Peacock’s Post

It's so important to truly see and celebrate one another for who we are. Where does that start? With getting people's names right, for one. A quick message from Sarah: https://lnkd.in/gJJjVAT2

Power Couple Alert 🚨: Coco Gauff & Carol's Daughter The announcement of Carol's Daughter partnering with tennis prodigy Coco Gauff marks a pivotal moment in beauty and sports marketing. As the first beauty brand to join Coco's portfolio, Carol's Daughter is setting a precedent in uplifting Black beauty and empowering a new generation! 🫱🏾🫲🏾 A Synergistic Partnership Aligning with Coco Gauff, known for her authenticity and spirit, Carol's Daughter reinforces its commitment to self-expression. Coco's approach to embracing her natural texture on and off the court mirrors the brand's ethos, making this partnership a powerful narrative of shared values. 💡 Inspiring a Generation Coco Gauff's influence extends beyond tennis, embodying a generation's confidence in individual beauty. "I'm excited to help continue their mission of empowering millions of women and little girls," Coco shared, highlighting the partnership's broader impact on promoting self-love. 👧🏾 The Power of Representation Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter, captures the essence of this collaboration: "The power of seeing someone like Coco in the world of tennis... breathes life into the adage: 'If you can see it, you can be it.'" This partnership is a testament to the influence of visibility and representation in inspiring confidence and empowerment among Black girls and women. 🏆 More Than a Sponsorship This partnership between Coco Gauff and Carol's Daughter goes beyond traditional brand endorsements, serving as a celebration of strength, beauty, and authenticity. It underscores the importance of aligning with partners who reflect a brand’s values and mission, setting a new benchmark for meaningful brand relationships. #BlackGirlsRock #BrandPartnership #Authenticity #RepresentationMatters #BeautyMarketing #SportsMarketing #Storytelling

Dope Black Dads is a global digital community dedicated to uniting Black fathers through their shared experiences. Starting with 23 Black fathers in London, the community has now grown to 40,000 members, producing an award-winning podcast. A Guardian photo essay showcases the organization, aiming to promote positive images of Black men and deepen the understanding of Black fatherhood. As shared by Jeff, a Black father featured in the essay, "Being a black dad is a gift, not a privilege." Dope Black Dads emphasises values like humility and accountability, highlighting the importance of strong families for true Black excellence to flourish. Combatting negative stereotypes, Dope Black Dads advocates for sharing personal stories, improving media representation, and supporting fatherhood initiatives. Brands are urged to champion Black individuals in areas of exclusion or negative stereotyping, as seen in campaigns like Bumble's highlighting Black women's dating experiences and the theatre production For Black Boys challenging stereotypes of the Black British experience. Together, let's celebrate and support Black fatherhood, fostering a more inclusive and positive narrative. #BlackFatherhood #DopeBlackDads #PositiveRepresentation Signal credit Briony Lewis https://lnkd.in/gTzeMB4U

I relate to #Tarajiphenson and the sentiment in this post. These past few weeks closing out 2023 and making room for the New Year, I've been unpacking 15 years of boxes filled with a lifetime, stored, and carried from Los Angeles to Detroit. The beauty of it all, I have been sifting through the "receipts" of more than three decades of being a Black Woman in Tech contributing to emerging technologies over the 3rd and 4th Industrial Revolutions. I bring to the table contextual acumen to my consulting clients and any role I might accept with a company. Yet, when I state my value to what I bring, I hear gasps literally or within the silence before the paraphrased statement, "What makes you qualified to make this assesment or statement of this value?" My Receipts! Then it is the internal push an pull between the desire to do the work as a contributor to a great thing vs. taking the "low ball pay" because it's allocated for the likes of me, Black Woman in any profession. It's the perspective that brings life to the position. The frustration comes when we suffer without a voice, platform, or plan for closing these gaps: ➡️ We are constantly proving and bringing greatness to whatever role we accept to play for the pay we accept. ➡️ Compelled to work multiple projects at the same time to supplement satisfaction of our valur and worth. ➡️ It is an emotionally, mentally, and physically exhaustive effort of breaking through imposed glass ceilings. I hear people say, "If they want you bad enough, they will pay your worth or walk away, and someone will." How is that working for #TarajiPHenson and #ViolaDavis? We ask for #diversity at the c-suite table, we ask to be #included to access opportunity, but does that equate to #equitablepay? #payequity #payequality

