Black people are experiencing grief on many levels. The reality of a medical pandemic has killed one in every 645 Black people. The on-going racial pandemic of white supremacy continues to prevent Black communities from thriving. Black people need a space to begin to process grief and have practices for the journey ahead. Trust[…]
Browsing category:
Community Engagement
Trust Your Grief
By Natasha Harrison advocacy, Community Engagement, Emotional self care Apr 21, 2021
The Power of Sankofa and the Importance of History
By Natasha Harrison Community Engagement, Culture Transformation, Racial Equity Apr 21, 2021
“History matters, and an awareness of it puts our lives into a context. A disdain for history sets us adrift, and makes us victims of ignorance and denial. History lives in and through our bodies right now, and in every moment.” -Resmaa Menakem Sankofa is a present value at CommunityBuild Ventures. It is a[…]
In Schools, A Little Thanks Goes a Long, Long Way
By The Team black youth, Community Engagement, Culture Transformation Apr 14, 2021
Gratitude is felt by both parties; the one giving and the one receiving. But in schools, gratitude is a ripple effect, cultivating a more compassionate, more community-driven environment for students and faculty alike. How can we show more gratitude, and how can it help our schools flourish? Saying “Thank You,” and Meaning It Growing up,[…]
As I write, I’m excited. I’m feeling humbled and exhilarated about BMEsTalk. The impact of our work since launching in 2017, leaves me speechless. My vision was a digital space to uplift the perspectives of Black Male Educators on Twitter. And that vision has grown exponentially. The work now includes the BMEsTalk Leadership Lab –[…]
Centering Racial Equity Requires “Brave Space”
By Ayodele Harrison advocacy, Community Engagement, Culture Transformation, Racial Equity Apr 07, 2021
What is “Brave Space”? At CommunityBuild Ventures, we define it as a structured space to allow participants to be their most authentic selves and lean in more deeply in conversations centered on racial equity. Why do we engage in Brave Space Building? When a team of professionals seeks to understand, embrace, and embody racial equity[…]
A Framework for Addressing Educational Inequities in Our Schools
By Ayodele Harrison advocacy, Community Engagement Mar 24, 2021
To remedy and reverse the equity challenges present within our schools, school leadership teams must close the gap between their mission statement and their entire community’s lived experiences – parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators, staff, and students. To achieve world-class, equitable schools that effectively serve Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, CommunityBuild Ventures (CBV) offers research and[…]
#BlackBold is Acknowledging Grief
By The Team advocacy, black youth, Community Engagement, Culture Transformation Mar 18, 2021
CommuntiyBuild Ventures proclaims 2021 as #BlackBold. We pursue the creativity, boldness, and resilience of our ancestors to advance toward liberation. The resilience of our ancestors is rooted in centering self-care and healing. As we are all reeling from a year of tremendous human loss and acknowledgment and amplification of white supremacy, #BlackBold must include acknowledging[…]
Grieve, Even if it Looks Weird
By The Team Community Engagement, Culture Transformation, self care Mar 16, 2021
Grieve, Even if it Looks Weird By Imani Bryant In August of 2018, my paternal grandmother, Mary Alice, passed away. She was my only living grandmother and lived with my parents, sister, and me for years. She used to have “special nights” with my sister and I, where we would watch old Western movies and[…]
BMEsTALK: A Space and Place to Stretch Your Soul
By Ayodele Harrison Black Male Educators, Community Engagement, DEI, education, Racial Equity, self care Jan 25, 2021
BMESTalk is “a space and place to stretch your soul.” These words were spoken by J. Tristan Hall, a Black male Assistant Principal based in Philadelphia, during a BMESTalk Happy Hour last December. J. Tristan’s comments are an indicator that BMEsTalk is living up to its vision statement – to inspire Black Male Educators to[…]
Gratitude for Community-led Grantmaking
By Natasha Harrison advocacy, Community Engagement, Culture Transformation, Justice, Racial Equity, Strategy Dec 24, 2020
Racial equity must involve the most impacted in the creation and implementation of policies and practices. #CBV was encouraged by the inspiring models of grantmaking led by community members. They are challenging the narrative about who is really positioned to transform communities. We highlight the amazing work from: THRIVE Thomasville Stadium Neighborhoods Community Trust Fund[…]