Announcing our LEAD for Racial Justice initiative
In late May 2024, California Black Freedom Fund, in partnership with legal experts, advocates, and philanthropic leaders, announced the launch of our Legal, Education, Advocacy, and Defense (LEAD) for Racial Justice initiative, providing racial justice organizations in California with the tools they need to safeguard their vital work for our communities.
In light of recent attacks by right-wing extremists who want to halt progress and the recent ruling against the Fearless Fund, a grant program intended to level the extremely uneven playing field for Black women entrepreneurs, nonprofits and funders have expressed a strong need for resources and support to navigate the complicated legal landscape we are facing.
Our LEAD for Racial Justice initiative offers clear legal analysis, virtual and in-person trainings, tools for individual assessments and technical assistance so that California-based organizations can strengthen our collective resolve to advance racial justice in this pivotal moment.
Through May and June, our team reached 221 people through our series of 4 virtual trainings for funders and community organizations and 2 in-person trainings in Los Angeles and Oakland. LEAD trainings covered strategic communications, analysis and impact of Supreme Court decisions and impact, case studies, introduction of the probono program and community dialogue.
This moment calls for resilience and continuing our proactive pursuit of racial equity and racial justice. Today, the fight continues. We can’t back down. We must redouble our commitment and lead the way forward to ensure a California and a nation where everyone belongs and thrives.