Dec 14, 2021 | Books, Business
MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – Dec. 11, 2021 – PRLog — The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation today announced the launch of its 2022 monthly book discussion series, Reading for Understanding.
As a learning organization, the Center seeks to provide opportunities to promote understanding and empathy. The book discussion provides participants with a shared experience and an opportunity to engage with others.
The Center’s Reading for Understanding monthly book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion.
The 2022 Reading for Understanding book discussion schedule is as follows:
- “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee, Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “How the Word Is Passed” by Clint Smith, Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning” by Cathy Park Hong, Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “Four Hundred Souls” by Ibram X. Kendi, Keisha N Blain, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “You Are Your Best Thing” by Tarana Burke, Brené Brown, Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America” by Ijeoma Oluo, Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person” by Frederick Joseph, Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” by Emmanuel Acho, Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “The Purpose of Power” by Alicia Garza, Wednesday, November 23, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
- “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern
If you are interested in participating, please register at: https://www.dcbcenter.org/events.
What should a participant expect?
Participants should expect an email with a read-ahead presentation and meeting credentials the Monday preceding the event. All book discussions are two hours and use Zoom breakout rooms to create small discussion groups. We start together as a large group (7-7:10pm), briefly return to a large group at the half-way point (7:50-8pm) and conclude as a large group (8:40-9pm). Virtual doors open at 6:45pm, unless otherwise noted. All times are Eastern.
Support black-owned or independent bookstores.
Many black-owned and independent bookstores now offer shipping. Find a store in your area (https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a33497812/…) and shop in-person or online.
Participants are encouraged to continue learning through the Center’s Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward (https://www.dcbcenter.org/eradicating-racism-learning-series) learning series.
About the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation
The Dock C. Bracy Center is committed to human reconciliation and the eradication of racism and other forms of human oppression. Our work focuses on healing the internal emotional and cognitive harms that have allowed racism to continue to thrive in our society. We support the efforts of many other groups and individuals by providing opportunities for learning and self-reflection so that strategies to eradicate racism can become more successful. Additional information about the Center can be found by visiting the website (http://www.dcbcenter.org/) and by following @dcbcenter. and by following @dcbcenter.
Dec 8, 2021 | Books, Business
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MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – Dec. 7, 2021 – PRLog — The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation today announced the 2022 schedule for the Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series.
“The Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series provides an introduction to the Center, explores concepts critical to eradicating racism and creates a safe space for personal growth. The commitment requires making time for learning.” – Paul S. Bracy, Founder
January 2022
- Session 1: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, January 20, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 2: The Notion of White Privilege, Thursday, January 27, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 3: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, February 3, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 4: Finding Your Voice, Thursday, February 10, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
April 2022
- Session 1: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, April 21, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 2: The Notion of White Privilege, Thursday, April 28, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 3: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, May 5, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 4: Finding Your Voice, Thursday, May 12, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
July 2022
- Session 1: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, July 21, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 2: The Notion of White Privilege, Thursday, July 28, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 3: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, August 4, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 4: Finding Your Voice, Thursday, August 11, 2022, 7-9pm Eastern Standard Time
October 2022
- Session 1: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, October 20, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 2: The Notion of White Privilege, Thursday, October 27, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 3: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, November 3, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
- Session 4: Finding Your Voice, Thursday, November 10, 2022, 12-2pm Eastern Standard Time
If you or your organization are interested in participating, please register at: https://www.dcbcenter.org/events.
What should a participant expect?
- The Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series with a suggested donation of $100.
- Estimated time commitment for the entire series including the readings and videos (pre-work for each session) is approximately 16 hours.
- The learning series provides an introduction to the Dock C. Bracy Center’s understanding and approach to eradicating racism.
- Sessions include videos, articles, small group discussions and short presentations designed with adult learning concepts.
- Participants are expected to attend all four 2-hour sessions, one evening weekly for four consecutive weeks.
- Each session includes an introduction packet, to be completed in advance of the session, which provides participants a common experience to enhance small group discussions and complements the Center’s presentations.
- Following completion of the learning series participants will have the opportunity to continue their learning through the Finding Your Voice Program.
What are the goals of the learning series?
- Participants have the opportunity for dialogue about the complexity of racism in a safe learning environment with other concerned people.
- Participants understand the Center’s approach to eradicating racism.
- Participants become part of the Center’s Finding Your Voice Program.
If you are interested in completing the Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward Learning Series, please register at: https://www.dcbcenter.org/events.
About the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation
The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation is committed to human reconciliation and the eradication of racism and other forms of human oppression. Our work focuses on healing the internal emotional and cognitive harms that have allowed racism to continue to thrive in our society. We support the efforts of many other groups and individuals by providing opportunities for learning and self-reflection so that strategies to eradicate racism can become more successful. Additional information about the Center can be found by visiting the website and by following @dcbcenter.
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Nov 17, 2021 | Business
As the Colorado economy picks up and more small business pivot from surviving to thriving, Mi Casa Resource Center® has been awarded a $350,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to help small businesses get back to growing again.
Thanks to the Open for Business Fund, a roughly $420 million Wells Fargo small business recovery effort, Mi Casa will offer training, individualized consulting and holistic case management to 1,300 Denver Metro area entrepreneurs through its Business Pathways program. Mi Casa supports primarily underserved Latino small business owners, inventors and aspiring entrepreneurs with knowledge and a portfolio of resources. Demand across Mi Casa’s programs has increased as distressed communities have been even more impacted in recent times. This grant will help small business owners recover and emerge from the pandemic even stronger and more resilient.
