Omar Woodard on LinkedIn: During what remains of Black History Month, I'd like to share thoughts on… | 44 comments (2024)

Black History Month is next week in the US and I have a confession to make. As a kid I HATED Black History Month. I was tired of hearing the same stories about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman.By middle school I pretty much checked out. By high school it felt like I knew everything I needed to know about Black history. Slavery happened, it ended, “separate but equal”, “I have a dream” with MLK and Rosa sat at the front of the bus. I was over it. I’m sure your team is tired of the same song and dance every year as well. For this year’s Black History Month, please do more than just the “flags, food and fun” as Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey says 😂The unconscious bias training is getting old as well. Black History Month (and every affinity month) is more than just that. It’s an opportunity to evaluate what you’ve actually been doing to support these groups and invest in making your workplace a better environment for them. Your team members are probably already rolling their eyes as they’re getting the emails about the events y’all are planning to put on.Your team isn’t asking for a “soul food day”. Your Black employees are asking for you to do something beyond the surface level that actually has an impact on them and their community. Next month is the perfect time to reinvest and re-evaluate where you can be doing better to support your current Black team members and pave the way for future ones. If you’d like my support to start creating real impactful change for your Black employees (and yes, we can throw in a workshop as well), let’s start a conversation in the DM’s.

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I was all set to wish you a happy Black History Month, but then something happened that completely flipped my perspective. I was mentioned by Rhiannon Gallagher as a "black futurist" in reference to a recent Variety article https://lnkd.in/exB2_uDn. Instead of dwelling on the past, it made me start thinking ahead about black futures. My daily mission is to get more black students and job seekers excited about designing the technologies of tomorrow and enriching the manufacturing workforce of the future. My goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of black innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in fields like STEM. So this month, while we honor the struggles and achievements of the past, let's also envision the boundless potential of the future. The past is prologue, but the future is ours to write. This Black History | Black Futures Month, I feel energized about all we can accomplish. I hope you feel inspired too about the endless possibilities ahead. We stand on the shoulders of those before us, now let's reach for the skies!The key is opening doors for young people today. So that with hard work and opportunity, they can achieve things we can only imagine. The future belongs to those who prepare for it. And it's on us to make sure black youth are ready to make their mark.Black Futurists Mentioned In This Video:Dr. Onome Scott-Emuakpor - Hyphen Innovations Will Drewery - Diagon Courtney Tate - Ontime Quality Machining LLC

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As we celebrate the first day of Black History Month, I am compelled to ask if history will repeat itself when it comes to opportunities for economic advancement for people of color in Massachusetts. McKinsey & Company estimates that it will take $265 Trillion to achieve Net Zero by 2050 which makes the energy systems transition the economic development opportunity of the century. Federal grants from the BIL and IRA total in the billions and the Justice 40 initiative is intended to ensure that 40% of these funds reach underserved communities. Has anyone in an underserved community in Massachusetts actual received federal funding from these new programs? Show me the money! There is quite a bit to be alarmed about more than a year after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. We have people in local government who favor relationships over hardships that some communities face. Can you imagine a scenario where local grant applications are not encouraged in an effort to bring as many federal dollars into Massachusetts as possible? Its hard to imagine but that is the current state of affairs. I remember the promise of the life science boom and the recent commercial real estate boom, either of which did much for our communities of color. Left unchecked history will indeed repeat itself if the status quo is not disrupted. Many thanks to my colleague Ed Gaskin and his recent opinion piece in the Boston Herald detailing what a just energy system transition needs to incorporate. Community leaders like Ed needs our support so as we celebrate Black History month, lets remember the past and committed to fighting for a brighter future.

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📚 Excited to dive into the latest issue of the Black History Magazine! 🌟 As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to honor the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of the Black community. This magazine serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black individuals throughout history.🔍 One article that particularly resonated with me delves into the life and legacy of Beyonce, whose groundbreaking work in Entertainment/ Entrepreneur continues to inspire generations. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.💬 I'd love to hear from you: Which figures or stories from Black history have left a lasting impact on you? Share in the comments below and let's continue the conversation! 🌍📖 For those interested in further exploration, I've compiled a list of recommended reads and resources related to the themes discussed in the magazine. Check them out https://conta.cc/4bohizE🙌 Let's honor Black history not just this month, but every day, by amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and working together towards a more inclusive and equitable future. #BlackHistoryMonth #Diversity #Inclusion

YAY! Let’s keep this train going. Here’s to all the amazing thought leaders, activists, journalists, researchers, teachers, lawyers, lawmakers, ethicists, engineers, content moderators, policymakers, students, digital activists, grassroots activists and everyone else working to make the internet safer, kinder, and more inclusive. You are all rockstars. I’ll make my lists every Friday and next week it’s the place that is the center of my heart: Africa! Check out my global list on my profile. Please keep sharing people in our field who others may not know but ought. Together, we can all do this. It may seem impossible sometimes but to me impossible is nothing more that a challenge I need conquer. I believe we can get it right.#trustandsafety #digitalethics #digitalrights #ai4good #disinformation #inclusivity

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🌟 Celebrating DEIB Commitment at Leidos During Black History Month 🌟🎉 At Leidos, we're not just talking about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) – we're living it. Many of us have been in roles at organizations that profess their dedication to DEIB, yet their actions don't quite match their words. It's refreshing and inspiring to see Leidos walking the walk!🏆 We're honoring our diverse talents at the BEYA National Convention - recognizing 30 Modern-Day Technology Leaders, 5 Science Spectrum Trailblazers, and a Career Achievement in Industry awardee. We are celebrating the driving forces of innovation in STEM.🌍 Beyond awards, we're committed to fair hiring practices and pay equity, ensuring every voice is valued and every contribution is recognized. Don't believe me? Check out our pay scales and benefits packages for open roles. 🔗 At Leidos, DEIB is an everyday ethos. We're proud to make a difference, not just in February, but all year round!!!#BlackHistoryMonth #Leidos #DiversityAndInclusion #Equality #Innovation

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💸Financial education is necessary for communities of color to build equity. From K-12 to leaders in the field, we all need to know the value and power of our money, culture, and social currency. Here’s a great panel of experts who will break it down. #HipHopEducation #HipHopCulture #FinancialLiteracy

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"While the contributions, accomplishments, and culture of the Black community should be acknowledged and celebrated every day, this month provides a time to renew your focus on learning."It's Black History Month! We've compiled a list of ways you can get started celebrating and learning in this week's blog.

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As we near the close of Black History Month, we have a message from our Director of DEI, Elisa T. Young, J.D., C.D.E, on what Black History Month means to her:Black history is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance of trailblazing individuals who overcame barriers to make lasting contributions to the built environment. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the world we live in.As stewards of infrastructure, we have a true opportunity to strive to improve greater access and inclusion. The potential progress lost to historical discriminatory barriers remains immeasurable. Yet, the opportunity to rectify this is within our grasp today. By fostering inclusive environments where all can thrive, we can harness the brilliance of every mind.

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Throughout Black History Month we will be highlighting team members who talk about Black History. Today we will spotlight our team member Derek WilliamsWhen asked What is your advice to young Black professionals who may want to follow your career path? He said: "Be Relentless: Persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. Your determination will be a key factor in overcoming obstacles.Confidence in Abilities: Believe in your skills and capabilities. You deserve to be where you are, and your unique perspective is an asset.Navigate Challenges with Upbringing: Leverage the values instilled in you through your upbringing to navigate difficult situations. Draw strength from your heritage and use it as a source of resilience."

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