Belonging and Inclusion

Hello Kind and Beautiful People,

Happy February and Welcome to this issue of Field Notes. 

The theme of this issue is Belonging and Inclusion. I chose this theme due to the current environment of sweeping changes attacking DEI and our community.   

The frenetic pace, the overwhelming amount of Executive Orders, and the bias and hatred behind this activity is very concerning. I have heard from so many friends, family, and allies lately and we are all processing this in our own ways.

Let me be clear, I feel it deeply as well. I have moments of fear, anger, and confusion.

Yet, I wake up every morning and re-commit to being a visible and vocal advocate for my personal beliefs. I also do daily affirmations about protecting my family, friends, and community.

Finally, I remain resolute in sharing and amplifying authentic stories and insights.

2025 has brought many new subscribers to this newsletter and followers on LinkedIn, so a special welcome to the new kind and beautiful people.

Yes, this is me writing! Hi, I am Jim.

For thought pieces and tips/advice on your professional journey, be sure to subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter as well!

I am honored to feature Mr. Malik Brown in our Authentic Leader highlight section. 

My Dad used to teach me that “All politics are local” and Malik is a living example of that phrase. He makes a difference every day in the ATL and nationally with his dedicated and committed leadership and advocacy work.

Malik has honored me with a spot on the Feasibility Study Committee for a potential LGBTQ+ Community and History Center project in our community.   

This is exactly that kind of work that I want to be doing, and it has taken on a larger sense of urgency in the current events of our country.  

I will share more news from that journey and process as it develops.

Everyone deserves a safe and inclusive environment and to feel that true sense of Belonging. I hope I am doing my part to make our world a little better for all. 

Now, pour yourself some coffee, tea, water or something stronger if necessary and let me share …

Having served as an Executive-in-Residence for IU Ventures and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I am deeply committed to supporting students and future leaders. My passion for mentorship and helping others find their authentic paths is why I am so excited for this opportunity!!

I’m not just coaching for any college, it’s my alma mater!! I am on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation, I helped found the Queer Philanthropy Circle there, and I’ve endowed scholarships for overseas study and international internships.

This is another way to fulfill my desire to help young people navigate their professional journeys while staying true to themselves.

I strongly encourage you to do the same in your communities, the next generation will build our world better than we ever could imagine.

Malik Brown is an award-winning LGBTQ advocate and political strategist, a first-generation American, and a lifelong Georgian. He has been featured in prestigious outlets like "CNN", "NBC News", and "The Hill". His writings have been showcased in national publications like "Cosmopolitan", "them.", and "Out Magazine." A sought-after speaker, Malik has delivered addresses on stages at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Ad Week New York, and Revolt World. He has been named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Power 100 list of Atlanta’s most influential leaders.

Brown is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Harbor & Haven Consulting, a Black-owned and LGBTQ-owned boutique firm dedicated to advancing organizational belonging and inclusion goals through strategic, tailored solutions. He also serves as the Project Director for the Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center Feasibility Study at the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority, where he oversees the day-to-day efforts to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of a pioneering, next-generation LGBTQ+ Community Center in Atlanta.

Previously appointed as the City of Atlanta's Director of LGBTQ Affairs by former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Brown served as the first full-time official in the Southeastern United States to focus on better connecting the LGBTQ community with municipal government. In his seven years of service, he drove systemic change and advanced equity by advising Mayor Bottoms and Mayor Andre Dickens on policies, programs, and initiatives affecting the LGBTQ community. 

During the 2020 Presidential Race, Malik was appointed to the Biden campaign's Out for Biden LGBTQ+ Leadership Council. In 2021 he was recruited by the historic U.S. Senate campaign of Reverend Raphael Warnock to serve as the Special Advisor on LGBTQ+ Engagement. 

Malik is a proud alumnus of the Human Rights Campaign's National Board of Governors, and a member of Rainbow Railroad's Board of Directors. Always eager to continue learning, Brown is an alum of the American-German Institute, LEAD Atlanta, and the Regional Leadership Institute. Brown has had the honor of throwing the Ceremonial Opening Pitch for the former World Series Champions, the Atlanta Braves, hitting the Golden Spike for the former MLS Cup winners, the Atlanta United, and receiving the Forever 404 award from the Atlanta Hawks.

Stay strong friends,

Thank you!!

Jim