The Cultural, Historical, & Political Foundations of Racism | 2024 Foundations of Racial Equity: Session 1

Cielo Cruz (they/them) is a racial justice educator, facilitator, cultural organizer, and writer. They (Cruz’s singular pronoun) have lived in New Orleans for over 20 years and in that time, worked closely with numerous organizations in the struggle for racial justice, lgbtq liberation and immigrant rights. 

Cruz most recently served as Vice President of Movement and Capacity Building Race Forward, a national racial justice organization. In this role, they built a dynamic and diverse team of trainers, coaches, and consultants delivering racial equity training to thousands of employees throughout the non-profit sector. 

Cruz came to that work after their tenure as Associate Director of VOTE (Voice Of The Experienced) in New Orleans. Previously, Cruz worked with Safe Streets/Strong Communities, the National Immigration Law Center,  SEIU 1991, the Hispanic Apostolate, the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of New Orleans, and People’s Youth Freedom School. Cruz began their racial justice training and facilitation work for the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond in the late 1990s. 

They hold an MA in Latin American Studies from the Stone Center at Tulane University and a BA in Race and Gender Studies from New College of Florida. 

MarTaze “Taz” Gaines (they/them)  is an organizer, student, and healer. They are a Black and Queer Southerner by birth; a country-footed and hearted, Baltimore born and raised, Atlanta and Nashville taught freedom fighter. Through the gifts of speech, singing, and caring, they fight for the realization of the "Beloved Community." Much of their guidances comes from their teachers, their ancestors, and spirit.  

Taz’s organizing mainly focuses on: the abolition of the carceral state; creating joyous and healing spaces; and fighting for justice in all realms for Black Queer and Trans folk. Taz is passionate about the importance of “memory work.” Memory work, through the oral tradition of songs, stories, and rituals, allows for the resistance of colonization. Taz uses visual and musical art to carry forth the torch for Black Liberation. 

Taz Gaines earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morehouse College in 2018 and a Master of Education in Community Development and Action from Vanderbilt University in 2020. Currently, Taz works as an affiliate trainer with Race Forward providing racial equity training to people from various industries. They also serve as the Project Coordinator for 24 and None with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.