OUR STORIES, OUR STRATEGIES:
We are thrilled to highlight the importance of Black arts and culture as a tool for social change as we continue to strategize on our Call to Action on Anti-Black Racism for Philanthropy at Harambee 2023. This event is designed to be a philanthropic “remix” of our stories and our strategies.
Join us in Raleigh where we will bring together our music, griots, funders and nonprofit leaders from across the diaspora to share stories and strategies for our collective betterment and our deserved liberation. We will focus on five of the 10 imperatives included in the Call to Action that are at the heart of needed investment and change; these issue areas are critical, if not crucial, for our growth:
- Push Structural Change: Given deep-seated inequities, COVID-19 relief and police reform efforts must take a “long view” and consider policy and system reform needed to improve conditions in Black communities beyond federal and philanthropic emergency and response efforts.
- Engage Black Businesses: Foundations and the public sector should actively engage Black businesses in investment management, banking, and other professional services to address the pandemic’s negative impact on Black earnings and wealth.
- Lift up Gender: The health and economic well-being of Black people are under threat due to COVID-19; however, its’ impacts also differ by gender, gender identity and sexual orientation. Black women are suffering worse relative to job loss. Emerging data illustrates that Black men are at higher risk of death and racial profiling relative to COVID-19. Black LGBTQ communities are particularly vulnerable due to higher rates of suppressed immune systems and widespread housing and employment discrimination. Response efforts must take into account these differences, to ensure that all people of African descent are connected to economic opportunities, healthy and are safe from personal and state-sanctioned violence.
- Reach to The Diaspora: The racially charged impact of COVID-19 extends beyond U.S. borders. Black communities in the U.S. territories have been left out of many relief efforts and African immigrants are being targeted in both the U.S (as part of America’s Black population) and other parts of the world. During crises, we must remain vigilant of how anti-Black racism impacts people of African descent around the world and look for opportunities to unite our philanthropic efforts to save and support Black lives.
- Address Disparities in Prison: U.S. prisons are disproportionately filled with Black and Brown people and are breeding grounds for the spread of coronavirus, other infectious diseases, and, generally, hopelessness. COVID-19 relief efforts have reminded us that institutional custody should be reserved as a last resort when there is a risk of community safety or flight. That use of institutional custody must become a standard of operating in all instances. Current efforts must support the safety of those currently imprisoned, early release of incarcerated individuals and advance sustained investments in alternatives that reduce reliance on incarceration over the long-term to support Black
In addition to these issues, we will re-visit the important issues of voting, civic engagement and democratic ideals as we lead into the 2024 elections.
Pre-conference activities begin on Wednesday, April 12, with the full conference taking place April 13th-15th. Prepare to experience dynamic sessions focusing on our ten imperatives for philanthropy, networking with old and new colleagues and entertaining evening activities.