The journey to an anti-racist community

by Pamela Ross, vice president of opportunity, equity and inclusion at Central Indiana Community Foundation

Almost three years ago, Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) and its affiliates, The Indianapolis Foundation and the Hamilton County Community Foundation, announced our new shared mission and a focused commitment to dismantling systemic racism.?

After spending generations committed to making the Central Indiana community stronger through philanthropy, we were faced with the realization and data-driven proof that our collective efforts were still leaving people and communities behind while others prospered. And it was clear that race still has a profound impact on the opportunity for someone to reach their full potential.?

We committed to learning more, having hard conversations amongst our staff and leadership, and most importantly, developing authentic relationships with residents, listening to them — and activating what we heard. We made space to learn and encouraged our employees and board members to bring their whole selves into this work. As we’ve continued to learn more, we’ve invited others — community leaders, corporate leaders, not-for-profits, our fundholders — to join us on this journey towards equity. All with mixed success.?

On our journey to be a leader in creating one of the most anti-racist communities in this nation, a few of our fundholders chose to take their philanthropy elsewhere. In conversations about race with our staff, there were times when we were challenged by the tone of voice used to share their perspective and experiences instead of listening to what was being shared.?

There were times when our choice in language could have been chosen more wisely when addressing privilege and our country’s history of centering the White experience. In reflecting on those moments, we were faced with Abraham Maslow’s two options, “step forward into growth, or step back into safety.” We chose — and will continue to choose — the former. And in that choice, new funds and relationships came to fruition because of our commitment to equity and growth is not wavering.?

We don’t pretend to have all the answers or have this journey figured out. We have to be intentional and authentic and willing to make mistakes — and learn from them. The process of becoming an anti-racist organization, community, and nation is ever evolving.?

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