Liberalism often dilutes radical movements into more digestible bits and pieces for the mainstream. So when I was invited to perform at the opening plenary of the Geo Funders Conference in Los Angeles, I was weary. The gathering “offers grant-makers and other practitioners the opportunity to explore equity-centered and community-driven grant-making practices that support transformational change to create a just, connected and inclusive society where we can all thrive.” They requested I recite my 'Reparations' poem, one of my most revolutionary pieces. My politics and approach to activism have often gotten me labeled as, “mean,” etc. I’ve never been one to tread lightly around white guilt, and in this line of work, white discomfort is pretty standard. I don’t mince words or try to distill our message into something more digestible like liberalism often does to radical movements. I was unsure of the reception I would receive in a room full of funders. To my surprise, it was a standing ovation.
It was a powerful realization that while there may be ideological backing for the reparations movement, the tangible support in terms of resources and funding is not always in alignment. While being recognized and appreciated for my efforts is gratifying, it pales in comparison to the impact that true philanthropic support can have on our communities and families. The standing ovation I received was a moment of validation, but true change and progress come from concrete actions and investments in the reparations space.
In case you missed it- Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the White family’s restitution claim. Their story was also featured on the front page of the LA Times, TWICE!
During the last city council meeting, the City Manager's office gave a comprehensive and informative presentations on reparations and how it could be achieved in places like Santa Monica. Check out our socials for a quick recap.
On July 23rd, their 90-day deadline is up so stay tuned for more updates about their case.
We're back in Huntsville, Alabama with the Garner Family! Carrie Matthews was unlawfully kicked off her land by greedy, conniving lawyers who lied about a key document for decades. Now, commercial properties like Aldi, Valvoline and more stand on her land. Right now, their petition has almost 400 signees, can we count on your signature?
Join CEO, Kavon Ward, in Conversation with Brea Baker
On June 18th, Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership by Brea Baker, our dear friend at WIML, releases! Rooted traces the experiences of Brea Baker’s family history of devastating land loss in Kentucky and North Carolina, identifying such violence as the root of persistent inequality in this country. Ultimately, her grandparents’ commitment to Black land ownership resulted in the Bakers Acres—a haven for the family where they are sustained by the land, surrounded by love, and wholly free.
If our work resonates with you, this book surely will too! On June 29th at 2 PM CST, Kavon will sit down with Brea to discuss the book and its intersections with Where Is My Land's advocacy in Houston, Texas. If you're not local, head to Brea's IG (@freckledwhileblack) for a list of her other tour dates and make sure to pre-order the brilliant novel below!
Check Out Angela Glover Blackwell's Latest Podcast
In WIML advisor, Angela Glover Blackwell's new podcast series, Reimagining Democracy for a Good Life, she seeks to find the essential elements of a strong, inclusive multiracial democracy in, perhaps, one of the most unlikely places: Los Angeles. She turns to organizers and leaders on the ground in LA, to see how they transformed critical moments of rebellion into powerful grassroots coalitions aimed at building a democracy that serves everyone, even within the context of profound differences. You’ll hear from economist Manuel Pastor, elected officials Mayor Karen Bass and CA Senator Maria Elena Durazo, and historian Robin D. G. Kelley. She also talks to labor organizers Kent Wong and Roxana Tynan, environmental leader Denise Fairchild, among many others.
With another huge milestone under our belt in Santa Monica, our impact is undeniable. This work wouldn't be possible without your generous donations, large or small. Help us to continue scaling this work and impacting the lives of Black families across America.
We have a new fiscal sponsor and are now able to accept tax-deductible donations again!
