Alice Shobe’s Post

As a former department chair and lifelong advocate for social justice, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating workplaces where inclusion is often just a buzzword. It’s why I’m committed to writing novels that don’t just entertain—they heal, restore, and educate. Through humor, real-world perspectives, and unapologetic truths, my writing centers Black stories and shines a light on the hidden realities of code-switching and life behind the scenes. It’s for people navigating family, work, and systems that weren’t built for them as they create their own paths to success. Stop Playing Diversity® isn’t just a movement—it’s a call to action. It’s a space to hold the conversations others avoid, to empower those who feel unseen, and to demand change in workplaces and beyond. My goal as Dr. Monica Cox and as Author Monica Cox is to merge fiction and reality to liberate, disrupt, and create a better future for all of us. Join the movement. Let’s rewrite the narrative together. 🖤 My mug is available for purchase at https://lnkd.in/giJHKhSe Calculated Love is coming to Amazon Friday, December 20. Check out this link for more information: https://lnkd.in/gPhD3dxb #StopPlayingDiversity #BlackStoriesMatter #WorkplaceTruths #FictionMeetsReality #HealRestoreEmpower #authormonicacox #drmonicacox

August is National Black Business Month, a time to honor and support Black-owned businesses! ✨ I had to share this exciting news with you! Black-owned retailers can sign up for Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator program. This incredible program offers financial support, mentorship opportunities, and education to enhance your brand and expand your customer reach on Amazon. At IVY, we're dedicated to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs by offering strategic insights, operational know-how, and cultural understanding to help businesses tackle challenges and reach new heights. ⁠ 🖤 Need support in elevating your business? Check us out - https://lnkd.in/eNqY-_Pt⁠ 🌱 Ready to sign up for Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator program? Eligible businesses must be at least 51% Black-owned, have a Professional selling plan on Amazon, and a product ready to sell. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive in the e-commerce space. Learn more - https://lnkd.in/eDQeMsvA Let's continue to support and uplift our community by sharing this opportunity! 👋 Connect, share, and join the conversation on amplifying BIPOC women in business. Follow me on my official #Instagram (@SaudiaDavi) and #Twitter (@DavisSaudia). #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AmazonBlackBusinessAccelerator #BIPOCWomen #BusinessGrowth #Inspiration #CommunitySupport #NationalBlackBusinessMonth

As we continue to celebrate Black Business Month--let’s allow this month to create a wave of intentional support, across every community, every month. More than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store come from independent sellers—most of which are small and medium-sized businesses—and we aim to turn opportunity into sustainable models for Black-owned businesses, so they too can launch and build thriving businesses in our store and beyond. In 2021, as part of our continued commitment to the success of Black-owned businesses, Amazon launched the Black Business Accelerator (BBA) to empower entrepreneurship for Black-owned businesses in our store. The increased diversity of products these Black-owned businesses provide in our store provide unique selection to customers and are enabling us to build stronger cultural bridges in our communities. Take action and support these black founder by visiting our Black Owned Storefront: David Price David Price of The Safety Pouch The Safety Pouch Shakira Hodges and Deydra Bringa Co- Founders of Trivia For Us Trivia for Us and Janelle Stephens JANELL STEPHENS Founder and CEO of Camille Rose Camille Rose Their stories inspire us all to strive for excellence and support each other in our endeavors. Together, we can make a difference. #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackOwned #AmazonBlackBusinessAccelerator

After graduating from Washington University, Morgan DeBaun moved from St. Louis to the Bay area to work for the software company Intuit. But over time, she felt that Silicon Valley didn’t have a connection to Black consumers. “I was surprised to find that no one was prioritizing us as a target demographic,” DeBaun, now 34, told Fortune. She eventually left her full-time job and in 2014 launched Blavity, a media and tech company, for Black millennials to have a platform to tell their own stories. “Blavity really started with: How do we create product and solution services that put the Black community at its core?” said DeBaun, founder, CEO, and chair of the company. Morgan DeBaun was also a featured speaker at The ELC Mid Level Managers' Symposium! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gEbieWJW #Blavity #WomenLead #Technology #StartupFounders

