NEWS and EVENTS

“Being unable to get time off to care for family members infected or exposed to COVID-19 has been a major driver in essentially forcing women from the workforce, according to Leslie Forde, a member of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts.” Read more here.

“Leslie Forde said her research has shown the impact all too clearly. She's a member of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and founder of an online community called Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, who conducted a study of nearly 2,000 parents, mostly mothers.” Read more here.

A new business coalition launching Wednesday plans to pursue a suite of policies aimed at helping workers foster the skills that employers seek. Read more here.

“The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce has brought together nearly two dozen organizations, including local chambers of commerce and statewide groups like the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, to push for better ways to close the gap between the skills workers have and the skills employers need.” Read more here.

“A new report from MassINC and the newly-formed Coalition for an Equitable Economy lays out the needed elements of a plan to strengthen opportunities for entrepreneurs of color post-COVID.” Read more here.

Later today at 12:00 PM, a monumental occurrence will take place in the capital city of our Commonwealth, Boston. On this day, at that time, the city will swear-in Kim Janey as its first Black and first woman mayor in its 200-years since incorporation. We send our warmest congratulations to Ms. Janey as she assumes
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"With a united network of resources, contacts, and support systems, we not only enhance the efficiency of each organization, but also support a greater number of small businesses, helping to close the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts," said Segun Idowu, member of the coalition and president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts.” Read
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“You're in the process of developing the Berkshire Black Economic Council. Where does it stand now?... We're in the steering committee phase. ... We're about to launch a new website. We're looking at partnering with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts ... the next phase of that is to create an actual structure and institution
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“Idowu cited the recent report that found just a small fraction of City of Boston contract work went to Black-owned businesses over the last five years. There’s also education gaps and a colossal racial wealth gap between Black and white Boston families.” Read more here.

“The disparity study confirmed what the members of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts have been saying since long before the organization was founded five years ago. Also known by its acronym, BECMA, the group is one of the organizations behind the new Title VI civil rights complaint.” Read more here.