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Navigating Equality, Diversity, and the Future through Affirmative Action

Affirmative action, a policy crucial in promoting diversity and equal opportunities, addresses systemic barriers by ensuring fair access to education, employment, and other vital aspects of life. By actively considering race, gender, and other factors, it levels the playing field for underrepresented groups of people in the U.S. However, the recent ruling against affirmative action has raised significant concerns about its future. The ruling, which specifically challenged the consideration of race in college admissions, jeopardizes affirmative action as a whole creating uncertainty about whether this decision could lead to affirmative action being completely removed. Eliminating affirmative action would undo the progress made in building a diverse and fair society for all.

 

The Evolution of Affirmative Action

Originating from the civil rights movement in the 1960s, affirmative action emerged as a powerful response to address the deeply rooted discrimination faced by minority communities. It sought to create opportunities for those who had long been excluded from equal access to education and employment.

In June 1965, during his address at Howard University, President Johnson expressed the principles of affirmative action, stating, “You do not take a man who for years has been hobbled by chains, liberate him, bring him to the starting line of a race, saying, ‘you are free to compete with all the others,’ and still justly believe you have been completely fair… This is the next and more profound stage of the battle for civil rights. We seek not just freedom but opportunity––not legal equity but human ability––not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and as a result.” President Johnson’s words acted as a catalyst, inspiring the ongoing development and adaptation of affirmative action as a policy designed to address deeply rooted inequalities and promote a more inclusive society. 

In its early years, affirmative action focused on changing the unfair access to education and employment faced by racial and ethnic minorities, as well as women. Over time, as societal awareness of other forms of discrimination grew, affirmative action expanded its scope to include other underrepresented groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and individuals with disabilities. This broader approach aimed to tackle different forms of unfairness and build a more complete system for encouraging diversity and inclusion.

Despite the positive progress made by affirmative action in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity, it has not been immune to criticism and legal challenges. Over time, the debates surrounding affirmative action have become more complex and nuanced, leading people to question issues of representation and fairness for all.

 

Affirmative Action Today

In the present day, affirmative action continues to be a vital tool in protecting minorities from exclusion and discrimination. Inclusive policies help create a more diverse society by ensuring equal access to education, work opportunities, and representation in leadership. Supporting fair admissions policies helps continue to show that talent, ability, and potential are not secluded to a particular race, gender, or background.

Numerous studies, including one done by Harvard Graduate School of Education, have shown the positive impact of affirmative action. By promoting higher diversity in learning environments, affirmative action not only enhances the educational experience, but also promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This connection between affirmative action and higher diversity contributes to a more enriched and inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, companies with diverse workforces have been found to be more innovative and better equipped to understand and cater to various customer needs.

Additionally, businesses that embrace affirmative action and prioritize diversity have been found to outperform their competitors. A McKinsey & Company report discovered that companies with diverse workforces are 35% more likely to financially outperform those with less diverse teams. Another study done by the Boston Consulting Group found that diverse companies are better at innovating and creating new products and services, leading to a 19% higher revenue rate compared to less diverse companies.

The numbers from those studies highlight the importance of affirmative action in creating diversity and inclusivity in schools and workplaces, positively impacting both individuals from all backgrounds and society as a whole. When we have a diverse environment, society functions in an equilibrium allowing everyone to prosper and thrive.

 

What You Can Do

While the recent ruling against affirmative action poses challenges, we can all play a role in protecting and upholding equal opportunities. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

Educate yourself: Dive deeper into the history and impact of affirmative action. Understand the arguments both in support of and against it, empowering yourself to engage in informed discussions. 

Spread awareness: Share the importance of affirmative action with your friends, family, and colleagues. Engage in conversations to promote understanding and eliminate misconceptions.

Contact elected officials: Reach out to your local politicians and representatives to express your support for fair admissions policies and affirmative action. Every phone call and email makes a difference. Find the contact information for your elected officials on the USA.gov website to make your voice heard.

It is through education, awareness, and collective action that we can protect and advance these fundamental principles. By standing together, we can ensure a future where equal opportunities are embraced, diversity is celebrated, and our society truly thrives.

