SkyWater Search Partners’ Post

Representation matters. Did you know that only 1.5% of the places listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Ohio relate to Black heritage? And in Cleveland—where approximately half of residents identify as Black—only 4% of National Register listings represent Black heritage. Cleveland Restoration Society is working to increase the representation of African American cultural heritage sites in the National Register. We are honored to be one of 21 recipients of an Underrepresented Communities grant from the National Park Service, which will enable us to nominate six historic Black churches to the National Register of Historic Places: Advent Evangelical Lutheran, Emmanuel Baptist, Greater Abyssinia Baptist, Greater Friendship Baptist, Nazarene Baptist, and New Life at Calvary. Read more about the Underrepresented Communities grant program and award recipients at https://lnkd.in/dHaHhraR

Today is National Grandparents Day, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing memories of our grandparents? So tell us, what’s your favorite memory? Share it in the comments below! 🤗❤️ #grandparentsday #grandparentslove #grandparentsarethebest #honoringgrandparents #erinkay #erinkaycoaching #lifecoach

😻 Our Enews is back out TAKE A PART CIO and you should get involved in it for the latest news from us and opps in the sector. If you want it on the regular, you should definitely sign up here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXyUjmX2

This week is an important beginning of idealistic views of who we are as a people. Wednesday is the celebration of the same date in 1865 when the last slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas. The potential idealism that fueled some during that moment as they headed into a new territory of freedom is overwhelming to imagine. Their dreams of freedom went from feeling like a fantasy to a possibility. And in just over two weeks, we will be celebrating the freedom and independence of our country from another power of dominance and oppression. Back then, there were sets of ideals and principles of a free nation that the founding Americans were willing to die for. But there are similarities in both instances. The days we mark as June 19th and July 4th are worth celebrating, but upon reflection, they also generate a reflection of all the action that was required then and is required now. At a team meeting this morning, there was an interesting ice breaker. Would you rather meet your great, great grandparents or your great, great grandchildren. Put into the context of these next two dates of celebration, I am not sure what would be more enlightening; bringing my great, great grandparents to now or my great, great grandchildren. What would they think of where we are, and the progress we have (and haven't made)? While there will be reminders of the divisiveness over the next two weeks, I plan to reflect with my family and three kids on all that has been accomplished. I plan to re-teach the ideals of what can be for all of us when we care about our fellow citizens and believe in the better world ahead of us. Happy Juneteenth Week, everyone.

Celebrating the 28th day of Ohio Black History Month, I emphasize the significance of preserving black narratives while acknowledging the importance of all stories. Modernization threatens many historical landmarks, altering familiar landscapes like Euclid Ave., now scarcely recognizable due to urban development. It's a challenge to recall its former glory, pre-dating the dominance of institutions like the Cleveland Clinic. The clinic's expansion jeopardizes the existence of cherished historical sites, underscoring the urgent need for preservation efforts. In Athens County, home to Ohio University, similar endeavors are underway. Historically, during the mid-1800s, Athens County was the most Black populated county in Ohio. It had thriving black businesses and was pivotal in the Underground Railroad. In 2021, recognizing the significance of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the National Endowment of the Arts awarded this solace place the Citizens Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) grant. This church exemplifies black resilience because free and formerly enslaved black congregants built it. The Mt. Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is collaborating with CIRD to revitalize this historical gem and improve the community's social and economic outcomes. In your city or state, are there sites worth preserving? Explore the Cleveland Restoration Society's CivilRightsTrail (https://lnkd.in/ePr29sV4) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation (https://lnkd.in/eH4qhAJT.) recommended historic sites.  Let's honor our past to shape a more prosperous future.

To my LinkedIn friends and colleagues,   Some of you are aware of my passion for documentaries covering topics such as industry, government, public figures, and transportation. It's my privilege to share with you a documentary (see YouTube link below) about my hometown of Jefferson City, MO, which captures the oral history of residents from a black neighborhood known as "The Foot". This area was a vibrant mixed-use community, boasting everything from hotels to grocery stores. When it came to entertainment, The Foot was a hotspot where talented musical acts like Ike and Tina Turner often performed. I'm sharing this video not just because it's about my hometown, where many of my family members still reside, but because it provides a broader insight into the issue of Urban Renewal. We all know that Urban Renewal initiatives were largely destructive practices that disproportionately affected low-income and minority neighborhoods. However, too often, I think people associate Urban Renewal as an issue that only impacted large urban areas like Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, NYC, and St. Louis.    Small cities, like the one I grew up in, also suffered from this same negative approach to planning, and the impacts it had on small communities were just as devastating for those who lived there as they were for residents of big cities.   Many of you are involved in industries that support and lead projects with the potential to profoundly influence both infrastructure and the social fabric of the communities they serve. This documentary, along with other examples, serves as a reminder that what we do truly matters and can have a lasting and deep impact. We must never lose sight of this as we advise and lead such developments.     Happy Black History Month! https://lnkd.in/gtXy9tfC

One of our organizational values is Justice, and on Juneteenth we'd like to recognize the meaning of justice within our organization: “We are well aware that the social, political, and financial biases of humans make the balance of justice easy for some and very difficult for many. The scales of justice, be it legal or social, have a heavy human hand on one side of the scale that many do not have the resources to gain the supportive weight needed to offset the preconceived attitudes toward them. We see the shelter and its staff as the balancing force needed to help people get the fairness they deserve.” As you commemorate, celebrate, or reflect upon the significance of Juneteenth today, we want to recognize our team for their devotion to all our values, and our mission. They are on the frontlines of so many social and spiritual issues at St. John’s Ministries, and it is important to slow down and consider how all this weaves into the greater moral issues of our time.

Monuments and historical recognition must translate to renewed inspiration from, and respect for, our historic legacies. It’s the peopling of our owned land that sustains it. Revitalization and perpetually renewing purpose are key to the survival of our Black cultural landscapes. https://lnkd.in/d5AHiF3q

As Memorial Day approaches, let's ensure our tributes are respectful and meaningful. Here's what NOT to say in your Memorial Day post: --Avoid trivializing the day with phrases like "Happy Memorial Day." It's a time for solemn reflection, not celebration. --Don't make it about sales or promotions. This day is about honoring the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, not shopping discounts. --Refrain from self-promotion or using the day to boost your own agenda. Keep the focus on honoring those who served. --Avoid political statements or divisive rhetoric. Memorial Day transcends politics; it's about unity and gratitude. --Don't forget the families of the fallen. Acknowledge their loss and the ongoing impact of their loved one's sacrifice. Let's honor Memorial Day with the dignity and respect it deserves. #MemorialDay #RespectfulRemembrance

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month from The Millar Law Firm! We celebrate and honor the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans! 🎉 Learn more: hispanicheritagemonth.gov