Keith Henry’s Post

This post includes resources to learn more about #Juneteenth.

Today is Juneteenth. And while there has been some progress, and I love seeing more companies and leaders publicly recognize this day, the uncomfortable truth is that this was only 159 years ago. And there is a lot of work to be done. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas: • Support Black-owned businesses • Educate yourself, your families, and your team about Juneteenth and Black history (rather than placing that labor on the shoulders of your Black colleagues, friends, and neighbors) • Advocate for diverse panels, speaking engagements, and events. And then pay your speakers (or offer a fair trade). Yes, even the Black speakers. Giving your employees the day off is great. Understanding this day’s history, traditions, and impact is even better. Anyway, if you need me, I’ll be celebrating one of my favorite holidays and building my company. 👋🏽

📣 Is LinkedIn Working for Black Professionals? Let’s Talk About It. Black professionals face unique challenges on LinkedIn—from navigating the algorithm to finding meaningful opportunities and building connections that truly matter. But are these challenges fixable? Or do we need a space that works for us? Join me this Wednesday for a LinkedIn Live where we’ll dive into: ✔️ What 70% of Black professionals said about wanting a LinkedIn alternative. ✔️ Why nearly 40% feel rarely or never valued on this platform. ✔️ How the Crown & Quill Collective is reimagining networking for Black excellence. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a movement to co-create a future where visibility, collaboration, and success are built by us, for us. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Strategies to amplify your voice and brand on LinkedIn. ✅ Why the Collective is the space Black professionals deserve. ✅ How YOU can help shape this vision as a Founding Member. Details: 📅 When: Wednesday, December 4 at 12 pm EST 📍 Where: Right here on LinkedIn Live ➡️ RSVP now to reserve your spot using the link below 👇🏽 and be part of this transformative conversation. Let’s build something extraordinary—together.

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.

How can businesses and colleagues be effective allies to Black employees year-round? To truly support Black employees year-round, businesses and colleagues should gain insights and understanding into the Black history and culture. This could be done through events where everyone can share their backgrounds through food and stories.. thereby creating a space for honest conversations about experiences and challenges. #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK

🖤 The Vital Need for Safe Spaces for Black Professionals 🖤 With the turmoil that is sure to shake this country over the next four years following the Presidential election, it is more important than ever for Black professionals to have private, safe places to gather, speak, and support one another. We already navigate challenges daily—being “the only” in the room, having our voices silenced, and shouldering the burden of representation. But in times like these, those challenges intensify, and the weight becomes heavier. ✨ Why Safe Spaces Matter: ✅ Healing and Support: We need spaces where we can process our frustrations, share our fears, and find strength among those who understand our journey. ✅ Collaboration and Growth: These spaces allow us to exchange ideas, resources, and strategies that build us up individually and collectively. ✅ Reinforcement of Identity: Being in community reminds us of our brilliance and resilience—especially when the world feels uncertain. ✨ Why Now? The next four years will bring both challenges and opportunities. It is vital that we, as Black professionals, prepare, organize, and thrive together. When we stand united, our voices are louder, our impact is greater, and our future is brighter. 💡 I’m creating that space—a private, exclusive community where Black professionals can connect, share, and grow in an environment built on trust and mutual support. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and in our community, let’s do this together. Comment “I want in” 👇🏽 or DM me for an application to become a founding member.

With Black History Month around the corner, I want to address something that happens every year. Many organisations will soon be reaching out to people in the Black community, asking us to share our knowledge, our stories, our experiences for FREE. Let me make this clear: **that’s not okay.** Our expertise, insights and lived experiences have value and it’s high time we stop being expected to offer them up without compensation. The days of exploiting Black labor and knowledge for free are over ***slavery days are DONE.*** You want to have meaningful discussions about Black history, culture and diversity in your workplace? Great. But if you truly believe in equity and inclusion, that starts with paying us what we’re worth. If you’re not budgeting for it, then ask yourself if you’re genuinely invested in progress, or if you’re just ticking a box to look good for the month. Here at the Self Made Speakers Academy, we’re committed to showing our mentees how to get paid their worth and how to find clients who truly value them. Because *equity* means being recognised and compensated for the value we bring not just in October, but *all year round.*" ♻️ Repost, like & comment if you found this interesting 

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.

What powerful insights to read from our own Tony Caldwell Jr., CPA. The vulnerability is inspiring and helps us learn! "Also, recognizing the existing disadvantages that impact Black professionals means acknowledging we don’t start our careers in the same place as our colleagues. We’ve got to address this imbalance to be equitable and eliminate barriers. When people at senior levels reach down to pull us up, we’ll have higher quality relationships which will improve our work quality and lead to more belonging." https://lnkd.in/gvy-H55K

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