In business and life, effective communication is not just a tool but a necessity. It's about more than conveying information; it's about ensuring the message is not just heard but understood and can inspire immediate action. As professionals, we often align our strategies with what makes people feel comfortable and motivated. However, when it comes to the pressing societal issues of racism and discrimination, this approach might not be enough. With Juneteenth approaching, it's a good time to reflect on our progress against racism and discrimination. Every year, we have the same conversations, yet real change seems elusive. This brings up two important questions: Are people experienced enough to handle and process the truth? Are they equipped to take the necessary actions to make a difference? If they're lacking in either area, we must rethink how we communicate. People naturally gravitate towards information that feels good and follow the crowd. While this may work for products and commodities, it's ineffective when addressing societal issues. Harriet Tubman's words resonate deeply: "I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves." This highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics that keep us bound. In today's context, such statements might come off as rude or disrespectful, underscoring the need for thoughtful communication. Since the civil rights movement, we've seen a few significant strides, like electing a Black president, but many other progresses are being reversed. Changing a system using the same thought processes that created and maintained it is challenging. May we, as individuals, find the strength and wisdom to make the necessary changes for a meaningful turnaround. On fertile land, as the pasture grows, so does the weed. Let's be patient and adapt our communication strategies to foster real change because we have the power to do so. To explore these ideas further and understand my proposed solutions, please check out my new book on Amazon, A Visitor's Guide to Inequality in the United States: And How We Will Fix It. #Communication #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Juneteenth #SocialChange #Inequality #Racism #EffectiveCommunication #BusinessLeadership

To celebrate Black August, we are highlighting two exceptional Black-owned businesses. Today, we’re shining a light on two trailblazing Black-owned companies that embody the spirit of innovation and community. Business & Bourbon®, founded by Ronnell Richards, is more than just a platform - it’s a movement. Ronnell shares his entrepreneurial expertise to empower others, fostering growth and meaningful connections worldwide. Ronnell's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs' growth led him to begin the Sayless Academy, where he shares online courses focusing on practical skills and strategies to help individuals excel in the evolving industry. From entrepreneurs to industry leaders, Business and Bourbon and the Sayless Academy help build networks that drive real results. Solid Rock Consulting is a powerhouse in professional services, workforce management, and solution procurement. Their commitment to excellence elevates employee and customer experiences, helping brands reach new heights. Supporting Black-owned businesses like these is essential in fostering diversity, equity, and innovation within the tech industry and beyond. By uplifting these voices, we contribute to a more inclusive and thriving community. #BlackAugust #BlackOwnedBusinesses #DiversityInTech #SupportBlackBusiness Kelli E. Ballou-McMillan, Brandon Knight, Mikaela Adolphus M.Ed., Dave Dyson, Ronnell Richards, Juanita Coley, Raquel Wiley, Maddie Bird, Ty S.

The second pillar of my ABCD Framework is how to build strong partnerships with stakeholders. Richard Taylor at Nasdaq said your ability to listen and respond to #stakeholders whether or not they are fully on board with what you are trying to do is crucial. Taylor says he was once told by a C-level #leader that White #men were beginning to perceive themselves as being excluded from the company’s #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion efforts. “As a White man, this was tough to hear,” he says. “When I look around my organization, I see White people in positions of power everywhere.” However, he continues, “I realized that the words I used and the messages I communicated were very focused on #minority and marginalized communities. If all an #employee hears is how we’re focusing on #attracting, #retaining, and #advancing ‘diverse’ people, naturally they don’t see themselves in this picture and it creates a sense that ‘I don’t matter.’” US pre-orders: Amazon https://lnkd.in/gmDgpfz4 or Barnes & Noble - https://lnkd.in/gvazbuv8 UK pre-orders: Waterstones - https://lnkd.in/gPA7Nbd3, Blackwells - https://lnkd.in/gFGWyzb8, Foyles - https://lnkd.in/gB5YBXaw or Amazon UK - https://lnkd.in/gsG686Wt …. The MIT Press #theleadersyouneed #karenbrowndiversity #karenbrownspeaks

