During a powerful and inspiring weekend commemorating the 60th Anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Ala. with LIFT partners and grantees, we paid homage to the leaders and activists before us whose coordinated, collective action and clear demand for economic and racial justice paved the way for Black people and others who are marginalized to participate in our democracy. At a time of deep uncertainty for workers, we also took a step forward in forging deeper? coordination and collective action that protects our democracy and helps transform the lives of workers in the South and nationally.? LIFT launched the Southern Workers Opportunity Fund (SWO) to be a catalyst for movement building in this region. It’s a labor of love for us to bring philanthropy and unions together to provide sustained, multiyear investments for organizations that are turning the tide for workers in the face of many generations-long systemic racism and economic oppression. SWO grantees prove everyday that progress is possible. At LIFT, we embrace our role as a convener and connector in our broader mission of bridging philanthropy, labor unions and other partners to coordinate resources, strategies and funding that supports worker power building. In the words of LIFT’s Executive Director Jennifer Epps, “together we have an opportunity to demand and create strong labor policies, pathways and standards to ensure that workers, particularly Black workers, have the power to improve their lives and communities.” We’re grateful to all SWO grantees and partners for their important work. We know whose shoulders we stand on and remain optimistic about the possibilities when we collaborate, center workers and build the power that’s essential to transforming our economy and democracy. Learn more about LIFT’s Southern Workers Opportunities Fund here: https://lnkd.in/gVXM34Ex AFL-CIO Southern Economic Advancement Project Communications Workers of America The Families and Workers Fund Freedom Together Foundation Georgia STAND-UP Jobs to Move America PolicyLink Ford Foundation SEIU Surdna Foundation International Union, UAW UFW Foundation National Black Worker Center
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