California Black Freedom Fund

Last month, CBFF in partnership with Northern California Grantmakers, brought together funders and philanthropic leaders to explore how philanthropic action during times of crisis — such as the devastating LA wildfires — can drive equitable recovery and build lasting Black community power. Swipe to read more from some of the event's featured speakers.

“We’re investing to ensure that there’s a community-led recovery. An important component for us is to ensure that the voices of everyday people are really guiding the recovery in a way that aligns with their vision for the future — not someone else’s vision, not my vision, not somebody else from outside, but theirs.” - CBFF's executive director, Marc Philpart This is the ethos of the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund. Alongside California Community Foundation, we are working to ensure historically Black communities have the necessary resources to rebuild. We look forward to sharing more about our first round of investments and the organizations we are partnering with later this month. https://lnkd.in/e79_2Y_A

We capped off Black History Month in Santa Monica for our Restoration through Reparations convening. We are grateful to the community members and partners that joined us to deepen our collective understanding of repair and galvanizing conversation and action around the movement for reparations. Throughout the convening, we heard from Connie White about her father Silas White whose land was dispossessed by the city of Santa Monica, witnessed the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires firsthand, and mapped out ways to continue investing in leaders at the forefront of rebuilding efforts. We were also honored by a performance by Aloe Blacc, who has graciously supported recovery efforts in Los Angeles County in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. This was the first in-person event of our Restoration through Reparations series, so look out for more events and opportunities to organize and build power together soon.

Happy Women's History Month! We are so grateful to be in partnership with organizations led by and serving Black women and girls throughout California. From health equity to leadership education to youth development, each organization is working towards a just, liberated future for Black women. Learn more about some of our women-led and serving grantee partners and join us in supporting their work! ?? Black Women For Wellness ?? Black Women Organized for Political Action's TILE ?? Radical Monarchs ?? CALIFORNIA BLACK WOMEN'S HEALTH PROJECT

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On March 7, 1965, then-25-year-old activist John Lewis led over 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and faced brutal beatings by state troopers. Video footage from the attacks outraged people from across the country and galvanized support for the movement to secure voting rights. We honor the courage, sacrifices, and selflessness of every person who put their lives on the line during the Civil Rights Movement and we carry them within our work. ??: National Museum of African American History & Culture

"My message to funders is invest, invest, invest. Quiet capitulation and anticipatory obedience are a death knell for democracy and we can’t afford it. What is happening right now requires all of us to think about the kind of change we want to see in the world and about our relationships to communities that are being targeted. If there ever was a time to stand firm in our commitments to racial justice and racial equity, it’s now." Our executive director, Marc Philpart, spoke with Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund about the need for funders to continue unapologetically investing in Black leaders and community advocacy. https://lnkd.in/gvq_PDmW

Now is the time to invest boldly and unapologetically in Black leadership and community advocacy. The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) is leading the charge with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to equity and racial justice across California.? ?? From year-round civic education to legal defense trainings, LA wildfire recovery funding, and beyond, CBFF is stepping up to support Black communities in powerful, tangible ways.? ?? We recently sat down with CBFF Executive Director Marc Philpart to discuss the next chapter in their journey. His message to funders? Invest. Invest. Invest.? ?? Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gvq_PDmW (Photo Credit: Dolores Radding)

Over the next couple of months, we'll be taking a closer look at the fight for reparations in California – why reparations matter, how reparations have worked in other places, and what the state can do to repair harm from centuries of systemic racism and the legacy of slavery. Swipe to see this first installment which is all about outlining the case for reparations and exploring the lasting impact of racial injustice.

Hey San Francisco, join Gold Bar Whiskey for their Black History Month Market on February 22! 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund. By purchasing a ticket, you will directly support those affected by the wildfires while also supporting local Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Thank you to the team at Gold Bar Whiskey, for your support and efforts to ensure an equitable recovery. Learn more and secure your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/e_T-4uAE

"The fire turned to ash homes that had been humble museums for treasured collections: the records of Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles; paddles from Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically Black fraternity; typewritten memoirs, poetry and documents capturing lives of struggle and triumph." A vital read on the immeasurable loss Altadena's Black residents have experienced due to the wildfires. We can't over-emphasize the importance of an equitable recovery as we rebuild in Southern California. Support the Black LA Relief and Recovery Fund here: https://lnkd.in/ejZ746bX https://lnkd.in/e4ikBPF8