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priorities to be addressed moving ahead .
As 1Berkshire looks to benchmark this halfway point in the Blueprint ’ s anticipated life and to recommit to our collective approach going forward , it ’ s a moment to report on the impact of the past five years of work , the issues that we face looking ahead , and the powerful stories that represent a view into the region ’ s potential . We have a unique opportunity to share the stories of individuals , organizations , and efforts that are spearheading meaningful work . These stories will be told during the Blueprint 2.0 fiveyear event on May 30 from 9 to 11 a . m . at the Berkshire Innovation Center . We thought now might be a good time to give a sneak peak into one such effort .
Those who follow 1Berkshire ’ s work are likely familiar with the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation winning the 2023 “ Breaking the Mold ” Trendsetter Award last fall . That win was preceded by a tremendous amount of good ( and hard ) work . Founded in 2020 through Team R3SET , the Blackshires began as a platform for Black community connections in the Berkshires . Using TEAM R3SET ’ s experience in digital community building , their Idea Jam model for engagement and empowerment , and prowess in convening strategic partners around shared goals , they quickly fostered meaningful relationships , gathered an array of resources , and made an impact across the region .
The Blackshires mobilized around the critical need for more Black empowerment , leadership development , and representation . Their work helped organizations rethink their models to become more DEIB ( Diversity , Equity , Inclusion , and Belonging ) aware . They fostered leadership amongst the Black community , and connected Black community members with opportunities to take on high-impact roles in historically-underrepresented spaces . The Blackshires has made large strides in its short years , resulting from its Idea Jam and strategic reports that helped accelerate their work in 2020 ; the launch of their award-winning Blackshires Leadership Accelerator , now in its second year ; the building of the Equity Association to create an exchange for collaboration around DEIB principles and practices ; and the emerging work around Black tourism as a huge opportunity for the Berkshires . John Lewis , founder and CEO of R3SET Enterprises , said , “ This pioneering program not only equips BIPOC individuals with the skills needed for transformative leadership
and civic engagement , but also paves the way for a future where decision-making bodies truly reflect the voices and experiences of all community members .”
The Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation is a clear example of the types of high-impact Berkshire stories to be told in the context of the last five years . It ’ s about recognizing a gap in our region ’ s DEIB culture , building data-informed processes and strategies , furthering a purpose-driven collaborative culture , and owning the work in a high-impact way . Dubois Thomas , President of the Blackshires , noted , “ We are excited to support the actualization of potential leaders as we grow our community ' s ability to develop and implement business and programs whilst instilling the importance of healthy collaborative frameworks and community partnerships .”
We are on a new precipice , one that celebrates good work and collaboration , appreciates and acknowledges ongoing challenges , reinforces the need for all to play a role , and demands that each of us commits to taking on our respective objectives to get where we need to go . Let ’ s get to it .
— Benjamin Lamb , Vice President of Economic Development , 1Berksire
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May Holiday / June 2024 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 107