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How the Abbé Pierre and Emmaüs Foundation can overcome the troubled legacy of its founder

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The press release of the associations Emmaüs France, Emmaüs International and the Abbé Pierre Foundation on July 17, 2024 caused shock amongst the public. It was announced that an independent report had been published by the Egaé group, an organization specializing in gender equality, workplace discrimination and violence. Investigation revealed the dark side of the man who had long been considered “France’s most beloved figure.”

Henry Grouès (1912-2007), higher generally known as Abbé Pierre and founder of Emmaüs – a world charity founded in France in 1949 – he allegedly sexually assaulted multiple women from the Fifties to the 2000s. These findings have had a profound impact on the constellation of groups related to Father Pierre and Emmaüs, revealing the challenges a corporation faces in leveraging a historical figure as a symbolic and strategic resource while concurrently attempting to distance itself from such a figure.

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Lots of latest abuse allegations against French charity icon Abbe Pierre (France 24).

Abbé Pierre: A key symbolic resource

In 2018 we published article about how organizations use history as a strategic resource, specializing in the case of Emmaüs, which from the very starting has been closely linked to the personality of Abbé Pierre. The life of this priest, the history of the founding of Emmaüs, and the various symbolic elements related to Father Pierre’s image, equivalent to his clothing and public persona, supported the organization even after his death. Until early September, the logo and name of the Abbé Pierre Foundation, the fundamental part of Emmaüs, demonstrated this connection.

Strategic historical resources are each assets of organizational legitimacy and a battleground for power. Unlike tangible or financial assets, they’re shaped by each internal and external aspects, making it difficult for a corporation to totally control them. The public and legendary elements of historic resources make it difficult to denationalise or monopolize: Abbé Pierre essentially belongs to everyone.

Building and controlling narratives based on historical resources

Based on these observations, we provide insights into the strategic use of historic resources. Our model considers 4 dimensions to handle the challenges of strategic historic resources: appropriation, ownership, retention, and distancing.

Appropriation involves organizing scattered elements to create a coherent, easy historical narrative. For Emmaüs, this includes frequent use Abbé Pierre’s 1954 winter appeal and its image to strengthen the organization’s identity and mission. Emmaüs also faced challenges in controlling the use of Abbé Pierre’s image, well known in France as a public good. The organization needed to implement mechanisms equivalent to mental property rights to guard this resource. Conservation means preserving, enhancing and transmitting over time the characteristics and values ​​related to a historic resource. For Emmaüs, this meant maintaining the values ​​promoted by Abbé Pierre, even after his death, as a way to strengthen internal cohesion. Finally, distancing is about knowing when to maneuver away from a historical resource to avoid idolatry and organizational rigidity (and, on this case, accountability). In the past, Emmaüs needed to distance itself from Abbé Pierre to permit for organizational evolution while still recognizing his historical contributions.

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Moving away from a historic resource

In the context of our archival evaluation, we now have already observed that since the Fifties, the organization or some of its stakeholders have made several attempts to distance themselves from the historical resource represented by Abbé Pierre. Although we now have not identified the sexual assault allegations mentioned in the Egaé report, several sources have indicated that Abbé Pierre can have did not keep the vows of chastity associated together with his ecclesiastical status as early as the Fifties. The challenge of distancing itself from Abbé Pierre for the Emmaüs constellation was not merely a matter of repute, as this organization, non-religious and financially independent, was relatively detached from the Catholic Church and its hierarchy.

Rather, the fundamental problem was controlling a person who was proof against managing structures and following rules. Moreover, during the Nineteen Nineties, Abbé Pierre created problems for Emmaüs by collaborating with the revisionist historian Roger Garaudy and by publicly collaborating with “rival” associations equivalent to the Droit au logement whose methods, if not goals, were diametrically against those of Emmaüs. In the summer of 2024, the model we proposed seems to have come to fruition and even intensified as the Abbé Pierre Foundation begins to distance itself from the image of Abbé Pierre. This distance has recently been dramatically increased following latest revelations made available by this organization in early September 2024.