Have you ever watched snowflakes fall? Each one is uniquely crafted, no two ever alike, yet they come together to blanket the world in something breathtakingly beautiful. A single snowflake may seem delicate, but when it joins others, it becomes part of something much greater—a force that transforms landscapes. Isn’t that a lot like us? Individually, we each bring our unique talents and experiences. Together, we build communities that inspire, support, and create lasting change. For professionals, this is a season to reflect on how your individuality adds to the bigger picture. For students, it’s a reminder that your journey, though just beginning, is a vital part of something extraordinary. At Black Professionals Europe (BPE), we’re here to bring those unique paths together, fostering a network that celebrates your strengths and empowers your growth. ✨ This season, become part of something greater—join BPE today and help us create something truly remarkable. 👉 https://lnkd.in/d5hQR5CT #BlackProfessionalsEurope #SeasonOfGrowth #CareerDevelopment #StudentEmpowerment #NetworkingMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #WinterInspiration #LeadershipJourney #BPECommunity

Exciting News! Join me in welcoming Sophie Bartlett to the Board of BACKLIGHT Inc. With her extensive experience in data, global markets, and business strategy, we’re thrilled to have her as a supporter and ally in our mission. Here’s a wonderful moment captured with Sophie at the UK Black Business Show, where we celebrated the incredible achievements of Black professionals and entrepreneurs. This event highlights the core of BACKLIGHT Inc.—unlocking the potential of Black and Multi-Ethnic individuals for brands, ad agencies, and businesses. This year has been transformative for us. We’re honing our strengths and letting go of anything that doesn’t align with our purpose: amplifying the value and contributions of these populations in business and society. You’ve heard the phrase, “Data is the new oil.”., we believe in the power of data-driven decisions. Our insights empower businesses to uncover the true potential of Black and Multi-Ethnic talent, innovation, and leadership, even in challenging times. Our dual mission is simple: 1️⃣ Elevate the intrinsic value of Black and Multi-Ethnic individuals and nurture growth from within. 2️⃣ Ensure businesses recognise and embrace these populations' significant contributions to the economy and beyond. With Sophie’s expertise, we’re making remarkable strides, and I can’t wait to share more about how our data is driving change in the weeks ahead. 🚀 Interested in learning more? I’d love to send you a complimentary copy of The #BlackPoundReport—email julia@backlight.uk. Let’s keep championing diversity, data-driven decision-making, and the power of inclusion. Together, we’re making an impact! 📊📉 #BlackExcellence #DiversityMatters #DataDriven #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Inclusion #MarketResearch #BlackPound

#thoughtfulthursday #thinkpiece #blackbooksareDOPE. "America isn't the new "Black". I've been grappling with my emotions over the last few months, and the word that keeps resurfacing is HEARTBROKEN 💔. It feels like just yesterday when the world stood still after the tragic death of George Floyd. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) became the focal point of boardrooms, with executives holding company-wide meetings, offering counseling, and pledging to create a more equitable workplace and America. There was a call to action—ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) were formed, Black and Brown talent was finally being recognized, and we saw initiatives for diversity in hiring, preferred vendors, and partnerships. But here we are in 2024, and it seems like it was all... "just a dream". Despite all those conversations, despite the headlines, we appear to have regressed. Access to capital for marginalized communities remains a crippling issue. Police brutality still runs rampant. The division in the world feels starker than ever—even though, at our core, I know we are more ALIKE than different. Histories are being erased, voices silenced. Yet within those untold stories lies a complex beauty—one of resilience, innovation, culture, love, forgiveness, and grace—that could have coexisted with our painful truths. And now, in 2024, we find ourselves having the same conversations as we did in 1954. Maybe it’s safe to say that "America isn’t the new “Black.” -Kierra Underwood