You may have seen the #TarajiPHenson clip where she emotionally laments the inequity she and other Black women entertainers continue to face, no matter how “proven” they are. If you have a few minutes, watch this video too. Because in corporate, only seeing the lamentation (concerns, frustration, requests, pushback) leads inequity deniers down the “you must not be qualified” path. That’s not what this is. This is value creation without value capture, and getting stuck in a proving cycle. In our The Waymakers Change Group employee experience survey, more than 80% of Black women agreed with the statement “I feel like I have to prove myself repeatedly for opportunities others are given based on potential.” This is about: - NOT being respected for what you know, what you’ve done, and what you can do. - Your contributions being seen as lesser when they don’t mirror majority thinking. - Climbing a hill that grows taller with each step up. It’s clear from watching this clip that Taraji has nothing more to prove. But that doesn’t stop people from asking her to do exactly that. And while we like to encourage women to “demand your worth,” people can only be as bold as their financial responsibilities allow. Someone won’t “demand” themselves into home or food insecurity, or to where they can no longer support their family. This is why those who CAN hold the line—who have the financial flexibility to demand their worth—must do so. Firmly. And those who care about equity and are in position to pay others must lead with integrity. Stop asking people what they make just to see if you can save money. Offer what the work is worth to you. #paytheworth #valuecapture #payequity #tarajiphenson

Happy Friday… Today I wanted to write a post about professional development and neuroplasticity, but then a friend sent me an article in the early morning about a group of Black professionals in Queens,NY being hosed down by their white neighbor for having a party in their OWN backyard and the neighbor’s wife forcibly entered the black family’s home with her German Shepard. The white neighbor said it wasn’t racially motivated. So then, what were you thinking? Why did you choose that approach? Why not talk to the neighbors? “Hey, can you keep it down? It’s a bit loud.” Why couldn’t the Black neighbors get that courtesy conversation? When I bring up race issues, people roll their eyes, deep sigh, or say, “Not again.” Why is talking about racism so bothersome? Why is this an eye-roll inducing topic? Why is it so hard to say, “No, this is wrong,”? This crime — because it is a crime — is reminiscent of the 1960’s civil rights movement where police hosed down and unleashed dogs on peaceful black protesters. As much as I want to keep it “professional” on here, it is truly dehumanizing to expect people of color to remain unfazed by the horrors that we constantly encounter. But that has been the expectation that in spite of the pain and constant suffering — detach, prevail, and continue to function. And discrimination is a professional issue because it’s happening to your employees and co-workers, it’s happening in your organization. These folks work for companies. This is wrong and cost you money. And people matter, they are the cornerstone of business. These were a group of affluent, Black professionals — doctors, lawyers (and regardless of social and professional status this assault is unacceptable). Many arguments for bias are justified by saying that “those people need to do better.” This instance shows that no matter how far up the American dream POCs make it — they are still subject to violence and a different set of rules. It’s both exhausting and incredible that people can continue to thrive under these circumstances. I remember having a conversation with someone and explaining why a high percentage of Black people in America struggle economically. I listed all the post-slavery horrors from bulldozing prosperous Black communities to lynching, redlining, economic policies that block accessibility to loans, employees discrimination and so on. Do you know what that person said? They just need to keep trying. Heavy topic like the heavy rain we’re experiencing in New York today and a critical conversation. So many questions, ~Why do Black people need to keep trying? ~Why do they have to prove their humanity? ~Why can’t the system just become equitable? ~Why are we putting the onus on the victims? #equity #professionalism #awareness

Reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go, where you’ve risen. Where there are reasons to celebrate and where there are times to pause and deliberate. And where there are times to jump in and go for it. Here’s how. https://lnkd.in/du58Sfwh #LifeLenses

Here is a #SaturdaySpotlight on “Hands Up: 7 Playwrights, 7 Testaments.” We toured this production all around the Pacific Northwest from 2016-2019. Hands Up is a collection of autobiographical monologues which explore the feelings of Black community members around racial profiling and police violence. This show was a turning point for us, and it has led us to the creation of The Evolve Experience. We know it affected many people - it certainly changed us. As one participant stated: “Hands Up” lit a spark in me – it fed a growing need for me to confront my white privilege and the cultural racism I’m beginning to see everywhere. It led to deep examination and investment to make major changes in my life, our team at work, and the way our team serves the community.” #SaturdaySpotlight #storytelling #actors #drama #stage #bridgedivides #engage #connection #interconnectedness #TheRedDoorProject #Evolve #EvolveExperience #DisagreeBetter #ListenFirst

