As we begin a new program year at Women’s Impact Fund, I find myself reflecting on what impact looks like and how we can invest our collective dollars (and passions!) to make meaningful systemic change. August is Black Philanthropy month, a time to celebrate Black giving and support Black-led organizations. I attended an event at the Mint Museum last week organized by the New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP) and Share Charlotte that provided me with thoughtful ideas about how philanthropists can engage to create a new and equitable community.
“Imagine a world that could exist where racial equity is the norm. Imagine a world where the pernicious system of white supremacy no longer exists. Imagine a world in which each and every one of us is free to be our true and full selves. Imagine the possibilities if, together, we even the playing field.” This was how Dr. Nathaniel Chioke Williams opened his remarks at the Third Annual Funder x Nonprofit Networking Forum.
Dr. Williams leads the Hill-Snowdon Foundation, based in Washington, DC. The Hill-Snowdon Foundation is committed to improving conditions for low-income families and communities by building the power necessary to move away from the political, economic, and social margins of society. Dr. Williams has more than 20 years of funding experience and has focused on social justice in the US South, and community, youth, and Black-led organizing.
Framing his talk as “The Fifth Dimension – Racial Equity,” Dr. Williams riffed on The Twilight Zone to the delight of many in the audience. Encouraging those in attendance, in particular the funders, to work toward an equitable future, he shared a five-point plan designed to achieve racial equity:
- Nurture imagination. Imagination, like a muscle, is something that needs to be exercised regularly, in order to be effective and reap the benefits of envisioning alternatives.
- Answer the question how with yes! The first step is to commit (say yes!), then find a way. Dr. Williams noted, “as leaders, we are best when we reach for what we can barely imagine.”
- Take action like your future depends on it. For funders, this explicitly means giving money. Invest in the future. “Go big and then bigger until the job is done.”
- Seed opportunities and cede power. Dr. Williams emphasized the need to cede decision-making to communities of color. “Those most impacted [should] develop the solutions.”
- Give Black. Invest deeply in Black-led organizations in the Charlotte region. Dr. Williams defined Black-led as Black benefitting, Black founded, and/or Black-led (50% of the executive team having origins in the African diaspora).
As we engage in another year of impactful grantmaking at Women’s Impact Fund, I know Dr. Williams’ comments will stick with me. As we seek opportunities to invest to improve the lives of individuals, families, and our communities, we need to work with those who have the knowledge and lived experience to find sustainable and effective solutions. We need to think about centering power in communities beyond those traditionally in control. We need to imagine an equitable future, full of unfettered possibilities, and say yes to that future.
To see additional events during August 2022 Black Philanthropy month, click here.
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