 

To learn more about affirmative action, check out these books:

The Shape of the River: Long-Term Consequences of Considering Race in College and University Admissions by William G. Bowen and Derek Bok – This book presents a comprehensive study on the effects of affirmative action policies in college admissions and their impact on students’ lives and society.

Affirmative Action Around the World: An Empirical Study by Thomas Sowell – This book offers a comparative analysis of affirmative action policies in different countries, providing a broader perspective on the issue.

For Discrimination: Race, Affirmative Action, and the Law by Randall Kennedy – This book explores the complexities and controversies surrounding affirmative action and the role of law in addressing racial discrimination.

The Power of Partnership: USA Ice Team Joins One Hope United for an Unforgettable Day

On a chilly winter morning, a group of USA Ice Team pros headed out on frozen Deep Lake, a private lake in the Chicago suburbs. The pros, known for their skills on the ice and their love of the sport, had come equipped with all the tools and equipment they’d need to make sure the day on the ice was a success. The team regularly competes in ice fishing tournaments across the globe but on this frosted-over day they were setting up for a different kind of challenge – teaching a group of boys from the Ermit L. Finch Residential Campus how to ice fish.

As the sun began rising, the pros continued to work while the boys finished up their breakfast and trickled into the conference space to get an introduction to ice fishing from world champion fisherman, Tony Boshold. With their ice fishing questions answered and an understanding of safety on the ice, the boys picked up their “snackleboxes” and eagerly trudged down the hill to meet the rest of the pros on the frozen lake with OHU Hope Members and volunteers.

Cautiously walking on the ice, the boys inspected the lake for themselves and then the ice fishing lessons began with learning to use an auger to drill holes in the ice. Working one-on-one with the pros, the boys learned about the different types of bobbers and how to read temperature and depth gauges to find the best spots to fish. Within minutes of the first line being dropped in the water, one boy pulled a Sun Perch out of the water.

“What a great event! I loved that every child had one-on-one time with adults that weren’t staff, and I’m certain that it is always beneficial for children to see adults working together,” said Scott Moeller, an OHU Board Director volunteering at the event. “I also love the “snackleboxes” and the confidence that the boys gained throughout the day.”

But the day wasn’t just about catching fish. The boys also had the opportunity to learn about the importance of conservation, how to properly measure and handle their catches, and how to fillet a fish. After a morning on the ice, they enjoyed a delicious lunch, including a fried fish appetizer, and won prizes for the biggest catch and the most catches. The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and new experiences that the boys will never forget.

“One of the most poignant moments was when Scott Moeller asked the boys if they had any ‘fish tales’,” said Cindy Miller-Lusignan, an OHU Board Director. “We heard from one boy that his patience and grasp of the instruction on equipment really paid off. He fished with no success for the entire morning, then he moved to the fishing shanty that had the world-class electronic fish-finding equipment. He figured out how to use the sonar device, locate fish, and catch a good size fish at the end of the fishing derby. He was so thankful to Mike McNett for his strategic help in reeling in his catch.”

Events like this ice fishing derby are just one of the many ways that OHU is partnering with other organizations and the community to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families. By partnering with OHU, individuals and businesses alike have the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in their communities. Whether through donations, volunteering, or sponsoring an event like this one, there are countless ways to get involved and support OHU’s mission.

“Additionally, I think that anytime that we can expose children to positive experiences beyond their own world, it helps them as they work through their traumas,” said Moeller.

If you’re looking for a way to give back and make a difference in the lives of children, consider partnering with OHU. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to live life without limits.

One Hope United Welcomes Nicole Dunham as CPO

One Hope United is thrilled to welcome Nicole Dunham as its new Chief People Officer. With over 23 years of experience in human resources across both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to OHU.

Nicole’s impressive career has seen her excel in a range of human resources functions, from recruitment and retention to performance management, training and development, and employee relations. She has also led successful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Most recently, Nicole served as Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer for PrimeCare Health, a federally qualified community health center in Chicago. Her leadership helped the organization deliver quality, affordable care to medically underserved populations in the city’s West and Northwest sides.

Nicole has also served as Vice President of Human Resources at Illinois Action for Children, where she provided leadership and support for early education and other family and community support services. She holds a BA in Organizational Communications/Marketing and an MS in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University. Nicole has also earned an MA in Organizational Leadership at Lewis University, a Graduate Certification in Training and Development at Roosevelt University, and is a SHRM Certified Professional.

