Jemar Ward SHRM-SCP, CLC

Black leaders with access and proximity to power draw and release strength as they acknowledge their connection to the work of generations before us, tap into genuine love and care for Black people, and desire and believe that there can and will be substantial progress for Black communities into the future. However, the potency of this strength often varies depending on the leadership approach and attitude related to the Black community's progress, briefly categorized in the three tiers below. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: You embody success and Black community progress through your track record and ability to gain access and proximity to spaces of power that typically or traditionally have not been previously available to your family or generations before you.  We are progressing because you are an example of such progress. You, for example, are the first Black (fill in the blank). 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: You have been given or earned much, and thus, you are required to motivate or give much by expanding the door of access and proximity to Black youth and communities (i.e., those that our society terms at-risk, underserved, underprivileged, and in-poverty). We progress as you mentor, teach, minister, and invest in programs to help “them” progress along your or a similar path to success. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: You see your current access and proximity to spaces of power as having the potential to change quickly at any time. You view your individual and familial stability and security as tied to the strength and stamina of all Black people across class and other lines of difference, domestically and globally. We progress as we evolve in our mindset and approach, and you seek to help “us” generate health from within, not primarily or solely through fleeting external charity or inclusion, nor without understanding that assets gained must also be protected. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳? Share a comment below, or send a brief message to our Reclamation Next LinkedIn inbox to discuss this further through Executive Leadership Advising (1:1) or Reclamation Leadership Collective (cross-community leadership group). #blackleaders #blackleadership #blackcommunities

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Question: Would it be helpful if I shared weekly grant opportunities? Applications are open for the Black Educators Fellowship, a resource to support Black educators in Philadelphia. Eligible educators (teachers, para-professionals, school counselors and social workers, coaches, community educators, etc.) can apply for small grants of between $500-$2000 to support educational units, programs, learning experiences, initiatives, or classroom resources that are designed to empower Black children and youth or provide resources for students with disabilities. The minimum grant award amount is $500, and a limited number of grants up to $2000 will be awarded. The deadline for the third cycle of grants is November 30th: https://lnkd.in/gnDwAxdg

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If you're a Black business owner looking for financial support, check out the latest grants and venture capital funds available! From the NAACP's Keep It Local Fund to Google's Black Founders Fund, explore opportunities that are still open for application. Don't miss your chance! 🔗 Read more. >>> https://bit.ly/4fko23l #BlackBusinessOwner #BlackEntrepreneur #FundingOpportunities #BusinessGrants

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Meet Kudakwashe Gumboreshumba Derera, Podcaster at Sticks and Stones Studios, one of the male advocates standing with us to challenge violence against women and girls. 💙 "As a Black man, I recognize that violence against women and children is a problem that transcends race, culture, and background. White Ribbon Day stands as a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to take a stand against domestic violence, to break the silence, and to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours. We must create a world where women and children can live free from fear, abuse, and violence, and where respect, empathy, and equality are at the forefront of our relationships. Supporting White Ribbon Day is a commitment to ending gender-based violence in all its forms, and as men, we must lead by example in showing that true strength lies in kindness, respect, and love for all." Violence against women and girls affects us all. By speaking out and taking action, we can create safe, strong and confident communities. #16DaysOfActivism #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #NoExcuse #StandingTogether

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As the 2024 presidential election approaches, a surge of activism among Black women has emerged in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to be nominated for the presidency by a major political party. This wave of support is fueled by a deep sense of ancestral pride and a renewed sense of urgency to advance the nomination of a woman who shares their ancestry. Groups led by Black women are launching new political ventures to aid Harris' campaign, including the creation of the first political action committee by Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historically Black sorority Harris joined at Howard University. Additionally, Care in Action, the political arm of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, is undertaking its first ad campaign to get out the vote, with commercials running through September. The National Council of Negro Women has joined together with its member chapters and dozens of affiliated groups, such as the Black youth organization Jack and Jill of America, on a drive to register Black women and young voters between the ages of 17 and 24. This groundswell of support for Harris is a testament to the power of Black women as a reliable Democratic voting bloc. Their commitment to the Democratic Party is evident in their efforts to expand the electorate and turn out voters in key battleground states like North Carolina. What are your thoughts on the impact of Black women's support for Harris on the 2024 presidential election? How do you think this will shape the political landscape?

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"Unapologetically Leading: The Black Women's Mixtape" is more than a platform, it’s a vibe and a community where we celebrate the stories and journeys of Black women leaders. Through centering their narratives, we aim to inspire connections and uplift voices that are often overlooked or stereotypically defined. "Unapologetically Leading" amplifies Black women by giving them space to take center stage and own their narratives and how they are shown to the world. Why the play on the word mixtape? Because we hope to curate an authentic and transparent look at their experiences, perspectives, and insights, noting that each narrative will be different, similar to the diverse tracks on your favorite album/mixtape. Ultimately, "Unapologetically Leading: The Black Women's Mixtape" isn't just about sharing stories; it's about reclaiming agency, and redefining what it means to lead unapologetically as a Black woman in today's world. If you are interested in sharing your story either through writing a piece or by being interviewed fill out the form below and share it with your network 💜 EDIT: This will close tomorrow at noon. #BlackWomenLeaders #CenteringBlackVoices #RedefiningLeadership #Leadership #Storytelling

