Activating DEIB Efforts for Juneteenth ft. Jason Edwards

This podcast honors Juneteenth, which recognizes emancipation from slavery and celebrates the spirit of freedom. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Juneteenth aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) is integral to our culture. Encouraging all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a culture where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued.

While many in the United States may be familiar with Juneteenth, this holiday has become more prominent over the past few years. Fueled by social justice issues in 2020, Juneteenth's enactment as a U.S. Federal holiday occurred in 2021. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Jason Edwards, the President & C.E.O. of Juneteenth U.S.A., the oldest Juneteenth nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States. 

Founded by his late Father, State Representative Al Edwards Sr., in 1985, Jason's purpose is to raise awareness of the Juneteenth Holiday, support events, the arts, and education for that purpose, and encourage state legislative bodies around the U.S. to take up the law in their state legislatures and pass it as a state holiday. In addition to his "passion work," Jason founded Providence Realty Investors and P.R.I. Asset Management, where he is responsible for the development, asset management, and capital markets for several high-net-worth and family office real estate portfolios in the Southeast. He is a founding board member of the Atlanta-based Grove Park Foundation and President of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Alumni Club of Atlanta. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. 

Jason's vantage point on the evolution of the Juneteenth holiday is unique and personal, as his Dad is considered the "Father of Juneteenth." He was present with his family as a toddler on the steps of the Texas State Capitol when Governor Bill Clements signed the law making Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Listen as Yvonne and Jason discuss the meaning of the holiday and its renewed importance to many businesses and individuals. Jason also gives sound advice on how corporations can leverage Juneteenth to further their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and their need for courageous conversations about racial equity in the workplace.

To support this episode, check out the Black Equity Index - Coqual, and share it with senior leaders and diversity officers. Linked below!

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Episode Resource Links:

Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkedwards/

About Juneteenth: https://www.juneteenthusa.org/

Black Equity Index: https://coqual.org/black-equity-index/

Harvard Implicit Bias Test: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/user/agg/blindspot/indexrk.htm