ISSUES

 

BGS has nine key issues that focus our research, advocacy and education on social justice and human rights. Those Nine Keys include

 

1) Political and Civic Engagement

 

BGS Political and Civic Engagement program invests issues and trains members and their respective communities with the most effective ways to participate in the life of their communities in order to improve the conditions of their communities. We do this by developing ongoing programs that enhance knowledge, skills,and values as it relates to political and non-political processes.

 

As an education and policy studies organization dedicated to social justice and human rights, BGS is committed to informing our members and their respective communities to the best practices of civic engagement and constructing a members network that will allow them to share idea and create broad support for greater civic impact. The key is to provide an organizational network that help members and communities respond more efficiently to issues in their respective communities.

 

• Advisors:

 

2) Justice & Reentry

 

BGS is avowedly committed to black and brown communities. We believe that Black Lives Matter! Without question, one of the greatest challenges to the social, economic, and political well-being of communities of color is the problems facing men and women with felony convictions in the United States. The United States incarcerates more people than any other industrial country in the world. Over 600,000 people leave prison each year. The men and women that leave prison face an array of interconnected challenges to include employment, education, housing, social isolation, and more. The increasing number of imprisoned people, particularly people of color, requires more intentional forms of engagement with law enforcement organizations, criminal and juvenile courts, and state and federal prison associations. For this reason, BGS applies innovative approaches to address the very real challenges of millions of men and women in the United States.

 

 

As an education and policy studies organization dedicated to social justice and human rights, BGS is committed to informing our members and their respective communities to the structures hindering millions of United States citizens, and the impact it has on black and brown communities. The key is to offer policy ideas and social programs that are interconnected and interrelated in order to decrease the collateral consequences that occur as a result to justice issues.

 

• Advisors: Nicole D. Porter, Director of Advocacy Sentencing Project
• Advisors: Tommie Dorsett, Regional Director Prison Fellowship Ministries

 

3) Education

 

The history and foundation of Black Greeks is grounded in the activity of African American men and women on college campuses. Therefore, education, particularly educational equity, is inseparable from the mission of BGS. We recognize that a well-educated citizenry enhances the economic and political well-being of society. BGS works in all the areas within education from pre-Kindergarten to graduate school education. As an education and policy studies organization dedicated to social justice and human rights, BGS provides space wherein communities can engage in constructing solutions with other parents, students, educators and policy leaders across the country. The key to education to ensure sure that persons regardless of age, income level and race are engaged in the discourse on education.

 

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4) Equity and Diversity

 

The United States is the most diverse country in the world. However, that diversity is not always equitable in its policies, structures, and systems.  While BGS is committed to Black Greeks as a marker for leadership, we recognize and honor the diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious perspectives among our membership and in our world. Thus the work of BGS is to expand an understanding of diversity and equity through its programs and initiatives. As an education and policy studies organization dedicated to social justice and human rights, BGS works to impact the way society thinks about the multiple ways human beings exists in the world. Our sub-committee on equity and diversity investigates ways society might create equitable structures that respect diversity of thought and being. The key is to create opportunities that raises the level of the discourse on issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and wherein people might not only speak but also wherein people might be heard.

 

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5) Church and Society

 

Historically the church has been a pivotal institution in the political life of communities in the United States. Although, the role of church has been debated since the founding of the United States, it is without question one of the most influential institutions in our contemporary society.The work of the church has had both positive and negative effects. It has been responsible for the affirmation and the negation of human rights and dignity. Therefore, BGS brings together religious leaders of all faith perspectives, and no faith commitment, to address the role religion plays in our social and political life. In bringing together leaders for dialogue around faith and community calls attention to places wherein these institutions might continue to aid in social justice and human rights campaigns. As an education and policy studies organization dedicated to social justice and human rights, BGS holds to the idea that religious discourse is crucial for the advancement of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s notion of the Beloved Community. The key is to ensure that religious and theological discourse takes place at the margins so as to not overlook the least of those in our society.

 

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6) Business and Economic Development

 

Black Greeks Speak recognizes the importance that business and economic develop has on the well-being of individuals and communities. For this reason BGS develops programs and seminars that address the challenges and economic realities facing our country to include the disproportionate high unemployment among racial groups, the impact of poverty on children, and the collateral consequences to communities with high foreclosures. Our work educates BGS members and under served groups through financial and business seminars; works with corporations and institutions to help promote diversity and inclusion in employment practices and career advancement; and develops forums and public gatherings to increase networks. Furthermore BGS sub-committee and programs analyze a full array of domestic and global economic issues, in order to provide better guidance to policymakers. BGS offer analysis on how government regulations impact businesses at home and abroad and offer insight on reforms that can enhance market performance and support expansion and job creation, especially through our BGS member’s global network. The key is to instill a confidence that the private sector works to advance all groups.

 

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7) Community and Cultural Awareness

 

Artists, musicians, writers, dancers, and actors have used various artistic mediums to shape our understanding of culture and community. Black Greeks such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Paul Robeson, and countless others have shaped the language and imagery used to articulate social justice and human rights across the globe. BGS continues that legacy by creating spaces  that allow artists to utilize their creativity and talent to advance social justice issues and human rights concerns.  As an education and policy studies organization, it is important that we employ as many tools as possible to advance the cause of justice. The key is to highlight innovative contemporary artists that are challenging society's view of the world.

 

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8) Young Women’s Enterprise

There cannot be justice in our world we address the various ways inequity impedes Beloved Community. For this reason BGS tackles the various social justice and human rights issues that impact young women from female trafficking to domestic violence to pay inequality. Our sub-committee on young women explores opportunities wherein society might develop initiatives that address the various gender disparities women face. The key is to develop a plan that encompasses the complex ways women must navigate through society.

 

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9) Young Male Initiative

 

In September 2014, President Obama issued a challenge to cities, towns, counties and tribes across the country to take on the task of the My Brothers’ Keeper initiative. BGS works to construct programs that address the structural components needed to enact sustainable change through policy, programs, and partnerships. This means creating a link between Black Greeks and MBK communities across the country to implement a coherent cradle-to-college-and-career strategy for improving the life outcomes of all young people, particular young males of color, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or the circumstances into which they are born.

 

As an education and policy organization dedicated to social justice and human rights, we embrace transparency and share the lessons we learn with others to ensure that young boys are supported as they navigate their way to adulthood. The key is to reinstate the notion of boyhood for young males, particularly for young black boys who are oftentimes perceived and treated as men as opposed to children.

 

• Advisor: Tommy Curry, Ph.D. Associate Professor Texas A & M University

 

BGS Sub-committees are actively engaged in connecting scholarship with grassroots activism and organizations. Some of these activities include:

•  Widely disseminating research and white papers that highlight successful programs and ideas.
• Coordinate seminars and training programs for members and the community on various issues to help enhance awareness and engagement.
• Host public events with public officials, community leaders, and educators for the purpose of constructing practical solutions for communities.
• Provide members access to BGS network in order to enhance individual and group network capacity.
• To connect with one of our sub-committees or for more information please email us at info@blackgreeksspeak.org