At OHU, Nicole will be responsible for developing and executing the organization’s human resources strategy, which includes recruiting, retaining, and developing top talent. Her focus on creating a positive organizational culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion will ensure that OHU is well-positioned to continue its mission of supporting children and families.

Hope Members share the excitement in having Nicole join the organization and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our organization and the communities we serve. Her extensive experience in human resources, coupled with her commitment to social justice and equity, make her an ideal fit for our organization. Welcome to OHU, Nicole!

Black Excellence in Leadership: A Conversation with ELCD Executive Director, Kenny Shackelford

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of the significant contributions of Black leaders throughout history and the contributions that Black leaders continue to make today to better our society and communities. Today we recognize the accomplishments of Kenny Shackelford, a Black leader at OHU, whose work impacts not only the organization but also the communities we serve.

Holding many roles in the early childhood education field including Teacher, Educational Coordinator, and Assistant Director, Kenny Shackelford has continued to grow his career and currently oversees OHU’s entire Early Learning & Childhood Development division as the Executive Director. Kenny is continuously recognized among staff, peers, and other leaders as an inspiring leader with a remarkable ability to motivate and guide his team to success.

Kenny Shackelford, Executive Director of ELCD

While working here at OHU, what effort or achievement are you most proud of?

At the moment, I would have to say I am most proud of having the opportunity to work alongside my Early Learning & Child Development teams (ELCD), really the administration and the entire teaching personnel. They have weathered day in and day out, through the pandemic woes and they continue to push through a critical staffing shortage within ELCD.  Every day they come to work putting forth their very best and that is all I can ask for from my teams!

What issues surrounding race or equality have you tackled during your career?

When I first started to answer this question, I didn’t think that I have had to directly tackle any issues in my professional career when it comes to race and equality, but as I really think about it and consider my experiences, I recognize I’ve tackled race issues more than I realized before. I have learned to navigate the inevitable encounters as a professional black man over my tenure. I have learned to master the art of code-switching, when this skill must be exercised, and how to pick up on unconscious bias to those who may not even be aware of what they are saying.

In your opinion, what is the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black History Month?

Black History Month is paying homage to those who paved the way for a better future life for this generation of African Americans today. It’s about giving respect to those who fought for the rights we deserve and for us to reflect back on lessons that can be learned to help us continue to work collectively today to make inequality a thing of the past!

Kenny Shackelford (far right) with his Bridgeport Early Learning Center team.

Is there anything you’d like to say to the young Black girl or boy that looks up to you as a leader in our community?

Be true to yourself. Be your authentic self. Trust your instincts. And what I feel is most important, do not let anyone make you feel bad for speaking up about something you believe in. That does not mean it is okay to “pop off at the mouth” (as the young people would say… I think) whenever you feel like it, but instead, find a way to convey your message in such a manner that allows what you’re trying to say to be truly heard. As we continue to become a more inclusive world, it’s important to recognize that as a society, we still have work to do.

One Hope United Pilots Free Clothing Store for Children in Foster Care

Lake Villa, Ill. (Jan. 27, 2023)–One Hope United launched its first “Hope Closet” event on Dec. 28 at boy’s residential campus, Ermit L. Finch Campus at Lake Villa. Clothes, shoes, and winter wear were donated to the organization by Indiana nonprofit, Cross Border Partners.

The private pop-up event gave the young boys in foster care a free shopping experience including a personal shopper to help find items among the hundreds of options that fit the boy’s personal tastes. Many of the volunteers at the “Hope Closet” pop-up event were actually board members, including one of One Hope United’s newest, Jeremy Harvey.

Harvey, a State and Territory Liaison at ICF, joined the nonprofit’s board in 2022, becoming the second former One Hope United foster child to join the organization’s Board of Directors.

“I’ve had the feeling many other youth in foster care have of being unworthy or unwanted. If a small thing I can do is to gather clothes, donate them back to One Hope United so that we have a closet of hope so that young people feel worthy of healing, growth, and development… it’s just one little thing I can do,” Harvey said.

