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[…]
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Racial Equity
Centering Racial Equity Requires “Brave Space”
By Ayodele Harrison advocacy, Community Engagement, Culture Transformation, Racial Equity Apr 07, 2021
I want to live in a world where black people are . . . celebrated, allowed to be their authentic self, trusted and loved. This was the opening activity for the Building Pro-Black Institutions & Movements training. This training was amazing and exactly what I needed. I am new to my Executive Director role with[…]
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[…]
December 2020 is the Month of Gratitude!
By Natasha Harrison Community Engagement, COVID-19, DEI, gratitude, Racial Equity, self care Nov 30, 2020
CommunityBuild Ventures is proclaiming December as the Month of Gratitude! Our practice of Brave Space Building uses gratitude as an important building block to help participants be their most authentic selves. It invites hopefulness and opens the door to infinite possibilities. We are so grateful for what this year has taught us about resiliency, love[…]
Equity Centered School Improvement- Administrators.
By ALLISON TODD black youth, education, Racial Equity Nov 17, 2020
In a fight for more equitable treatment of their children in schools, Black parents/caregivers’ complaints are being dismissed as illogical and irrational. This is not true for all schools but the very fact that it reigns true in some is too much. Our educational systems need to be “fixed”, some even suggesting that they should[…]
Roles of Teachers, Parents, Caregivers and Students in Equity Centered School Improvement
By ALLISON TODD black youth, education, Racial Equity Nov 10, 2020
The process of remedying and reversing the equity challenges present within schools goes beyond the outlandish policies of leaders or the efforts of administrators. All stakeholders involved in education have a role to play. In this article, we shall discuss what we as individuals can do to improve our schools’ quality, fairness, and inclusion. As[…]
Atlanta Is Still Committed to Enslavement
By Natasha Harrison Justice, Racial Equity Nov 06, 2020
While the world was watching the election reports, I was laughing with Mo Amer and Gina Yashere; coloring; and eating my taco Tuesday meal prepared by my hubby. I was also intermittently browsing through my social media to check-in on my communities. I received prayers, funny videos and affirmations that summarized all is well. During[…]
From the Desk of Natasha A. Harrison
By Natasha Harrison DEI, Racial Equity Nov 03, 2020
In this recent season of the national awakening of the atrocities experienced by by BIPOC, many organizations are beginning to question their practices. We have experienced organizations erroneously interchange DEI with racial equity. Here is our take on the difference between DEI and racial equity. What are your thoughts on the difference between racial equity[…]
In 2016, an estimated 2.3 million people filled the prison cells in America. This country’s carceral system is the largest in the world and continues to grow despite calls for reform by politicians and activists alike. In America, there is no criminal justice system; we live in a country that requires an inhumane and unethical[…]