Different distancing strategies

By analyzing 43 articles published in the French press between April and August 2024, we can outline the most significant messages of Emmaüs and the foundations advised by the crisis communications company. These messages, evident in statements from current and former leaders, can be summarized in six distancing levers:

Spacer levers Organizational responses Strategic goals
Recognition and distance Emmaus acknowledges the seriousness of the accusations, particularly reaffirming its commitment to support the victims and looking for to distance itself from Abbé Pierre. Insist that the Emmaus movement not be limited to its founder and that charitable work proceed regardless of his transgressions.
Surprise and shock Emmaus leaders express surprise and shock at the reports, although some admit there have been rumors of Father Pierre’s problematic behavior before. Demonstrating recent collective awareness and willingness to face the facts.
Medical and psychological language The directors discuss Abbé Pierre’s “impulses”, describing his behavior as a “disease” for which he would should undergo “treatment”. Attacking Father Pierre’s personal responsibility by placing it in the context of mental illness, while minimizing his actions by talking about “carelessness”
Focus on the Emmaus mission The statements stressed the importance of the Emmaus mission, recalling that the movement was founded to fight poverty and that this mission must not be hijacked by scandal. Reaffirm the priority of helping the most disadvantaged people.
A call for transparency and justice Emmaus leaders emphasize the need for transparency to shed full light on the accusations. Confirm your willingness to totally cooperate with the authorities and support the victims.
Defending a positive legacy While admitting their mistakes, leaders defend Abbé Pierre’s positive legacy, highlighting his contribution to the fight against poverty and exclusion. An try to separate a person’s wrongdoing from the lasting and helpful impact of his work.

From distancing to a whole break

These points reflect a communication strategy aimed toward preserving the integrity of the Emmaüs movement while meeting the demands for justice and recognition of the victims. The distance from his historical resource is evident, but Abbé Pierre stays an important historical reference. However, in early September 2024, the situation escalated with the publication of additional, much more serious testimony.

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The Egaé Reportpublished on September 4, documents several cases of sexual assault, including one involving a vulnerable person and one other involving a toddler, in addition to rape cases.

Following these latest reports, the Abbé Pierre Foundation announced a series of actions, planning to completely abandon the image of Abbé Pierre in its activities and communications. Three organizations have taken radical steps to distance themselves from their historical resources by reviewing their memory policies. The Abbé Pierre Foundation will change its name, Emmaüs France is considering removing the words “Founder Abbé Pierre” from its logo, and the memorial/museum dedicated to Abbé Pierre will remain permanently closed.

Perhaps more revelations will come to light, as quite a few “historical cleansings” have already been announced. Even as the organization struggles to survive, distancing itself from its founder, it must depend on the values ​​that bind its community of volunteers, employees and donors to assist them survive what can be described as “organizational mourning.”

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Business and Finance

Tariffs can grow, but also a black strategy

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With the rise in inflation and tariffs, black entrepreneurs don’t shrink with fear – they seem, strategies and support them forward. I saw it first hand on Tuesday evening in Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (Rice) in Atlanta, where dozens of black founders gathered on a powerful night of dialogue, combination and brightness based on solutions.

The event, a part of the continuing programming of Rice’s “retail readiness”, was greater than just a panel. It was a forum of survival – and a reminder that owners of black firms at all times had creativity and courage to adapt under pressure. At a time when economic winds are essentially the most difficult to hit products based on products, this community is predicated on strategy, not a shortage.

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Tariffs have increased, but wisdom too

One of the essential challenges was the growing load of tariffs for imported goods that increase costs around the globe – from materials and packaging to international shipping. While the specter of economic uncertainty increased, the climate within the room was not panicked.

Asked in the event that they are afraid of growing tariffs, only a few participants raised their hands. But asked in the event that they feel influence, almost everyone did that. Instead of alarm bells, the conversation focused on solutions: improvement of logistics, taking control of the warehouse, limiting unnecessary expenses and re -assessing third party suppliers.

The prevailing message: be agile, not afraid. Panelists called us to regulate surgery before making drastic changes. The goal is just not to shrink in response to pressure – it moves smarter.

Thinking about a larger, no less

Another powerful? You have to redefine what “little business” really means. Many black entrepreneurs limit their scale from habit or perceived restrictions. But, because the panel noted, in response to federal definitions, a small company can employ as much as 500 people. This implies that we’ve got a place to dream – and constructing – constructing.

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Terri-Nichelle Bradley, the founder, entered the home along with her own journey. Known for putting educational toys within the principal retailers, akin to Target, Bradley now opens her own brick store in Atlanta on May 14. It is a brave turning point that restores ownership in her hand-her story was a unique example of what it means to regain narrative and strategy.

“Black business owners do not need every answer right away,” she said within the room. “We just have to want to figure it out.”

Recovering the narrative of Dei

The conversation also concerned a hard truth: the rise in funds and guarantees of the corporate after 2020 is assumed. But the energy within the room was not bitter – it was focused. If external support dries, the reply is just not waiting – it’s best to focus again.

