Meadows Counseling Group’s Post

#Olympics …. ‘Originality’?! Indeed, cultural elements are lost or distorted when they are removed from their originating cultural contexts. In this case it displays such disrespect – and obscures the meaning, message, origins and traditions of the culture. This inherent commodification reveals, and exemplifies, how racial dynamics affect the ability of Black artists/innovators and entrepreneurs, to effectively defend their intellectual property the way other demographics can. It is exactly the theft and erasure of the culture – from dance, style, music, hair to fashion - the same culture that Black boys, and girls are shamed, shunned and even kicked out of school for, that reinforces the current power imbalance, backed by powerful authorities. This superficial show of tokenized representation, co-opts the resources and recognition meant for Black people; resulting in determined wrongful harm to members of the culture, and leads to unjust benefits for those doing the taking. SUCULTURE. Video Context: The ultimate cultural appropriation ‘breakdancing’ parody at the 2024 Olympics.

This reminds me of this talk about how Rap was colonized If you have a few ticks please watch the video https://lnkd.in/eFzyCYWT

Today’s Black History Reflection is on my other love: music. Growing up, I was influenced by both US and British artists, and it’s amazing how, on reflection, I see the connection between the music I loved and the work I do today. I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Tupac, and Nas—artists whose music spoke to resilience, identity, and social justice. In many ways, their lyrics shaped my understanding of the world and, unknowingly, set me on the path of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion work. One of my first cassette tapes was Snap’s "Rhythm is a Dancer" (I will come back to some of the others at another time) As a Black British Caribbean teenager in the 90s, I was also influenced by the UK music scene—Soul II Soul, Damage, M People (who have to get a special mention) and artists like Ms. Dynamite and the rise of garage music. Being from Manchester, the house and dance scene had a massive impact on me as well. Even now, I still listen to soulful house to calm my mood or garage music to get into a happy place. Just like clothes, music has always been a form of expression for me. Both allow us to present our identity to the world in creative and meaningful ways. Whether through the songs we listen to or the outfits we wear, we are constantly telling a story about who we are and what we value. For me, Black music was never just about entertainment—it was about expression and identity. It’s a reminder that British history is Black history, and the contributions of Black culture through music, art, and beyond, have been pivotal in shaping the UK as we know it today. This Black History Month, let’s celebrate the influence of Black culture and reflect on how it has shaped not just our history, but the world we live in today. #BlackHistoryMonth #BritishHistoryIsBlackHistory #ReclaimingNarratives #Leadership #BlackCulture #ImpactAndIntergrity

Digital BlackCentric Week: Digital Dialogues is not one to miss! Serendipity invites Black researchers, academics and creatives to present new thinking with digital technology at its core. These Calls for papers will make up our Digital Dialogues. Digital content and its vision allow creatives to dream, push boundaries and explore old and new concepts whilst forging a new language and occupying new space. Each selected paper will have a selected amount of time to present their paper, followed by a Q&A with Pawlet Brookes MBE, CEO & Artistic Director of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. Calls for papers aim Bringing unheard writing and voices to the forefront; encouraging open dialogue around their chosen subject. To promote new works from the African, African Caribbean and LatinX where it meets the African Diaspora. Topics for papers but not limited to: - Afrofuturism - Technology as a creative - International connections - Access and accessibility - Race behind the keyboard - Environmental awareness - Artificial Intelligence Takeover Submissions must include: - 500-word abstract in a Word document - Your written paper (2,000 – 3,000 words) - Accompanying presentation slides - A short (100) word author biography - A headshot Deadline: Friday 9 August 2024 To submit or find out more visit https://lnkd.in/eAG9yvM4

Vitaly's Viral Racist Comments In this video, we discuss the issue of cultural appropriation and monetization of Black culture by certain individuals. The conversation centers around the exploitation of Black culture for profit and the disregard for the black community's contributions. Join us for this important discussion. #CulturalAppropriation #MonetizationOfBlackCulture #BlackCommunity #RacismInMedia #ExploitationInEntertainment #BlackCultureMatters #Inequality #RacialJustice #SocialJustice #CulturalEthics #Vitaly #CivicCipher #BlackInformationNetwork

My god Julian Thompson ♥️ Talking about being grounded in present realities and envisioning abundant futures, where new worlds are made for black people. Camp Digital, this human is a poet. Recognising the voices and needs of people who are marginalised is imperative, especially in our “sociodigital” world, where the need to understand the social context of people’s lives, and the ways in which digital shifts and shapes it is essential. Yet, different groups live in very different worlds, and not everyone gets to dream about the future, in a hopeful, positive way. So who gets to dream up what the world will look like? What happens to the black communities who often are reacting to crises? We need to think differently about how we create. Using existing structures - from algorithms to digital colonisation - only replicates and reinforces the different worlds we live in. So, how do we get to new ways of being, living and working? The Afrofuturism advocated by Rooted By Design is imagining new and alternative worlds, that are liberating, beyond the exhausting experience that is in living in the worlds others create. History, spirituality, culture and joy all play a part in black people shaping their own futures… It’s so exciting to see resisting homogenisation and cultural erasure plus dismantling power as key principles, not to mention the agency of black people to make their own choices and opportunities when realising new systems, particularly around education and health. “The world of imagination is boundless” and I can’t wait to see what Afrofuturism creates ♥️

Good piece to highlight how powerful art and cultural institutions are as a foundation for resilience, resistance, and community building when Black people are under attack.

Reflecting on a recent experience that emphasized the importance of transparency and autonomy. In a world that often demands prioritization, especially during Black History Month, my Blackness isn’t a choice—it’s a part of who I am. Navigating a predominantly white cis male tech industry, my work centers on intersectionality. Embracing the power of choice in sharing my trans identity. #OwnYourNarrative #intersectionalityintech #blackmenintech #blackintech #guyslikeus #payblacktransfolx #transtechsocial

BAME… POC… Unconscious Bias… Just Leave It. Dash them all in the bin. Seriously. These lazy terms do nothing but make the ignorant more ignorant. BAME, POC—they’ve got lots of people thinking we’re all the same. But we’re not. These labels are just shortcuts, ways to avoid doing the real work of understanding our unique stories, struggles, and cultures. They’re convenient for ticking diversity boxes, but that’s about it. It’s lazy, and it hides the truth. Let’s be clear: Black experiences aren’t the same as Asian, Latino, or Indigenous ones. So why are we getting grouped under these meaningless acronyms? We need to stop all that. It’s time to ditch the labels, stop hiding behind lazy terms, and start having real conversations. We’re reclaiming our narrative. Hopefully, you will also change the narrative at the same time.

Represent to resonate. 🔊 Mainstream #audio culture thrives on the innovative work of Black creators. Bringing community members into the fold and spotlighting Black artists can help #brands connect and get in on the ground floor.  Download our latest #infographic for the insights you need to craft campaigns that foster brand affinity and loyalty. –> https://bit.ly/48ytKub #Blackpride #diversityandinclusion #diversityinmarketing #authenticmarketing #culturalinsights #brandmarketing