Special Edition Newsletter

Multicultural Leadership Program

Special Edition Newsletter: Black Lives Matter

Dear friends of MCLP,

It is my pleasure to present to you this special Black Lives Matter edition of our newsletter. In May, we pledged to use our platform as an organization to further the cause of racial justice. A lot has happened since then. This summer has been a time of change for our country, our community, and MCLP.

In June, we hosted our first-ever virtual graduation .

In July, Donna and I made the announcement that we would be moving forward in our careers.

And in August, we are positioned to welcome the Class of 2021 on a virtual platform.

Yet, amongst all this change, we felt it necessary- if not vital- to dedicate this newsletter to amplifying the voices of our Black friends and colleagues.

We reached out to alumni and community members to put together resources and stories that pertain to how we, as MCLPers, can support the Black community.

Servant leaders listen. They empathize. And most importantly, they do everything they can to improve the lives of those they serve. We hope that this special edition educates you on the issues that BIPOC in our community face, and we hope you join us when we say " BLACK LIVES MATTER ."

Be safe. Be strong. Be of service.

Julie Emig

Executive Director

Multicultural Leadership Program

Get Involved with Local Civil Rights Groups

100 Black Men of Central Illinois

Founded in 2003, 100 Black Men strives to make a difference in the lives of young African-Americans. The group has four main focuses: mentoring, education, health & wellness, and economic empowerment. They host weekly mentoring sessions at Normal West High School, Peoria Carver Center, Bloomington Jr. High, and Bloomington's Jule Foundation. To learn more, please visit their Facebook page or their website.

Black Lives Matter Blono

"Led by those most affected, we engage the disappointed, discounted, and dismissed to defy marginalization structures in holding the powers-that-be accountable. Through non-violent direct action, we expose the everyday crisis of racism and demand change in the policies and practices of local institutions." To learn more, check out the organization’s Facebook page .

Bloomington-Normal Branch of the NAACP

The local NAACP chapter has long labored for equality associated with health care, education, climate justice, legislation, and economic reform. The group believes that we must engage in complex conversations so that the healing process may begin. They invite community members to join them in working to eradicate all elements of racism and discrimination. To learn more, please visit their Facebook page or their website .

Next Gen Initiative

The Next Gen Initiative is a grassroots organization in Bloomington-Normal established in June of 2020 by four young Black men. They're committed to creating lasting change and equality in our community. To learn more, please visit their Facebook page or email them at nextgenblono@gmail.com.

Not In Our Town

Not In Our Town is a 25-year-old local initiative to "stop hate, fight bullying and build a safe and inclusive community for all." NIOT hosts community forums, marches, rallies, and other opportunities to work on various human rights issues. The organization also operates in Bloomington-Normal public schools as Not In Our School. To learn more, check out the organization’s Facebook page or website .

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

BLM Blono's Bloomington-Normal Black Owned Businesses

WGLT's Living Black in Bloomington-Normal Series

YWCA McLean County Racial Justice Resources

MCLP's Black Lives Matter Statement

In the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery , and Breonna Taylor , the Multicultural Leadership Program joins in the national chorus of cries for an end to systemic racism. We express our desire to listen, to learn, to lead — yes — but we commit to do so with awareness of the voices of our brown and black neighbors and fellow citizens crying out in pain and righteous anger. For those among our membership who benefit daily by white privilege, we wish to stand alongside our brothers and sisters of color. As a community-based leadership organization, MCLP aspires to the better angels of our shared experience in America. Together we say, Black Lives Matter .

In that vein, MCLP pledges to do the following:

Ensure that racial and social justice topics are amplified in our curriculum.
Encourage participants to get involved with local organizations that work to further the agenda of justice reform.
Make it a priority to seek out non-profit partners that serve the black community.

DONATE