Diversity in Design Collaborative’s Post

“Acrylically Speaking” A 125 Piece Fine Art Exhibit By Milton 510 Bowens Opening Reception And ArtTalk Sat. Aug. 24th 5-7pm at The Coleman Center For The Arts @ccayork “And The Oscar Goes To Co-Switching” 30” x 40” Mixed Media Collage on Canvas At this point in Americas History, code-switching feels natural to most who have been forced to engage in it. In fact, folks are not even cognizant that they do it anymore. For those who don’t know, This kind of behavioral adjustment is casually referred to as “code-switching,” which has long been a strategy for black people to successfully navigate interracial interactions and has large implications for their well-being, economic advancement, and even physical survival. If America is truly seeking to promote inclusion and address social inequality, We must begin by understanding why a segment of this nations workforce believes that they cannot truly be themselves in the office, regardless of how prestigious the position. As a Nation we should address what everyone in this country needs to do to change this. “Acrylically Speaking”

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month: Tips for Companies 🌟 As we honor Black History Month, it's essential for companies to recognize the significance of this observance and actively contribute to fostering inclusion & belonging in the workplace. Here are some valuable tips to help your organization celebrate and support Black history and culture: 1️⃣ Educate and Raise Awareness: Host workshops, webinars, or lunch-and-learns focusing on the history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities. Encourage open dialogue and reflection among employees. 2️⃣ Amplify Black Voices: Provide platforms for Black employees to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Amplify Black voices not just during Black History Month, but year-round through internal communications, social media, and company events. 3️⃣ Support Black-Owned Businesses: Partner with and showcase Black-owned businesses through vendor relationships, collaborations, or spotlight features. Investing in Black entrepreneurship strengthens communities and promotes economic equity. 4️⃣ Foster Inclusive Leadership: Train managers and leaders on cultural competency and inclusive leadership practices. Encourage them to actively listen to the needs of Black employees, advocate for their advancement, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 5️⃣ Volunteer and Give Back: Engage in community service or volunteer initiatives that support organizations working towards racial justice and equality. Consider making donations to nonprofits focused on education, mentorship, or social justice reform. 6️⃣ Review Policies and Practices: Conduct a thorough review of company policies and practices to identify and address any systemic barriers or biases that may disproportionately impact Black employees. Commit to making necessary changes to promote fairness and equity. 7️⃣ Celebrate Diversity Year-Round: While Black History Month is a designated time for reflection and celebration, it's crucial to integrate DEI initiatives into your company's culture year-round. Embrace diversity in all its forms and actively work towards creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need a place to start, https://lnkd.in/exP2Va4X is a fantastic resource that you can utilize as you create your own ways to commemorate Black History Month. Let's make Black History Month a meaningful and impactful time for growth, reflection, and action. Together, we can create positive change and foster a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive. #BlackHistoryMonth #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #DEI #DEIB #InclusionAndBelonging #WorkplaceCulture

Unveiling the Truth: Black Community in Design Industry | Insider Conversation Discover the hardcore reality of the black community in the design industry as we spill the tea. Join us for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the challenges, solutions, and strategies. Let's explore the untold stories before turning to academia. #BlackDesignCommunity #UnderstandingChallenges #DesignIndustryInsights #UntoldStories #AcademiaVsIndustry #DiversityMatters #CreativeSolutions #IndustryStrategies #DesignCommunity #InclusiveSpaces

#BlackHistoryMonth appears quieter this year compared to recent times, and as Black designers, we keenly observe this shift. Emerging from the pandemic, there was a notable commitment from many brands to enhance campaigns, advertisements, and media that not only highlighted Black stories but also amplified Black voices. However, with the waning of the initial enthusiasm, questions arise about the sustained impact and future prospects for Black designers. As the spotlight on #BlackHistoryMonth dims, the struggle for visibility persists for many Black designers and Black-owned businesses within an industry that often overlooks us. To combat this, it becomes crucial for brands and the broader creative community to engage in collaborative efforts across industries, building networks that foster partnerships between Black designers and established brands. These partnerships can create lasting relationships, fostering mutually beneficial growth and exposure. At Poché Design Studio, our mission is to contribute to a future where Black designers thrive not only during specific months but throughout the entire year. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments on how we can work together to make this vision a reality! #supportblackownedbusinesses #blackdesigners #bhm2024

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month! I want to provide key information to those seeking more guidance and knowledge about the contributions and history of the American experience from various descendants of enslaved Africans and other groups within the diaspora. Here is a link to BlackHistoryMonth.gov, discussing the month and providing facts. Next is an article that provides insight into the intersectionality of black history and disability from the Department of Labor. https://lnkd.in/ec4wbb_u Additionally, here is a link to influential Black women who have made a significant impact in the U.S., such as Shirley Chisholm, Septima Poinsette Clark, and Flo Kennedy. https://lnkd.in/ehEEbwBD For professionals within education looking for age-appropriate content on Black History Month, this link provides information on What, When, Who, Why, and How regarding Black HistoryMonth. https://lnkd.in/e5GUM5KG Lastly, there are many other people I want to shout out! Their content will help you learn more beyond Black History Month. This will not only keep you educated on this important topic but also help everyone improve their knowledge on this subject because the more we know about others, the more we grow. Instagram: @hereweeread @mrcrim3 Linkedin: Keri Gray Keith Jones Joel Bervell Mark Raymond, Jr. Bianca Reed Luticha Andre Doucette #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BlackExcellence #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackLeadership  #BlackVoices #BlackAchievement #BlackInnovation #DiversityandInclusion #Equality #InclusiveLeadership #AfricanAmericanHistory