There are no statistics on how many children enter foster care with only the clothing they are wearing, but it is a common reality reported by foster parents and foster care organizations. With clothing stipends in Illinois under $80 a month and the rising costs of goods, the clothing stipend often only covers a single new outfit.

“This event is the epitome of what is at the core of OHU – a deep commitment to be responsible and to advocate for those in our care. Volunteers, staff, and our nonprofit partner selflessly showed up to support the children we serve. We couldn’t be more grateful,” said Dr. Damon Cates, Chief Advancement Officer at One Hope United.

Harvey’s involvement in the “Hope Closet” project was spurred after attending fellow board member, Cindy Miller-Lusignan’s, annual fundraising event and hearing about One Hope United’s need for clothing. Harvey turned to his own network on social media and asked friends, colleagues, and family to donate shirts, pants, suits, and shoes to the organization, even offering to collect donations personally.

“I’ve had this experience. I know what this feels like. I knew I had to do something. I’m not rich so I can’t write a check and solve a problem, but I can absolutely reach out to my network and ask ‘Do you have things that you can donate?’ I want to help other young people with these experiences feel seen, feel important,” Harvey said.

Within days, Harvey’s call to action gained momentum online and he was introduced to Cross Border Partners. After learning about the need at One Hope United, Cross Border Partners delivered a 16-foot truck filled with clothing to join the 80 bags of donations Harvey and other board members collected for the girls and boys in foster care.

“Young people need to feel like they’re worthy of healing. When you show up with just the things on your back, in a space full of strangers, and add to that, that this is unlikely to be your first placement… this is probably your 15th, 16th, 17th stop. You’re feeling so many ways. Our Hope Closet is one small step we can make to say you’re worthy! You are worthy of clean, age-appropriate, stylish clothes… We see you,” Harvey said.

Additional “Hope Closet” pop-up events are being scheduled for the foster care programs at One Hope United and the organization continues to accept donations.

“There’s lots of ways folks can give to make an impact for our kids. There’s no gift too big or too small. We’re looking for time, talent, and treasure. Maybe you don’t have any money, but you can volunteer a couple of hours and just spend time with our kids,” Harvey said.

 

About One Hope United

Founded in 1895, One Hope United is a multi-state nonprofit that helps children and families build the skills to live life without limits. OHU serves over 10,000 children and families each year through education centers, child and family services, counseling, and residential programs. Using evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, OHU empowers children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.

About Cross Border Partners

Cross Border Partners is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Christian organization which helps those in need. The organization accepts donations of anything but food. These items are then redistributed to those in need. The organization also offers items for sale that is open to the public. After paying operating expenses, any extra funds are used to purchase items to help the voucher clients.

Meet Shari, Infant Teacher at Joliet Early Learning Center

Meet Shari, an Infant Teacher at our Joliet Early Learning Center in Joliet, Illinois. She became a Hope Member in 2019 and teaches infants alongside her two Assistant Teachers, Rocio and Ariana. Since she shares a name with another Hope Member at the Joliet Early Learning Center, the students have lovingly dubbed her with the name “Ms. Baby Shari.”

At home, Shari also goes by the name “Mom” to her three adult children and you can probably find her chasing after her sweet dog, Gunner. Her positive and loving energy is infectious and warms up every space she walks into. We talked with Shari about what inspired her to join OHU, the best part about being an Early Learning Center Teacher, and more.

OHU Teacher, Shari smiles at one of her students playing.
Shari and Assistant Teacher, Ariana, playing with two of their students. 

What did you do before coming to One Hope United?

I did work at another daycare center, but then I had a 15 year hiatus where I was working at a cabinet shop as a Cabinet Finisher. I stained and lacquered cabinets. I did enjoy that, but then the housing market crashed and I thought: Let’s go back to what I know.

What do you love about working here?

We are such an inclusive organization, we don’t turn anybody away. Everybody is welcome. Working here, I feel like family. I’ve never felt so appreciated working in a place before. They really take care of you here, listen to your concerns and act on them. It’s just amazing! And it’s really easy to make it amazing when the people you work with are amazing.

Teacher, Shari, and Assistant Teacher, Rocio, take a walk outside with students at the Joliet Early Learning Center.
Taking a walk around the block with her students and Assistant Teacher, Rocio.

