ISACA South Florida Chapter Stands in Solidarity with the Black Community
The death of George Floyd and others spotlights the injustice that runs deep in our society, and the protests taking place across the country have laid bare the tensions simmering just below the surface of our communities. Our fellow Americans in the black community have endured racism and intolerance for too long. The fact that we are experiencing this pain amid the most severe public health and economic crisis of our lifetimes only compounds the toll.
The ISACA South Florida Chapter, with its more than 1000 members that represent companies of all sizes and sectors in the South Florida area, has a responsibility to be a steward of diversity, openness, and tolerance.
ISACA’s Purpose and Promise is to help business technology professionals and their enterprises around the world realize the positive potential of technology. Our Chapter Vision is to serve our membership as a diverse group of innovative thought leaders who partner with the community as their first choice for professional development. Our Chapter Values are Diversity, Inclusion, Integrity, Ethics, Collaboration, Authenticity, and Accountability.
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Understanding that we can do more to advance justice, inclusion, and equality, we are committed to:
- Embracing diversity and inclusion in all our event programming.
- Fostering diversity at the Officer, Board, Committee, and v\Volunteer levels.
- Using our platform and network to lead actions for change in our communities with our members, vendors, speakers, organizational leaders, and other stakeholders we interact with.
- Enhancing our outreach to local colleges and universities and helping to foster training opportunities for members of our black community.
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Our Chapter is committed to being a voice and force for change in the eradication of systematic racism and discrimination in all forms, and we are committed to our Vision and Values. Today and every day, we stand together with our black community and members committed to positive change.
Celebration of Juneteenth
On Friday, June 19th, we encourage you to recognize and learn about Juneteenth, the widely celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day”, is a public holiday celebrated in 46 out of 50 states. It commemorates the June 19th, 1865 announcement of the end of slavery in Texas. This holiday celebrates the full emancipation of African Americans from slavery. Though it is often believed that the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves, emancipation was not universally recognized, and the practice of slavery continued. News of freedom granted by the Emancipation Proclamation did not reach Texas for over two years. It was not until two and a half years after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation that things would change. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordan Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3 freeing the quarter-million slaves residing in the state.
General Order No. 3 stated:
The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. (General Order No. 3)
Given the limited interest and exposure outside of the black community, it would not be uncommon for this to be the first time learning about this holiday. Even today, educators continue to find it challenging to facilitate discussions about events like these that shed light on the dark past of our country. So, as you go about your day, we encourage you to celebrate this pivotal historical event and dedicate time to learn more about Juneteenth and our history.
Here are some available resources to help you and/or your family learn more about Juneteenth:
“Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation.”- Coretta Scott King
Korn Ferry Webinar Series Register for webinars here.
- STAND BY ME: How whites can become authentic allies: June 9th at 11 a.m. ET
- IN MY SHOES: Addressing systemic racism through structural inclusion: June 10th at 11 a.m. ET
- DON’T TALK, DO: Creating a racially equitable future as inclusive leaders: June 11th at 11 a.m. ET
Podcasts
Books
Other Resources
Articles
Donations
- The POSSE Foundation The Posse Foundation supports talented students from diverse backgrounds by providing a network of support, training, workshops, and scholarships, so they can become the leaders of tomorrow.
- The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans.
- The National Urban League works to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in America.
Systemic Racism Explained