Weekly Analysis: What You Need to Know

Your essential guide to navigating today's complex landscape, offering insights on news and trends that impact underrepresented workers' careers and communities.

Eye-Opening Quotes from the RNC: Impacts on Underrepresented Workers

The Policy + Workplace Connection: Get Informed

Discover the powerful analysis of rhetoric from the 2024 Republican National Convention and its implications for historically underrepresented workers. From undermining DEI initiatives to perpetuating tokenism and xenophobia, this special edition breaks down how political incumbency and systemic inequalities are reinforced through divisive language. Understand the broader socio-economic trends and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Read more from Darein Burton at Perspectives for Progress.

Policy Spotlight

Stay updated on key policy changes and legislation affecting your workplace rights and opportunities.

New Equity Office in Connecticut Sparks Debate Over Priorities

Governor Ned Lamont has established the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity (OEO) to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the state government. While supporters praise the move for its potential to institutionalize equity initiatives, critics argue it adds unnecessary bureaucracy and shifts focus from improving government efficiency. The new office, overseen by a chief equity and opportunity officer, aims to ensure fairness in hiring practices and enhance public policy through diverse perspectives. This development underscores the ongoing debate over balancing DEI efforts with other public policy priorities.

Read more from Hudson Kamphausen at CT News Junkie.

Policy Spotlight Roundup

• A New Model for Affordable Housing: The Eliza, a new 14-story building in Inwood, represents a groundbreaking model for affordable housing in Manhattan. With rents starting below $400 per month and a range of community resources, this development challenges the notion that affordability and dignity are mutually exclusive. The overwhelming demand for units highlights the urgent need for more such projects. Strategic planning and investment can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, inclusive communities, setting a new standard for addressing the affordable housing crisis. Read more from Mark Levine et. al. in CityLimits.

• Top 10 Largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the US: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are critical to promoting academic success and social mobility for Hispanic students. This analysis highlights the ten largest four-year HSIs, each with a significant Hispanic student population. These institutions exemplify the importance of targeted policies and increased funding to support minority-serving institutions. By recognizing the role of HSIs, policymakers can promote diversity and inclusion in higher education, ensuring that these institutions continue to provide essential educational opportunities for Hispanic communities. Ask if your employer includes these universities in their recruitment. Read more from Frannie Sprouls at Hispanic Executive.

• Alabama's Forced Labor in Prisons, Legal Battles and Policy Implications: Despite a 2022 amendment to Alabama's constitution to ban unpaid, forced labor in prisons, a lawsuit reveals that inmates still face punishment for refusing to work, effectively continuing practices rooted in slavery. Alabama earns an estimated $450 million annually from prison labor, with inmates receiving minimal wages and no benefits. This case underscores the urgent need for policy changes to protect incarcerated workers and eliminate exploitative labor practices. Read more from Christina Carrega at CapitalB.

• Charter Schools' Shortcomings in Special Education, A Call for Policy Reform: A recent report by the Center for Learner Equity reveals that charter schools are failing to provide high-quality special education services, underperforming compared to district-run schools. Despite the increase in enrollment of students with disabilities, significant gaps remain. The report calls for improved standards, accountability, and equitable funding to address these deficiencies. Political challenges and systemic ableism further complicate the issue, emphasizing the need for urgent policy reforms to ensure all students receive the education they deserve. Read more from Beth Hawkins at Disability Scoop.

Cultural Highlights

Celebrate diverse voices and cultural contributions in art, literature, music, and media and be a multicultural smarty pants. 😊

LGBTQ+ Stars and Stories Shine Bright at the 2024 Emmys

The 2024 Emmy nominations are a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation, featuring a significant number of LGBTQ+ stars and stories. Historic nominations include Nava Mau, the first trans actress in a limited series category, and prominent shows like "Baby Reindeer" and "Fellow Travelers." This year's nominations highlight the diverse roles played by LGBTQ+ actors and their substantial contributions to popular culture. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including the need for more representation of queer characters with disabilities, HIV, and trans men. The 2024 Emmys are a moment to celebrate and reflect on the journey toward greater inclusivity in television.

Read more from Marcus Wratten at PinkNews.