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Digital Prosperity Pipeline- Your AI-Powered Wealth Blueprint Pt 1 of 6 Let’s talk about the elephant in the room - As Black women entrepreneurs, we've been told success requires grinding 24/7, sacrificing everything, and playing by rules that weren't written for us. But what if I told you AI could change that game entirely? I remember staring at my laptop at 3 AM, exhausted from juggling client calls, admin work, and content creation. That breaking point became my breakthrough moment. Today,

Digital Prosperity Pipeline- Your AI-Powered Wealth Blueprint Pt 1 of 6 Let’s talk about the elephant in the room - As Black women entrepreneurs, we've been told success requires grinding 24/7, sacrificing everything, and playing by rules that weren't written for us. But what if I told you AI could change that game entirely? I remember staring at my laptop at 3 AM, exhausted from juggling client calls, admin work, and content creation. That breaking point became my breakthrough moment. Today,

🍎 Reflecting on the last two days at the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance convening, where communities from across the country unite under an initiative President Obama started to support boys and young men of color during his administration. This initiative aims to unleash the power of communities to solve problems facing boys and young men of color, providing them with pathways to opportunity and improving life outcomes. The MBK Alliance focuses on six milestones to from cradle to career success: 🏡 “Entering School Ready to Learn” 📖 “Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade” 👨🏽‍🎓”Graduate from High School” 🎓”Complete Post-Secondary Education or Training” 👨🏽‍💼Successfully Enter the Workforce After School ✅ “All Youth Remain Safe From Violent Crime” 📚 As I reflect, my biggest takeaway is: "If I can do something alone, I am not thinking big enough." There must be a villiage, a community, as well as long-term investments in nourishing solutions. This work will require collaborative action because the challenges facing boys and young men of color are very complex and multifaceted. By working together, we can provide resources, share knowledge, and create comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of issues facing boys and young men of color in our country. Overall, I hold steadfast to a dream: that one day, every boy and young man of color, regardless of their background or circumstances, will be granted the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their fullest potential, and that education will be the great equalizer in our society. To learn more about the MBK Alliance visit: www.obama.org/mbka #MBKAlliance #Education #CommunityPower #PathwaysToOpportunity #FutureLeaders

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#BlackMaternalHealth is more than just a week for me. And this last week as people posted and advocated, the statistics and figures remain as sobering as ever. Why should you care about Black Maternal Health? Because we blame women of color when for being dismissed by a medical system not created to care for them. We blame women for their deaths. Check out these statistics: 🙆🏽‍♀️ Black women are 3x times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. Studies show that even wealth and education do not protect Black women from dying giving birth in America. 🙆🏽‍♀️ Preterm birth rates are 50% higher among Black women than they are among white or Hispanic women. 🙆🏽‍♀️ Many of the factors that influence poor outcomes for moms and babies are preventable. We know already know how to save women's lives in childbirth. (Source: March of Dimes) While deaths continue to rise, the latest news of Serena Williams and Elaine Welteroth teaming up to tackle the #BlackMaternalHealthCrisis through their newly launched #BirthFUND has filled me with so much joy and hope! I know these two powerhouses are going to save a lot of women's lives. Learn more below. What can you do to raise awareness about giving birth in America as a woman of color?

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Here are some of the best business grants for Black women and how to get them.

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Is this the best Christmas advert of the year? "The antidote to underestimation is: REPRESENTATION" I’m so, so proud that The 10,000 Interns Foundation has launched careers for thousands of talented, driven, young Black people across 35+ industries in the UK. But this is more than a check-box or quota-focused exercise. Each person has their own story of resilience, ambition, and the impact that the 10,000 Black Interns programme has had on their lives. And each story matters. Our Silent Suit campaign uplifts those stories, and in following along you can learn more about how these young professionals are shifting narratives, transforming industries and shaping the future. At the The 10,000 Interns Foundation we have big ambitions to build a truly inclusive and equitable professional landscape. If you like what we do, you can support us by donating: https://lnkd.in/edJbvhnH. Every contribution helps create a society where Black talent is not just included, but truly valued and empowered to thrive. Share the video, spread the word, and join us in shaping a better, more inclusive future. And remember -- diversity isn’t the glitter on top... It’s the gold, within. (Special shout out to the incredible Rae Philip for your vision and delivery!)

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I’m SO excited to host Network While Black’s second event BLOOM: Separting Your Career From Your Identity on May 14th in NYC. Our inaugural event Network With Intention, was held in January. We brought so many amazing WOC (some men) together, and networked with people from all different fields. Bloom will be a little different. Although we are still emphasizing networking, on May 14th we will be discussing the importance of separating your career from your identity. This topic is very dear to me because as a Stylist in an unsure job market I’ve had to constantly ask myself what am I doing if I’m not working? I didn’t realize that because I’ve spent so much of my 20s chasing my career, that I didn’t know who I was when I wasn’t on set. This past year has been a whirlwind of emotions. Having a slow season in the industry forced me to think of myself as more than just a Stylist, and explore other interests of mine. Network While Black has been an amazinggggg venture for me, and I’m so thankful for this downtime because I was able to BLOOM. I now understand I am not my job, I am not my salary, and I am not just another Stylist. With that being said, be on the lookout for event details!!! It’ll be very intimate, because I want attendees to really get comfortable. 🫶🏾 #networking #networkwhileblack #events #blackbusiness #linkedincreator

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