“If Trayvon Martin wasn’t wearing a hoodie he wouldn’t have been shot.” I’m embarrassed that I used to think that way. But.. did I really think that way or was I protecting my identity as “one of the good ones,” growing up in spaces where I was often the only one? A lot of the internalized racism I experienced while growing up fuels my activism today. It’s also a significant reason why I advocate for community upward mobility over individual black success stories, which often involve being “the first” in spaces that have made it clear they weren’t interested in our presence. This is not to discredit the necessary sacrifices many have made to give people like me opportunities and the belief that we can be more than what we see. Where would we be without such bravery? Still I wonder, how much longer will we be encouraged to strive for acceptance from those with more resources rather than using what we have now in 2024 to become the producers and create standards that fit our uniqueness? Did I need to grow up hating the essence of my existence, and the general black experience in order to be successful? Do we really have to change everything about ourselves from our hair to our dialect (beautifully connected to our original home), in order to progress in this world? What about the gifts and ideas we have that are being suppressed due to the confidence that is consequently stripped from us as we strip ourselves of our authenticity? God makes no mistakes, and I’m thankful for every part of my life. There have been gems in every season. I needed to grow up idolizing the model minority experience to learn that I actually don’t have to play that role to be enough. Now I believe black children should grow up and let their knowledge and gifts be what fuels them to restore their communities rather than buying them a ticket into luxurious oblivion that even I once strived for (and on a bad day I still do😅). Then, as a collective, we could have enough brainpower and resources to solve our own problems, rather than having the same round table discussions every generation. That would be a true sign of progress for our communities. That’s what I advocate for as an activist. You can hear more of my journey in this YouTube video😌🙏

Beneath this facade of magical powers is a reality. The notion of the "magical negro" has long been a staple in film, portraying Black characters as mystical beings with extraordinary powers whose sole purpose is to aid and uplift white protagonists. Beyond the silver screen, this trope extends its reach into real-life scenarios, particularly within the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In particular, Black individuals are often expected to possess magical powers, effortlessly navigating the racial terrain and eliminating systemic injustices without breaking a sweat. Let's peel back the layers of the Magical Negro myth and explore its three fundamental components. The Suffering Savior is one component of the magical negro, who is burdened by the weight of their own oppression and willing to sacrifice themselves for the betterment of white characters. Similarly, DEI practitioners and executives are often expected to be the saviors and shoulder the emotional labor of dismantling systemic racism, enduring microaggressions and discrimination while maintaining composure and grace. We are expected to single-handedly solve the diversity problem without causing any discomfort to those in power. The Wise Sage is another common element of the magical negro theme, which portrays Black characters as wise and all-knowing, possessing insights and wisdom beyond their years. In DEI work, Black individuals are often looked to as the authority on DEI, sources of wisdom, expected to educate our white counterparts on issues of race and privilege without receiving due recognition or compensation for our expertise. Finally, there is the Selfless Helper, who is characterized by their selflessness, always putting the needs of others above their own similar to Mamism or John Henryism. In DEI efforts, Black individuals are often called upon to serve as mentors, advisors, and advocates, offering support and guidance to their white colleagues while receiving little in return. We are expected to sacrifice our own well-being for the greater good, perpetuating the myth that Black success is contingent upon the upliftment of white individuals. DEI practitioners and executives are not magical beings capable of single-handedly eliminating systemic racism. We are human beings with our own struggles, fears, and limitations. We should neither be expected to be overburdened with dismantling oppression alone, nor should our contributions be minimized or taken for granted. It's time to caste out the myth of the magical negro and recognize the humanity of Black individuals in DEI work. We are not saviors, sages, or selfless helpers; we are professionals with valuable insights, expertise, and experiences that deserve to be respected, valued, and compensated accordingly. Only by acknowledging our humanity and working collaboratively towards a more equitable future can we truly make progress in the fight against systemic racism.