We are struggling, like so many, with sadness and anger from the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and countless others. And the knowledge that their deaths are due to centuries of continuous racism and institutional inequity.
Our nonprofit community has a lot of work to do to acknowledge and fix the ways that white supremacy and white privilege affect our capacity to serve.
This post shares links that are vital for nonprofit leaders and highlights several organizations dedicated to anti-racism. If you are in a position to give, we encourage you to support them.
Essential Reading for Nonprofit Leaders
Jarell Skinner-Roy – Dismantling White Supremacy in Nonprofits: a starting point
Skinner-Roy’s post outlines five things that organizations can do to begin the hard work of dismantling white supremacy in the nonprofit sector.
“The lack of access to what communities of color need and deserve is real and widespread. That said, not enough nonprofits take the time and intentionality to both see and talk about the myriad of assets within these communities as well. We need to do a better job of viewing first-generation students, communities of color, low-income communities, and other marginalized communities from an asset-based framework. Only then can we begin to break free from these deficit-based narratives, which serve as oxygen to white supremacy.”
Anastasia Reesa Tomkin – How White People Conquered the Non-Profit Industry
This piece looks at why nonprofits are 80% white and the challenges across our entire industry.
“Well, if white supremacy by definition means white people at the helm, then once white people continue to hold positions of power over black and brown people, white supremacy will continue. Even the most well-meaning of anti-racist allies will have blind spots and make grave miscalculations on matters concerning the well-being of people of color. Nevertheless, the non profit industry as a collective continues to hire and promote them, proving that it is more important to have gainfully employed white progressives with fulfilling careers, than it is to actually rectify systemic inequalities by putting the right people at the forefront.”
Vu Le – Have nonprofit and philanthropy become the “white moderate” that Dr. King warned us about?
Le’s post is thoughtful and uncomfortable. It is especially important for foundations and organizations that work closely with foundations to read.
“Our sector, comprising both nonprofit and philanthropy, is at risk of further spiraling into one giant white moderate that’s blocking the path toward a just society. Shielded by our expressed purpose to make the world better and intoxicated by our own savior narrative, we have entrenched some terrible philosophies and practices that perpetuate white supremacy and racism and have contributed to the murders that we are now protesting.”
Will Cordery – Dear Philanthropy: These Are the Fires of Anti-Black Racism
This article looks at philanthropy funding and the need to align its giving with Black-led movement strategies.
“Institutional philanthropy needs to acknowledge how it benefits from white privilege and commit to actively working to disarm this weapon of privilege before it can earnestly and holistically support racial justice. Absent continual vigilance, anti-Blackness and white supremacy will subtly sneak into organizational culture and practices. It shows up in the types of groups that are funded and how those groups must be structured. It shows up in how the work of grantee partners is evaluated, and which ones are disproportionately criticized or praised.”
Lori Villarosa – COVID-19: Using a Racial Justice Lens Now to Transform Our Future
This article looks at COVID-19 specifically and reminds readers of the importance of using a racial justice lens when understanding how to best support our communities.
“Additionally, crisis situations such as pandemics, natural disasters, and social flashpoints often amplify racial biases that are deeply rooted in our history. These historically rooted structures, processes, and practices often get in the way of equitable security and opportunity for all. The country’s largest foundations have a history of earmarking only a fraction of total grant dollars for efforts that specifically benefit people of color—only ten percent in 2016.”
These two links are expansive lists that share critical resources:
Corinne Shutack – 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
While the original link was published in 2017, it is updated regularly. It shares 75 things you can do.
Anti-racism Resources
This google document is also being updated as a resource to white people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work. If you haven’t engaged in anti-racism work in the past, start now.
Organizations to Support
There are many organizations dedicated to anti-racism, supporting individuals who are the victims of police violence, and strengthening community. Below are organizations you can support.
The Antiracist Research & Policy Center – Website and Donate
The Antiracist Research & Policy Center (ARPC) is to convene and team up varied specialists to figure out novel and practical ways to understand, explain, and solve seemingly intractable problems of racial inequity and injustice. Their research and policy work is deliberately antiracist.
Black Lives Matter – Website and Donate
Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
The East Oakland Collective – Website and Donate
The East Oakland Collective (EOC) is a member-based community organizing group invested in serving the communities of deep East Oakland by working towards racial and economic equity.
Californians for Justice – Website and Donate
Californians for Justice is a statewide youth-powered organization fighting to improve the lives of communities of color, immigrant, low-income, LGBTQ, and other marginalized communities.
Color of Change – Website and Donate
Color of Change leads campaigns that build real power for Black communities. They challenge injustice, hold corporate and political leaders accountable, commission game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advance solutions for racial justice that can transform our world.
BOLD (Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity) – Website and Donate
BOLD (Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity) is a national training intermediary focused on transforming the practice of Black organizers in the US to increase their alignment, impact, and sustainability to win progressive change.
Photo Credit: Image taken by Justin Clark