults view Black girls as less innocent than white girls of the same age, and we call on educators, policymakers, and advocates to dismantle #AdultificationBias and create a more just and equitable future for Black girls and gender-expansive youth. Our report includes recommendations to empower Black girls to thrive, including: 💡Implicit bias training for educators to equip teachers with tools to identify and challenge their own biases. 💡Culturally responsive teaching practices that create learning environments that celebrate the unique experiences and voices of Black girls. 💡Restorative Justice programs that focus on building connection with others and learning from mistakes. 💡A fair and equitable justice system that holds law enforcement accountable for racial bias and ensures equal access to diversion programs for Black girls. Join the movement to #EndAdultificationBias today and read the report to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e423TVNJ Rebecca Epstein Thalia González