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We will explore the ABFE approach to grantmaking with a racial equity lens. ABFE's framework, analysis, and tools provide opportunities for grantmakers to support Black communities, and, more broadly, our greater society. ABFE has created a set of tools that reduce gaps in racial disparities facing Blacks in the United States. By centering systemic anti-Black racism within an intersectional framework through which we understand the social, economic, historical, and cultural dimensions of human life, we can conduct grantmaking practices that address inequities across communities.
My partner and I recently engaged in the annual ritual that is paying U.S. income tax. Gather your documents, fill in the forms, look for deductions that never seem to be there, watch what you really make become clear…as we approached the finish line, I wondered – how can I reframe the act of paying taxes? Then I harkened to a recent moment where paying a tax had a completely different feel, one that not only felt necessary but made a small yet substantive step toward advancing racial equity. I refer of course to NCG’s participation in paying our region’s Indigenous land and honor taxes. We began that commitment as an organization in 2022 and trust me, it’s been both vital and fulfilling.
This introductory session to the Foundations of Racial Equity Series will offer two modules that explore the historical, cultural, and political roots of race and racism in the U.S. Over the course of these two modules, trainers will help participants understand the origins and applications of racial hierarchies, the four interconnected levels of racism - individual, interpersonal, institutional and structural - and how to begin recognizing and addressing structural racism in the philanthropic field, using practical applications. Our trainers will also help participants explore and understand intersectionality as a form of praxis that helps us to understand and collectively address the common threads between racism and other inequalities.
Young people are fired up! They see injustices in their communities and existential threats to their futures - a severe housing and homelessness crisis, inflation and stagnant wages, democracy under threat and a loss of rights, and extreme climate impacts - all of which are felt disproportionately by Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color communities.
Anti-Black racism and white supremacy are embedded in philanthropy and in our institutions, often invisible to the majority of us, even as we work with intention towards equity and justice. As change agents within philanthropy, we are stretching to become our best selves, rise to the moment, and progress toward racial equity. Foundations of Racial Equity is a space for guidance and fellowship on the path to racial justice. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to consider whether this entire series or individual sessions within it, will support you in making progress on your anti-racism journey.
Miguel asks: “Why do y’all think so many foundations are unwilling to give out more than the minimum payout? How can we convince larger foundations to give more than what is legally required?”
In a year of memorable moments, I keep coming back to a conversation I had with my cousin Harold that is shaping my entry into 2021. Harold lives in Chicago and is an ardent student of history, particularly in the pursuit of racial justice. His observations often help me refine my own thinking.