February 2020 – This Month with SMSBF
February is Black History month. To honor the occasion, our lead piece spotlights Detroit’s Black Labor movement. Read about the work of General Gordon Baker, Jr. and what he did to fight injustice in the workplace.
To prepare us for the upcoming Michigan primary, our communications team has put together a piece on absentee voting. With the changes to absentee balloting rules, there’s no excuse not to vote. If we are to effectively reclaim our democracy, we must get out and vote.
The Struggle for Justice: Detroit’s Black Labor Movement
We may be historical creatures, but oddly enough, we tend to overlook and forget what it took to get where we are. All too often, this tendency to forget has led to disastrous consequences, not the least of which is taking things for granted. As a hedge against this tendency, and worse, repeating history, it’s important to examine the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us.
This article examines a segment of history that – in many circles – is not that well known: Detroit’s Black Labor movement. We undertake this examination in homage to this month’s being Black History Month.
African American history – in part because of the woundedness it carries with it – remains an enigma for many of us. One thing is certain, though, African American history is rooted in and driven by an intense struggle for justice. Detroit’s labor history is the story of struggle for justice. The Black Labor movement, in particular, is an even more agonizing and ardent struggle. Read More
Vote for a Sustainable Future
Voting is important. Whether you vote with your dollars by purchasing your everyday staples from a local, sustainable business, or whether you cast your ballot for a candidate that has demonstrated their commitment to justice, voting is one of the easiest, and historically important, ways to make your voice heard. In 2020, for the first time all eligible and registered Michigan voters can apply for an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
So, whether you’ll be out of town, can’t get to your polling place because of work, or simply don’t want to stand in line, you can ask your local clerk to send a ballot to your home so you can fill it out from the comfort of your couch. Here are some tips to make sure your vote is counted: Read More
‘Round the Triple Bottom Line
Business was never meant to simply “maximize shareholder value”. Business is the means by which we lift-up the common good. To meet the challenges of the present day, 3BL business goes much deeper and wider than the linear thinking of the past. Here are some stories exemplifying the depth and breadth of the 3BL economy.
Sustainability: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
If it’s not maximizing shareholder value, then what is it? ESG is an emerging framework that offers an answer to this question.
The brands working to make footwear more sustainable
Focusing on meeting sustainability goals, rather than just making money, is the key to the future of product development.
Why diversity matters.
McKinsey’s research suggests what for many is intuitive: diverse perspectives lead to better performance.
5 Tips for Leaders Who Want to Create a Strong Sustainability Culture.
Being aware of oneself and coming to understand what motivates one’s thoughts and actions is critical to effective leadership.
5 Tips for Leaders Who Want to Create a Strong Sustainability Culture.
Being aware of oneself and coming to understand what motivates one’s thoughts and actions is critical to effective leadership.
Whitmer’s budget delivers welcome progress
Gov. Whitmer’s proposal to increase the overtime threshold is a welcome move toward reducing income disparity.
Local Sustainability and 3BL Related Business Events
Events are chances to connect, discover, and learn. Below are some events that will bring together people who are passionate about the sustainability movement and a triple bottom line economy.
If you’d like us to promote your 3BL business event, please let us know.
Detroit Mercy Law Review Symposium:
UDM’s School of Law will put the spotlight on race, class and environmental justice at this not to be missed event.
How to Create Positive Team and Organizational Hierarchies:
Lindy Greer, associate professor at the Ross School of Business, will present her work on organizational hierarchy.
Starting a Business: SBDC Workshop:
The expertise offered by the Small Business Development Center is well worth the investment.
Shop Detroit: Black-Owned Business Walking Tour:
Join our friends at Source Booksellers in Midtown for this unique opportunity to take a walking tour of Black owned businesses.
