California Black Freedom Fund

Last week, our executive director Marc Philpart spoke at United Way Fresno and Madera Counties' 2024 Central Valley Equity Conference at Fresno City College. The conference explored what equity means for the Central Valley and brought together experts in health, education, workforce development and housing to highlight how equity-based practices can drive real change.

We're continuing spotlights of our incredible grantee partners who made major impacts in Black communities around the 2024 elections. Today, we're celebrating Black Futures Lab! BFL works with Black people to transform our communities, building Black political power and changing the way that power operates—locally, statewide, and nationally. Ahead of the elections, Black Futures Lab released a Black Economic agenda, held phone banking events, and organized GOTV initiatives in California and across the country!

Our partners at Black Collective Foundation MN have launched MN LEAD! Building on the success of CBFF's LEAD for Racial Justice initiative, MN LEAD will provide critical resources, training, and expert guidance to racial justice organizations in Minnesota. We are so proud to see philanthropic partners doubling down on efforts to defend racial justice amid ongoing attacks from our opponents. Learn more about MN LEAD here: https://lnkd.in/gk9r7d3S

Throughout November, we will be celebrating some of our amazing grantee partners who organize and advocate for policy and systems change at every level of government, across all issue areas, and in every part of the state. First up is California Black Power Network (CBPN)! CBPN works year round to ensure Black Californians have the resources, policies, supports, and living conditions needed to thrive. Ahead of the 2024 elections, CBPN held virtual and in-person GOTV events, shared informative analysis of California's ballot measures, and organized canvassing events throughout the state. ????

Amazing news for California students – a California Black Studies Curriculum is in the works! Developed under the direction of Dr. Travis Briston and Dr. Tolani Britton, the California Black Studies Curriculum (CABSC) is based on the exhaustive research of the California Reparations Task Force. The CABSC supports educators, researchers, and students in co-developing a cohesive curriculum that advances the aims in the 2023 Task Force report. CBFF is proud to support this project and we look forward to the implementation of curriculum that teach and celebrates California's Black culture and contributions. Watch and learn more: https://lnkd.in/ebJzDUjR

TODAY- the Black Collective Foundation MN is launching MN LEAD, a new multiracial initiative that proactively addresses legal challenges to race-conscious programming, shapes narratives, and supports strategic efforts to strengthen and connect the ecosystem advancing racial justice. In the wake of the presidential election, we turn our focus hyperlocal. Four years ago, the people of Minnesota state ignited a global movement against racial injustice, creating monumental shifts within systems once considered immovable. We are still those people. To create a lasting impact, we must nurture an ecosystem that supports racial justice beyond election cycles, harnessing civic engagement year-round. Our new initiative, MN LEAD, expands a proven model in California launched by the California Black Freedom Fund Building on the success of the LEAD for Racial Justice initiative. Learn more, partner, and/or give to MN LEAD! mnblackcf.org/mnlead Thank you to our MN LEAD initiative anchor funders: McKnight Foundation Bush Foundation Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Headwaters Foundation for Justice MN Carlson Family Foundation Pohlad Family Foundation and for the Minnesota Council on Foundations for serving as an anchor partner!

As a nation, we clearly have much more work to do to build power that is aligned with our vision for a multiracial democracy. This work continues year-round. So, at CBFF, we are doubling down and investing in our communities to chart a positive path forward. Thank you to all of our amazing grantees and network partners for your efforts to educate and mobilize our communities to make our voices heard every day.

Today and always, California’s philanthropic community is united in purpose: advancing racial justice, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. Together, we’re building a future rooted in justice and equity. CBFF is proud to join California Community Foundation, California Endowment, California Wellness Foundation, College Futures Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, James Irvine Foundation, Latino Community Foundation, Liberty Hill Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Tipping Point, and Weingart Foundation to protect and uplift our communities. #UnityAndProgress #ForThePeople #CAValues

As Black people, we know that when we build power together, we can shape the issues and solutions that most impact us, our families, and our communities. From the top of the ticket and all the way down the ballot, there’s just too much at stake for us to sit this election out! Visit https://lnkd.in/d7HgFRg to find your polling location, grab a friend (or two or three), and head to the polls to make your voice heard!

We’re less than 24 hours away from one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes – the results of which will impact our communities for years to come. Before you head to the polls, make sure you have a plan! Confirm your registration and find your polling location: https://lnkd.in/d7HgFRg