Daughter of Carol sold an independent entrepreneur after a decade under the property of L'Oreal USA

Panelists encouraged us to dual authenticity and a deeper reference to the communities that may already take us. This means consistently appearance, without floating and nurturing relationships with those that deliberately buy black, women and veterans.

It is just not nearly representation-it will devote property, self-determination and economic independence.

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The evening ended with a high note with practical network activities. We were asked to avoid wasting two things: what we wanted and what we can offer. Then we exchanged this information with someone in the entire room. It was greater than a icebreaker – it was a plan.

The message was crystal clear: relationships are resources. And in such rooms, cooperation is a currency.

At a time when the headlines speak about recession and withdrawal, the entrepreneurs with whom I sat do the other. They should not waiting for saving or wonderful financing. They construct their future, one deliberate movement directly.

No panic. Just a goal. And a lot of power within the room.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Business and Finance

Hope Operation celebrates the day of green socks

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John Hope Bryant


Operation John Hope Bryant Hope celebrated the end of the month of financial knowledge On April 30 with Green Socks Day Challenge as a visual option to emphasize the importance of financial knowledge.

As a nationwide movement, Hope Bryant and the stars of the corporate world, sport and entertainment supported the challenge of Green Socks Day, wearing live socks, stating: “Put your best foot forward.” In cooperation with Operation Hope, the initiative was supported by financial knowledge for everybody (FL4A) with a view to promote financial knowledge as national priority and gain adhesion in various state lines, strengthening people, organizations and communities to take crucial activities by supporting financial education for everybody.

Participants were encouraged to take a selfie or video in green socks and publish it in social media using the hashtag # Greensocksday. The quiz can also be available to people fascinated about assessing their financial skills. According to a press release, Operation Hope will probably be distinguished by green socks on the Times Square Nasdaq in New York.

While socks may be bought at Walmart locations, other firms supporting this initiative include the most important financial institutions, comparable to the American Bank, Trust and Huntington Bank. Other firms on board are iheartmedia, Delta Air Lines, MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL, Nascar, Nasdaq, Shopify, OpenAI and UPS.

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Hope Bryant also received support from the US government at the starting of the annual celebration. Meeting with the Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, two long -time colleagues emphasized the importance of financial education built into the structure of American life, discussing ways of deepening cooperation between private and non-private sectors with a view to extend access to financial tools and knowledge. “Too long, knowledge of finances was treated as a luxury,” said secretary Bessent.

“This is a necessity, just like reading and writing. John and I have been leveled in this for almost a decade and I am proud that I can stand with him in April and later.”

In addition to April, corporations, small firms and social organizations are encouraged to have interaction employees in the initiative by organizing events related to financial skills and pushing financial resources.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Business and Finance

John Hope Bryant shares the rent into his own strategies

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John Hope Bryant


John Hope Bryant, founder and general director of Hope operations, recently shared his rent strategies, which in his opinion provide tenants with “dignity, possibility and grace.”

Bryant still conducts efforts to fill the gap in the field of racial wealth by promoting financial skills and increasing the ownership of a black house. Financial teacher he outlined compassionate and Surprising plan to assist tenants Not only construct your credit results, but in addition prepare for potential Financial difficulties. The entrepreneur was once “the largest owner of the minority of single -family houses in the country.”

  • The tenants’ rent will likely be reduced by 10%in the event that they raise their creditworthiness from 600 to 700
  • If the tenant maintains his place of residence for 18 months, he receives 1 month “Life Event Credit” for an 18-month term. This corresponds to 3 months of “free rent” in the event of monetary difficulties.
  • Tenants are also in a position to borrow from the security deposit, paying off the money in small increases over time.

Hope operation has grow to be a number one organization non -profit Dedicated to financial reinforcement. Under Bryanta’s leadership, the organization facilitated over $ 2 billion in private capital to support home properties, small corporations and community development in underestimated areas.

Despite these efforts, black home properties remain much lower than in the case of white Americans. Black home owners from 2024 it accounted for 46.4% population. However, the total variety of houses is 65.7%, said Axios.

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Bryant emphasized the importance of getting a house in Building generational wealth.

“The whole experience related to home properties is embedded in aspirative economic growth and creating wealth,” he said in the last post on Instagram.

Bryanta’s work with Hope operation still raises the black community. The organization equips individuals with knowledge and tools mandatory to realize financial stability and residential owner. He also divides financial strategies in its weekly podcast,

Due to the incontrovertible fact that efforts are in a position to bring a racial gap, Bryanta initiatives remain a central force in promoting financial skills and economic possibilities in black communities.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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