Lafayette Federal Credit Union’s Post

55 Stories, One Nation: Celebrating July 4th Nearly 250 years ago in Philadelphia, a fledgling America boldly declared independence from Britain to forge what the United States Constitution later deemed "a more perfect Union." Today, we understand that America's story isn't a single narrative but a tapestry woven from diverse histories. It encompasses the struggles and triumphs of countless individuals and communities who have shaped the nation's identity. This Fourth of July, delve into stories from every single state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, and Guam. By sharing these stories, we honor our civic duty to embrace the full spectrum of American history and preserve the places integral to our collective identity. https://ow.ly/A78350StBSb

Did you know Butler Beach in St. Augustine, FL, was the first beach for African Americans between Daytona Beach and Fernandina Beach? Read about the incredible history of Butler Beach and its namesake, Frank B. Butler, in our latest blog. #StAugustine #Blackhistorymonth

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! This month, we celebrate the rich history and culture of Native Americans and recognize their many achievements and contributions toward the establishment and growth of the United States. Learn more → https://bit.ly/3FvGXry

As we delve into the rich tapestry of Canadian Black History, let's illuminate the extraordinary Harriet Tubman — an example of courage and compassion. Her legacy extends far beyond the historical confines — it's a testament to unparalleled leadership that transcended borders and reshaped narratives. 🍁 Tubman's Canadian Legacy: Often referred to as the "Black Moses", Tubman stands tall in the history of the Underground Railroad. With unwavering courage, she led countless individuals through perilous journeys to find safety and freedom in Canada, actively participating in the fight to abolish slavery. ⭐ Remarkable Achievements: Tubman's missions were not just daring; they were remarkably successful. Evading capture on every occasion, she made at least 10 trips and safely transported around 70 individuals, including her own family members, to freedom in Canada. Never captured, never losing a passenger—Tubman's resilience stands as a hallmark of leadership. In the face of obstacles, setbacks and danger, her unwavering determination demonstrates that resilient leadership is pivotal for overcoming challenges. Her legacy is a testament to the power of courage and compassion in reshaping history. 💭Reflect and Celebrate: As we honour Harriet Tubman this week, let's reflect on her extraordinary spirit and the courage that shaped the narrative of Black resistance. Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we collectively celebrate her impact on Canadian history. #BlackHistoryMonth #TeamTELUS

Black History Month- “Revolution of 1821, Hellenic “Cotton Triangle” Merchants, and the American Civil War” Panel Discussion.- February is Black History Month. As we approach the anniversary of the Hellenic/ Greek Revolution anniversary it is important to understand not only how the Greek Revolution historically affected Black History through the American Abolitionist movement and the linkages “across the pond” previously posted but also as well as during the American Civil War through the Greek Cotton Merchants who created alternate international sources of cotton. I moderated this unique panel discussion. The distinguished panel included Clemson University Professor Orville Vernon Burton the Judge Matthew J. Perry Distinguished Chair of History and the Director of the Clemson CyberInstitute; Author/ Writer /Historian and EMBCA Director Alexander Billinis; and Lawyer/Adjunct Instructor and Graduate Candidate in History at Clemson University Megan Gaston. The Greek merchants many with aristocratic family ties to Chios in Greece were the most influential Greek American force within America from the 1850’s to the 1890’s but their influence is rarely discussed. In this panel discussion we discussed how the Greek Revolution and the Chios Massacre of 1822 caused various Hellenic mercantile families to expand their commercial firms into various areas (Constantinople,Smyrna, Teheran, Odessa, Vienna, Marseilles, Trieste, Alexandria, Liverpool, St. Petersburg) but also in America (New York, New Orleans, Charleston, etc.) and how their operations particularly dealing with the cotton trade before , and during the American Civil War helped to effect the Civil War with the shifting of cotton supplies to Egypt, India, etc. making Southern “King Cotton” no longer King and helping insure English neutrality in the war. The New York Times in the 19th Century described the activities of these Greek cotton factors and Merchants in the U.S. in a feature article and the rapid growth in the U.S. of the great Hellenic commercial firms of the Ralli Brothers, Rodocanachi, Argenti, Baltatzi, Spartalli, and Schillizi as “one of the most brilliant episodes of the commercial annals of the 19th Century” and concluded that the Hellenic merchants were “as superior a class of business men as the commercial world has ever seen…they (were) not surpassed by any race of merchants of (the) day.” #blackhistorymonth #civilwar

Happy Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month from The Millar Law Firm! This May and always, we celebrate the rich cultures, histories, achievements, and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Learn More: asianpacificheritage.gov

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich cultures, history and traditions of Native Americans. Learn more about NAR's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. http://spr.ly/6046utxOw

"🌟 Pioneers light the way for future generations. Unearth the incredible journey of Robert Branford, the first known black police officer in the Metropolitan Police's history. Rising in 19th-century Britain, he defied expectations and paved paths. As we look back on his trailblazing legacy, let it remind us of the power of persistence, dedication, and breaking barriers. Dive in and let his story fuel your own aspirations. #HistoricalTrailblazer #MetPolicePioneer 🌌" Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ez8Q89tA #HistoricalBreakthroughs, #RobertBranfordLegacy, #MetPoliceHistory, #BreakingBarriers, #19thCenturyTrailblazers, #ColorBeyondPrejudice, #BritainDiversityTales, #UnsungHeroes, #BlackExcellence, #StephenBourneResearch, #BlackBritishPioneers, #VictorianEraSurprises, #MetPoliceEvolution, #ChallengeAssumptions, #BeyondRacialBoundaries, #PoliceProgress, #HistoricalDiscoveries, #InspiringHistories, #AgainstTheOdds, #DiversityInUniform, #HistoricalResilience, #EraOfChange, #TrailblazingTales, #MetPolicePioneers, #From1838ToToday, #BranfordMetLegacy, #BraveInBlue, #VictorianTrailblazer, #RedefiningHistories, #InclusivityThenAndNow. If you want to stay up-to-date with us, follow our Page.

In my Africana Studies classes the discussion would sometimes come up about the statement, “I don’t see color.” And the issue with that statement is, if you don’t see color, you don’t see me. Visibility is important, hints the quote, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”, and the saying, “Representation matters”. Both of which speak to visibility…. His response was very spot on and well put. We can’t fix issues that are not visible, and therefore are not seen. And I state both because, though some things are visible to someone, that doesn’t mean that they’re seen by everyone. #Perspective #RepresentationMatters #DEIMatters

In honor of Black History Month, today's example of Black excellence in sustainability goes to an individual not in any of the fields officially related to sustainability. Henry Louis Gates is a Harvard professor interested in African American literature and cultural theory. But he serves as the historian and advisor to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, which is fighting to preserve Black churches across the country. Not only is this a sustainable way of working within existing buildings, but it also preserves cultural, historical, and spiritual centers of significance to the Black community and the entire American community. This is one of the reasons sustainable architecture and city planning is so important, both for our planet, and for our people. Learn more at the link below!