“We need new ideas right now.” | Statement from Innovate@BU and Resources for Building Equitable Ideas
To all of our community members, and especially our Black community of students, faculty, and staff, we stand with you now and always and we are committed to providing you and all of our community with the resources and support to build equitable and actionable solutions to eradicate systemic racism.
The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor is a microcosm of the systemic racism in our country, the Covid-19 pandemic continues on an uncertain and troubling course, unemployment rates are staggeringly high, especially amongst the most economically disadvantaged, and the earth continues to heat up. We can either sit back or we can pick a problem and solve it. The choice is ours and the time has come to decide.
During this year’s IDEA Conference, Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, told us that “Entrepreneurs, by definition, think of new ideas and make things happen. They are not constrained by conventional thinking and practice. They dream big and are ready to work hard to bring those dreams to life. And that kind of creativity, innovation, and passion is exactly what the world needs right now.”
Let’s face it, she was absolutely right. We need new ideas right now; the old ideas and systems have not worked. If they had, people would not be needlessly dying. The combination of rage and helplessness that we feel would not be so profound. Our cities would not be looted. We would not be isolated from our friends and family.
Let’s face it, she was absolutely right. We need new ideas right now; the old ideas and systems have not worked. If they had, people would not be needlessly dying. The combination of rage and helplessness that we feel would not be so profound. Our cities would not be looted. We would not be isolated from our friends and family.
Less than three months ago, I would walk into the BUild Lab every day and pass by a sign that reminded me that “we envision a world where all BU Terriers are equipped with innovation skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, and are prepared to create meaningful impact in their careers and communities.” I hope to walk past that sign every day again, soon. In the interim though, we are still here to help you develop new ideas, to solve problems, and to make an impact. We are more passionate about that mission than ever. We are here to help you in any way possible.
I hope we see the events in Minneapolis and the subsequent reaction throughout the country as a call to action. We can, together, make a meaningful difference. Reach out to us and let’s start today.
Sincerely,
Gerry Fine
Executive Director, Innovate@BU
BU Community Events & Resources:
- Book an office hour session with Innovate@BU staff members to start talking about your ideas and we’ll help you get started and connect you to additional resources and people who can help along the way.
- Thursday, June 4 from 11-12:30 pm EDT, join BU Diversity & Inclusion for an online discussion “Mental Health, Race, and COVID-19”
- On Monday, June 8, 10-11 am EDT, join the Dean of Students Office for the Belonging Cafe – this weeks topics is Finding Belonging on a Team.
- Howard Thurman Centered shared an incredible list of self-education resources to better understand the history and impact of systemic racism, civic duty opportunities, and mental health resources.
- Howard Thurman Center is also hosting open office hours through June 7. Find the schedule and Zoom links on their website calendar.
- BU Student Government, UMOJA: The Black Student Union, and 100+ organizations have organized a fundraiser for the Black Visions Collective, Campaign Zero, and NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Learn more here.
- We’re also continuing to share community resources, readings, and actionable steps on our Innovate@BU Instagram.
- Read the recent Q&A with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on joining BU and launching the Anti-Racist Research Center.
Entrepreneurship Resources that Specifically Support Underrepresented Founders:
- E for All is a free one-year accelerator program in communities throughout Massachusetts. This program offers a unique combination of immersive business training, mentorship and access to an extended professional network. Learn more and check out upcoming application dates.
- Founder Gym is the leading online program training underrepresented founders on how to raise money to scale their tech startups. Learn more and apply beginning July 7.
- iFundWomen and iFundWomen of Color is a startup funding platform providing access to capital through crowdfunding and grants, expert business coaching on all the topics entrepreneurs need to know about, and a network of women business owners. Learn more about using their platform and resources.
- SoGal is the largest global platform for the education and empowerment of diverse entrepreneurs and investors with a mission to close the diversity gap in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Check out their local chapters and virtual events open to all.
Resources & Readings to Help You Build Equitable Ideas & Teams:
- Blog: Equity by Design: A Reflection on How to Build Equitable Teams & Ideas
- Tool: Take one or more Project Implicit’s “Implicit Association Tests” as a great starting point for you and your team members.
- Tools & Downloads: Creative Reaction Lab’s Equity-centered Community Design Field Guide and Tools
Mental & Physical Health Resources:
- The BU Wellbeing Project has a list of incredible resources to support your mental, physical, education, financial, and emotional wellbeing.
- BU Student Health Services will be available primarily by tele-health appointments. For specific COVID-19 health concerns, students can connect with a nurse here.
- If you are a student experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact Behavioral Medicine at 617-353-3569. A crisis counselor from the Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center is also available 24/7 at 617-353-7277 (SARP).
