Taq (Taqdees) Shah✨’s Post

Black History Month is almost over...so have you thought about what you're going to do to maintain the momentum? Or is it just a topic to be left on the back burner for another 12 months? Check out the link in the comments to read my Q&A with Flexa and see some of my thoughts on how companies can continue to empower their Black talent throughout the year and throughout their careers! #BlackHistoryMonth #Flexa #KeepTheMomentum

Black History Month, observed in February in the US and October in the UK, honors the significant contributions of Black individuals and communities. For employers, celebrating Black History Month promotes diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding. Here’s 5 reasons why it should be integrated into organizational culture: https://lnkd.in/ewc4qEHb

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. 👋🏽

This post includes resources to learn more about #Juneteenth.

Celebrating Black History Month To all the phenomenal black business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives who grace our communities with their talent and tenacity: This month, as we honor the legacy and achievements of black individuals throughout history, let's also turn a reflective eye towards our own collective journey. The road to success is paved with the support and unity we offer each other. #growwithcarl Remember, my progress is not your regress. We must dismantle the myths that have been instilled in us—a mentality that has been a tool of oppression for far too long. We have been taught to see each other as competition rather than allies, influenced by the age-old strategy of divide and conquer. But history has shown us that we are strongest when we stand together. Let's reject the "one pie theory," which falsely claims that opportunity is scarce and that one person's gain is another's loss. There is not just one pie, my friends, but an abundance of pies, enough to share and multiply. As we forge ahead, let's commit to celebrating each other's wins and providing a platform for growth. Let's network, collaborate, and invest in one another. Every retweet, every referral, every word of encouragement builds a community that thrives together. This Black History Month, let's pledge to support and uplift each other, not just in words but in action. Together, we can break barriers, build empires, and inspire the next generation of black excellence. #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #Unity #CommunityGrowth #BlackExcellence #TogetherWeRise #growwithcarl #WeGrowTogether

Black excellence fatigue is a real problem. Celebrating the achievements of fellow Black colleagues is vital. We must recognize their accomplishments and highlight the value they bring to the table. Yet, let's not overlook the other side of the coin: the potential for exhaustion and harm. The constant need to prove oneself, to be celebrated for diversity rather than merit, can be draining. It can feel like the focus is more on the color of their skin than on their hard-earned achievements. This paradoxical situation can create an environment where Blacks feel tokenized rather than genuinely valued. The key is balance. We should celebrate achievements because they are remarkable, not because they are from a Black colleague.

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month! 🌟 At CE International, we honor the legacy and contributions of Black individuals worldwide - in the past, present, and future. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we're reminded of the profound and important impact Black leaders, thinkers, and educators have had and continue to have on shaping the world, especially in the area of #education. The work of earlier Black trailblazers such as Mary McLeod Bethune and Fanny Jackson Coppin created educational opportunities for Black children in the U.S. Later, brave Black children such as Ruby Bridges walked into newly desegregated schools to pursue the education they deserved. Worldwide, countless Black leaders have worked to build quality educational opportunities for children and youth in their communities, and today, Black education leaders globally advocate, teach, and innovate to build better #education systems, resources, and opportunities for all. As we commemorate Black History Month, we celebrate these achievements and recommit ourselves to creating inclusive educational environments worldwide so that all children can thrive. Image description: A blue circle with white text that says "Black History Month" and an icon of two hands holding up a person reading a book. Around the circle are decorative orange and yellow dots and color splashes of orange, yellow, and green.

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 

It can be lonely being a female black leader in the workplace. Over the last couple of years, I've noticed an increase in the number of clients who come to me because I look like them. When I ask why this is a factor for them, it is usually to do with having a safe place where they do not have to explain or justify their experiences with racism or micro-aggressions in the workplace. A place where they can explore the length and breath of their experiences at work without worrying about being understood. I'll be honest and say that makes me sad because it signals tiredness at not being seen or heard - even when it is crystal clear like with Diane Abbott in the UK's Commons chamber today. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for organisations with black employees to ensure that they have a diverse group of coaches available to their teams. I make no apologies for this. If you are serious about well-being, psychological and psycho-social safety; this is a must. Certainly miles better than an awareness day during Black History Month. Not all global majority employees will want a coach that looks like them but having the option is a plus.

Should we care about Black History Month? Understanding and appreciating the history and culture of different communities creates allyship. This allyship creates a culture of people who consciously and actively value others. We all want to be valued, especially in the organisations that we work in. We also recognise that many organisations either start focusing on Black History Month too late or avoid, overlook, or forget to celebrate it due to a lack of awareness, competing priorities, limited resources, lack of diverse leadership, or cultural inertia. To help organisations address this we have created our Black History edition of Equally Yours, our innovative learning experience that combines playfulness and conversation, inclusive for all people. The session will educate staff about the history, struggles, and contributions of Black individuals and pioneers which in turn will enhance cultural awareness and sensitivity. It will increase cultural competence throughout your organisation, most importantly, it will provide a sense of belonging as all your colleagues will feel valued and included. If this has sparked your interest then please join our free demo on 18th September. You can sign up here 👇🏿 https://zurl.co/OvDu