The Culture Roundup

• WNBA All-Star Angel Reese Is Making History As A Double-Double Machine: Angel Reese is making waves in her rookie WNBA season, setting a record for consecutive double-doubles for a rookie, now at 11 games. Her impressive performance has earned her a spot as an Eastern Conference all-star, showcasing her as one of the league’s best players. Leading the Chicago Sky in rebounds with nearly 12 per game, Reese’s physical style of play and consistent excellence underline her invaluable contribution to the team. Her success not only inspires young female athletes but also solidifies her role in the Sky, promising a bright future for the team. Despite media focus on her rivalry with Caitlin Clark, Reese remains focused on her game, demonstrating remarkable dedication and mental toughness. Read more from Kahlil Haywood at Blavity.

• Native Artists Reclaim the Whirling Log: Native artists are reclaiming the Whirling Log, a symbol of good luck and healing, once suppressed due to its resemblance to the Nazi swastika. Through exhibitions and education, artists like Melissa Cody are challenging misconceptions and promoting economic autonomy. This cultural reclamation highlights the resilience and creativity of Native American communities. Read more from Sháńdíín Brown and Zach Feuer at Hyperallergic.

• Art Project Highlights Puerto Rico’s Economic Struggle: Valor y Cambio, led by Frances Negrón-Muntaner, is a solidarity economy project featuring an automated teller machine dispensing Puerto Rican pesos. The project, showcased in San Juan, emphasizes Puerto Rico's ongoing struggle against colonial-style financial control and promotes alternative economic models. Through interactive questions, it engages participants in reflecting on community values and obstacles. Despite its success in Puerto Rico, the project faced challenges in New York City due to different levels of understanding. Valor y Cambio serves as an educational tool, fostering a sense of decolonial joy and connection among participants. Read more from Damaly Gonzalez at Nonprofit Quarterly.

Actionable Resources

Empower your career with targeted strategies and tools to overcome systemic barriers and achieve your career and personal goals.

Breaking Barriers, TransTech Social Empowers Trans Workers

TransTech Social is revolutionizing career opportunities for transgender individuals by providing free mentorship, education, and community support. Led by Angelica Ross and E.C. Pizarro III, the initiative has grown to support over 6,700 members across 50 countries. The program offers resources in graphic design, social media, and more, helping participants recognize their tech skills and secure stable, high-paying jobs.

Read more from Henry Carnell at News is Out.

Actionable Resource Roundup

• Empower Your Business, Apply for the 2025 Entrepreneurs Access Network: Black and Hispanic/Latinx entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the 2025 Entrepreneurs Access Network by EY US. This 12-month accelerator program offers personalized coaching, custom learning, and extensive networking to help businesses scale and maximize their potential. Eligible applicants must be Black or Hispanic/Latinx CEOs or founders of privately held, for-profit companies in the US. Apply by August 30, 2024. Read more from Frannie Sprouls at Hispanic Executive.

• How AI Can Help You Transform Nonprofits (and for-profits) for Social Good: Discover how AI-powered nonprofits are revolutionizing social impact by leveraging AI for data analysis, tailored advice, and more. From enhancing education with Learning Equality to monitoring climate data with WattTime, AI is driving significant progress. Fast Forward's research highlights a 300% increase in AI applications for social good since 2018, showcasing the vast potential for nonprofits. Read more from Kevin Barenblat & Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink at Standford Social Innovation Review.

Wait, Did They Just Say That?

Microaggressions, or just plain aggression. This section is for all the times you’ve wondered if your work colleague, your fellow student, or your boss…really just said that. Write-in to us at [email protected] and we might anonymously share your story in the newsletter.

Navigating Identity as a White-Passing Latina

How many of have been told we don’t “sound” our race or ethnicity? Or we don’t look and dress like the average…

In a fantastic biographical piece, Jazlyn Archila shares her journey of reclaiming her Latinx roots while navigating microaggressions and societal expectations. Despite being told she doesn't "look Latina," she reclaims her cultural pride and urges others to take charge of their Latinidad. Reflecting on Eurocentrism's impact on identity, she highlights the power of embracing one's cultural heritage.

Read more from Jazlyn Archila at Luz Media.