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Hello Everyone,
I am honored to announce that EJBC will be reconvening this month under new leadership. Leadership that I have faith will uphold the vision of everyone having a voice, and everyone being heard, and everyone being understood.
A warm welcome to our new Co-Chairs, Moi Boudoir, Brittany McClendon, and Brittany Wright, alongside our Champion, Nekey Oliver, as they assume leadership roles at EJBC. We eagerly anticipate their guidance and contributions as we continue our journey towards fostering equity and justice.
I truly believe EJBC is in great hands, and the possibilities are endless.
In May of 2020, George Floyd was murdered. His death was devastating to the Minnesotan Black Community, but the impact was felt everywhere around the world. In the midst of the social and political turmoil that followed, Black State Employees felt scared, unheard, unseen, and unsafe in raising their own voices against this type of injustice.
There was a dire need to address this pain and restlessness among our Black state colleagues. We came together and found comfort in community and solidarity. Within a few short months, this fast-growing community of Black employees and their allies was recognized as a Statewide Employee Resource Group: Equity Justice Black Caucus (EJBC).
EJBC has worked to improve the culture for state employees for the better. We offered ways to expand inclusion, often with music and laughter, to create safer spaces that welcome all voices regardless of race, religion, or age. We have always centered values of education, cultural competency, and self-awareness.
EJBC made an enormous impression on how the state views and celebrates Black History Month. Our desire to reach all communities where they were at created a generational influence even on their family’s lives as well. EJBC established an environment for people to feel a sense of belonging as we cried, mourned, laughed and danced together. Since 2019, we have seen good times and troubled times, but what was amazing is that we did all of it together. It has been so incredibly gratifying to see this community grow and increase efforts to build morale and solidarity.
My heartfelt hope is for EJBC to continue blessing the State of Minnesota with the full support of all members who make this mission worthwhile. Let’s rally behind our new leaders and embrace the endless potential that lies ahead.
-Maurice
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