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Over the next 20 years in the U.S., $35–70 trillion in wealth will transfer from one generation to another in the largest generational wealth transfer in history, mostly moving within wealthy white families. The policies that make possible this protection and accumulation of wealth are situated within the legacy of land theft, genocide of Native people, enslavement of Black people, and exploitation of natural resources. This context of racial capitalism has also given rise to wealth accumulation that, in part, birthed the philanthropic sector. Paradoxically, many of us working within philanthropy aim to contribute to changes in systems, structures, and outcomes that address the harms of interconnected systems like racial capitalism that favor some at the expense of others and the planet.
As we look toward this year’s general election, the escalating negative political rhetoric is once again targeting the issues affecting people most marginalized in this country: transgender rights, reproductive autonomy, immigration, just to name a few. History has shown that these attacks are not new; they are a political ploy to stoke distrust and division during a critical election year while creating backlash against progressive wins. States and local jurisdictions across the country are passing bills to roll back progress on our civil liberties.
Drumroll please, for our newest team member Huong Nguyen-Yap, who as the Northern California Grantmakers’ first Vice President of Equity and Justice will be accelerating racial equity efforts not only for NCG but for the philanthropic field.
In June & July, NCG and the UC Merced Community & Labor Center brought funders,
government, and leading community, work, and labor organizations dedicated to serving
farmworkers and rural communities across California together – both virtually and in the San
Joaquin Valley. These events cast a spotlight on the social and economic impacts of the 2023
floods, while also examining the persistent inequities that rural and farmworker communities
experience.
This is a pivotal moment in protecting and strengthening the fabric of American democracy. While we are still grappling with the destabilizing efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, we are watching the threat to democracy growing as state legislators in multiple states are pushing for new voting barriers that target Black and brown people, working-class folks, young people, and immigrants.
NCG's public policy work has had some extra support this summer. We welcomed Arnold Dimas (he/him) a second-year Master of Public Health student at UCLA, to the team as a policy intern.
Recently, Dwayne Marsh, CEO of Northern California Grantmakers, and I were reflecting on how many foundations in our memberships are looking to change direction and move toward racial equity. In an ice-bucket-style challenge, Dwayne posted his thoughts and then tagged me with the question, “How best does philanthropy choose courage in the face of the unprecedented complexity the moment offers?"