Of the nonprofit’s success with creating pathways to business opportunity, Mi Casa Chief Executive Officer Angeles Ortega said, “With this vital support from the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, Mi Casa can help our local small businesses come back stronger after the hardships of the last year. For 45 years, Mi Casa has supported low-income, Latino families in the Denver area. We are uniquely positioned to serve the needs of our diverse communities. Our participants are 74% female, 81% Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and 82% low income. Business Pathways provides resources for startups, established businesses, and inventions moving forward. The impact is far reaching as each success helps entire families and communities thrive.”
For small businesses facing financial hardships and other business challenges, having access to trusted experts in areas like business planning, marketing, e-commerce, and financing can be a critical turning point for getting back to growth.
“Emerging from this unprecedented time, Coloradans who placed their entrepreneurial projects and inventions on hold are eager to bring them to fruition,” said Wells Fargo Colorado Region Bank President Keith Lobis. “Wells Fargo has a deep commitment to advancing the economic prosperity of all Colorado businesses. We are proud to support the work of Mi Casa Resource Center as they serve a vital role in bringing much needed support to diverse small businesses in the Denver Metro area.”
About Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund:
Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund is a roughly $420 million small business recovery effort created to help entrepreneurs stay open, maintain jobs and grow. Through this initiative, Wells Fargo is deploying grants to nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide small business owners with greater access to capital, technical expertise and recovery resources, with an emphasis on supporting small businesses most disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Small business owners looking for support can visit wellsfargo.com/together for tips and ideas.
About Mi Casa Resource Center: Founded in 1976 by seven mothers and one father in the Denver Metro area, Mi Casa Resource Center educates, trains, and supports youth and adults along career and business pathways to grow their income and achieve lasting economic success. Focused on supporting income growth and employment – self-employment, formal employment, and everything in between – Mi Casa Resource Center provides training and tailored support to help people take the next step on the journey toward economic and education success. Learn more at MiCasaResourceCenter.org.
Nov 11, 2021 | Business
Today, after an extensive nationwide search, the Mary’s Center Board of Directors announced Dr. Tollie B. Elliott, Sr. as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2022. Dr. Elliott has served as Mary’s Center’s Chief Medical Officer since 2015. He succeeds Maria Gomez, founder of the organization, who will depart at the end of 2021 after 33 years of service.
“We could not have asked for a stronger leader to carry on Maria’s legacy,” said Todd A. Cox, Esq., Board Chair. “Dr. Elliott is an innovator who embodies the core values of Mary’s Center and brings the passion, experience, and strategic acumen to steer the organization forward as we advance our impactful work in the community.”
As Chief Medical Officer for the last six years, Dr. Elliott has led the Mary’s Center team in the creation, evolution, and expansion of the organization’s clinical services, including its telemedical model, the first of its kind in the District of Columbia with a Medicaid payer population. This innovative style of facilitated telemedicine was the seed that drove all managed care organizations in DC to embrace and even demand telemedicine.
“Dr. Elliott has proven himself to be a compassionate and capable leader time and time again over these past several years, and I am thrilled with the Board’s decision,” said Maria Gomez, outgoing CEO. “He is already beloved by the Mary’s Center community, and I know Dr. Elliott will thrive in this new role as he leads the organization upwards and onwards.”
Under Dr. Elliott’s leadership, Mary’s Center’s medical encounters have doubled since his arrival allowing the organization to provide more care in more communities using its successful Social Change Model. As a result of Mary’s Center’s quality of care and innovative services, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recognized the organization in 2017 and 2018 as one of the top community health centers in the country.
“Leading purpose-driven work has been the guiding force of my career, and I am so honored to take the helm of Mary’s Center at this pivotal time,” said Dr. Elliott, incoming CEO. “Following in Maria’s footsteps is a privilege I do not take lightly, and I am committed to furthering all she has built in pursuit of good health, stability, and economic independence for those we serve.”
Dr. Elliott holds a Bachelor of Science from Howard University and completed post baccalaureate studies from Fisk University. He attended Howard University College of Medicine and obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2000. Dr. Elliott completed his residency in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University in 2004 and received his Board certification in 2008.
Prior to joining Mary’s Center, Dr. Elliott worked at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, where he was a Staff Physician and Co-Chair of the OB-GYN Department in 2014. He also served as an Associate Professor at Howard University Hospital. Dr. Elliott was recognized as a Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2016. Early in his career, he taught in the Prince George’s County Public Schools and served as director of a mentoring program for at-risk youth.
Dr. Elliott will work closely with Maria to prepare for a smooth transition into the CEO role. He will also join a prestigious cohort of nonprofit leaders with Mary’s Center being named a 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder®, which provides organizations and their leaders the critical tools they need to drive economic and social progress in communities.
“Maria’s legacy is the tremendous positive impact her work and Mary’s Center has made in the DC community,” said Larry Di Rita, President of Bank of America Greater Washington, D.C. “We could not be more proud to name Mary’s Center our 2021 Neighborhood Builder and working with Dr. Elliott to continue to drive progress across the District.”
The national CEO search drew widespread interest and yielded a diverse pool of qualified applicants from across the country. It was managed by the Board of Directors in partnership with executive search firm Spencer Stuart. Learn more about Dr. Elliott here: https://www.maryscenter.org/about-us/incoming-ceo/
About Mary’s Center
Mary’s Center is a community health center serving over 60,000 people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in the Washington, DC metro area for over 30 years. With an integrated model of health care, education, and social services, Mary’s Center offers each participant individualized care on the path toward good health, stability, and economic independence. For more information, visit www.maryscenter.org.
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