When Black audiences see their lives and experiences reflected in a way that is dignified and respectful ✊🏾 🌟, it strengthens their trust in your brand 🤝. Why? Because it’s about more than being seen—our community wants to be understood on a deeper, human level 🌱. By showcasing the diverse roles and contributions of Black individuals, we’re not just marketing, we’re challenging stereotypical narratives and inspiring change 🚀🤍. Read more about the Importance of Authentic Representation in Marketing in our latest blog on chromacreators.agency. #wearechroma #BrandingWithSoul #ChromaCreators #CulturalImpact #thechromies #AIPoweredCreativity #InnovationInColor #weareblackhistory

After Black and Women’s History months end, why do the conversations around diversity in the architecture, engineering, and construction business also end? And how can we change that?   Recently, I hosted a LinkedIn Live with a group of dynamic changemakers in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) and Arts industries to discuss why we’re still so far behind in our goals to help minoritized groups like Black people and women achieve economic parity and how we can better recognize the contributions of Black artistry and engineering. A few of the key takeaways from this discussion: 💡Necessity is the motherhood of Black invention: Many of the cultural landmarks we flock to, such as Harlem and U Street in DC, are the result of Black people being relegated to certain areas and making lemonade out of lemons, transforming these neighborhoods into cultural hotspots. 📈Room to grow: When it comes to Black artists, architects, and engineers, we are still missing out on critical business opportunities; the AEC business represents $1.4T in annual GDP, but less than 1% of that business is awarded to Black-owned businesses. That is why I started AEC Unites, to facilitate and encourage more Black talent and create sustainable opportunities for Black-owned businesses 🏛️ We are just now achieving a sense of permanency: For many decades and centuries, Black cultural landmarks were at risk of being destroyed or simply forgotten. Only recently, with structures like the MLK Monument and the Smithsonian African American Museum (Two McKissack projects we are immensely proud of!), can we see the true and permanent proof of our talents and contributions. It was such an insightful and in-depth discussion of just how much Black culture contributes to the American landscape and how Black creatives, architects, and engineers make the world move! I want to thank the panelists who participated: Collete English Dixon, J.Byron Brazier, and Bonnie McDonald. Make sure you follow them as well — their insights and expertise are shaping this country! And to everyone who joined, thank you! I had a wonderful time and I cannot wait for the next event. #diversity #dei #architecture #engineering #construction

#BlackHistoryEveryday | SPEAK is honored to highlight the ingenuity of Miriam E. Benjamin, a trailblazing inventor and the second African American woman to receive a patent. Her creation, the Gong and Signal Chair for hotels, revolutionized service by allowing patrons to quietly alert staff with the press of a button, a precursor to systems used in various service industries today. Benjamin's invention not only showcased her innovative spirit but also her dedication to improving efficiency and communication in public spaces. Her legacy as an inventor and pioneer serves as an inspiring example of how creativity and determination can lead to impactful advancements, paving the way for future generations of inventors. We choose to SPEAK black history #beyondFebruary with a commitment to spotlight one black individual daily from now throughout the end of March and then one weekly throughout the year, symbolizing the importance of acknowledging black history every day. Follow the hashtag #SPEAKblackhistory to read about some incredible individuals in the coming weeks and months. #MiriamEBenjamin #InnovativeInventor #GongAndSignalChair #ServiceRevolution #PatentHolder #EfficiencyImprovements #CommunicationInnovation #PioneeringSpirit #LegacyOfIngenuity #InventorPioneer #InspirationForInventors #CreativityAndDetermination #AdvancementsInTechnology #TrailblazerInInnovation #InnovativeLegacy #blackhistory365 #blackhistoryeveryday #ServiceIndustryInnovations #InventiveSpirit #DedicationToImprovement #InventorsOfChange #FutureGenerationsInspired #AdvancementsInCommunication

A Major Accomplishment Not to Be Overlooked In my role as a documentary film producer, I had the honor of uncovering a troubling reality: the toy industry had a dismal track record of diversifying its workforce, with only 1% of toy designers being black. My fervor for highlighting the contributions of underrepresented groups in creative design fields motivated me to host a national Zoom lecture on the history of Black Industrial Designers, a profession with less than 1% representation. Shockingly, this lack of diversity extends to the architecture industry as well, sitting in at 2%. These statistics reveal a systemic issue ingrained in our country's psyche for far too long: the stereotype of creative design fields being the exclusive domain of white males. Even the National Museum of African American History and Culture missed the mark in 2016 by overlooking the rich history of black inventors and designers in its program planning, instead focusing on our accomplishments in sports, and entertainment. While we have certainly excelled in those areas, it's time we acknowledge a larger truth - as a community, Blacks have talents far beyond athleticism and performance, and we still have a long way to go before the scales are balanced in acknowledging and hiring Blacks in these other creative professions. As Booker T. Washington once stated, "Merit, regardless of the skin it's found under, is ultimately recognized and rewarded." Kudos to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for leading the way in challenging the stereotype image of the creative design professional, breaking down barriers of race and gender with its recent appointment of Kimberly Dowdell as its 100th president. #architecture #industrialdesign #creativecommunity #toyindustry #documentaryfilm #blackexcellence #historymatters #hiringdesigners #creative #designcommunity #diversityequityinclusion

When Black audiences see their lives and experiences reflected in a way that is dignified and respectful, it strengthens their trust in your brand. 🤎✊ Why? Because it’s about more than being seen—our community wants to be understood on a deeper, human level. By showcasing the diverse roles and contributions of Black individuals, we’re not just marketing, we’re challenging stereotypical narratives and inspiring change. 🚀🖤 Read more about the Importance of Authentic Representation in Marketing in our latest blog on chromacreators.agency. #BlackExcellence #AuthenticRepresentation #TrustInBranding #DeepUnderstanding #ChallengingStereotypes #InspiringChange #MarketingWithPurpose #ChromaCreators