What is your day-to-day like as a Teacher at OHU?

Every day is a little different. I work with babies, and you kind of just have to go off their mood. Whatever they’re feeling is what we go with. In the morning when they come, they usually play and I get breakfast ready. My Assistant Teachers come in at 8 am. The babies play, we read stories, we do projects, and a lot of hugs. A lot of hugs… that’s the best part. I get paid to love, it doesn’t get any better than that! Whatever the babies need, that’s what they get.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an Early Learning Center Teacher?

Be able to go with the flow. #1 you need to love it and #2 you just need to be able to go with the flow. We help each other out, sometimes you’ll help in another room and you get to learn other rooms and ages.

One Hope United Teacher, Shari, feeds a baby at lunch.
Lunchtime! Helping one of the littlest eaters in the class enjoy his lunch!

What are you most proud of since becoming a Hope Member?

The relationships I’ve been able to build with the families. I’ve always told the parents, “Your babies are our babies and we’re a team.” We take care of their babies all day long and try to be like a second set of “parents” while mom and dad are at work.

 

Top Box Foods & One Hope United Distribute 200 Thanksgiving Meal Kits

By noon last week on Friday, cars lined South Ernie Krueger Circle and spilled onto Sunset Avenue as they made their way to Busy Bee Children’s Center. Families excitedly waved as they waited for the “Thanksgiving Dinner Box Giveaway” event to start, an event hosted by Top Box Foods and One Hope United to distribute 200 free meal kits to families in Waukegan, Illinois, and the surrounding area.

This pop-up event was one of many created by Top Box Foods, a Chicagoland nonprofit. With more than 33 million people in the U.S. living in food-insecure households, the nonprofit partnered with other local organizations and sponsors to share Thanksgiving meal kits with communities in an effort to combat food insecurity during the holiday season. Across the U.S. the price of food is steadily on the rise due to factors like the increased cost of fuel. This year alone, the average cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner increased 20% from last year, according to data from the Farm Bureau’s annual survey report.

OHU’s Early Learning and Child Development’s Director of Programs, Shanta Payton said, “Since COVID, communities such as Waukegan are seeing an increase in unemployment and food insecurity. A recent Community Needs Assessment completed by Start Early showed that 38.2% of families in Waukegan live in extreme poverty. Some families we serve do not have the financial resources to afford food which is why this event is so important.”

The community support in Waukegan was felt by everyone from the event organizers greeting guests to the attendees that shared the event and carpooled with friends to Busy Bee Children’s Center. Even with freezing temperatures and a few snowflakes, Hope Members were all smiles as they unloaded hundreds of boxes from the Top Box Foods truck. As families drove up to the giveaway station, Hope Members loaded up their cars with two boxes filled with Thanksgiving meal kits that included a frozen whole chicken, dry goods, and produce.

“Top Box Foods is a well-respected company that aims to provide families with healthy, affordable food. This is well-needed for the families we serve. We look forward to partnering with this organization again in the future,” Payton said.

A special thank you to the event sponsors, Humana and the American Diabetes Association. Because of their generous support, this event was possible!

Let’s take action to fight food insecurity this holiday season. Need ideas?

  • Volunteer at your local food bank, meal center, or with an organization like Top Box Foods. Find your local food bank by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting 211.org.
  • Donate food or supplies to your local food bank. Many food banks operate off donations. Check with the food bank to find out what items (e.g. dry goods, produce, dairy, and frozen meats) are most needed.
  • Organize your own food drive. Ask your friends and family to collect canned food and dry goods and donate to your local food bank.

To learn more about our upcoming community events follow One Hope United on Facebook.

 

About Top Box Foods

Top Box Foods is a year-round resource for affordable, nutritious fresh fruit, vegetables, and proteins for anyone and everyone who want to bring healthy food home, and help their neighbors do the same. As a nonprofit community-based organization, Top Box Foods focuses its work in food deserts to increase access to healthy and affordable food with the help of great neighborhood partners, the crucial involvement of volunteers, and generous corporate sponsors. For more information or to find a Top Box Foods location near you go to www.topboxfoods.com.

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