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Author: Jennifer R Farmer

Child Care Advocates to Elected Officials: Protect Us All

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For Immediate Release

January 27, 2026

WASHINGTON – Following the tragic killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, child care organizers and advocates with 9to5 Georgia, the Alabama Institute for Social Justice, Alliance for Quality Education NY, the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, SPACEs in Action/Community Change, and the Raising Child Care Fund today issued the following statement:

“As child care organizers and parents, we grieve the perilous conditions unleashed by federal agents on children and families in Minnesota and beyond,” said Mary Ignatius, executive director of Parent Voices. “From threats to freeze child care funding, to dangerous immigration raids, to the calculated racial profiling of people of color, many communities feel unfairly targeted. This should matter to us all.”

“We know firsthand that children cannot learn when they are in survival mode,” said Lenice Emanuel, executive director of the Alabama Institute for Social Justice. “Child care educators cannot teach when they, and the children and families they serve, are under attack. Moreover, communities cannot know safety when they, and the public officials charged with serving them, are terrorized by federal agents.”

“Indeed, the federal government appears to have turned on her citizens,” said Lorena Garcia, CEO, Colorado Statewide Parents Coalition. “Law enforcement has been deputized to hunt persons suspected of being undocumented, with a new memo suggesting Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) could go door to door in search of undocumented immigrants. The practice of “detain first, ask questions later,” is immoral and dangerous. It isn’t in service of keeping the nation safe; it is designed to instill terror and fear in the American people.

“In the space of a few weeks, we’ve seen a pregnant woman pulled from her car, a disabled woman who was on her way to a medical appointment detained, a toddler and preschooler detained and flown out of the state, police officers of color detained, and multiple people shot, some fatally, by ICE or Border Patrol. The killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have been well publicized, but they are not anomalies. In 2025, 32 people died in Immigration Customs and Enforcement custody, including 7 people who died in December 2025 alone,” Ignatius said.

“In a developed nation, no one should fear extra-judicial killings,” said LaDon Love, executive director, SPACEs in Action. It is imperative that each of us contact our respective federal officials and ask them to immediately pull ICE and DHS from Minnesota, and to prevent their entry in other American cities. As Jamelle Bouie from the New York Times has said, “mass deportation is inherently cruel.””

Child care advocates urge parents and others to:

  • Ask elected leaders to fund child care, not ICE.
  • Contact your elected leaders via email or phone, and share your thoughts about ICE.
  • Ask elected leaders for a thorough investigation into ICE killings.

“As an entity dedicate to children, families and child care providers, the RCCF joins our grantee partners in supporting the health, safety, and well-being of children, families, and early educators facing heightened stress and uncertainty in their communities,” said Rachel Schumacher, Director, the Raising Child Care Fund.

 

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This Black History Month, Anticipate and Then Act for Brighter Future

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For Immediate Release

January 26, 2026

ST. LOUIS, MO – In observance of Black History Month, the Deaconess Foundation today issued the following statement. The statement should be attributed to Deaconess Foundation President & CEO Bethany Johnson-Javois, and Vice President, Strategic Impact & Innovation, Constance Harper.

“On the eve of this Black History Month, many are wondering if progress is a thing of the past. Black History Month in 2026 is occurring at a time national unrest, widespread anxiety, and a breathtaking assault on the rule of law. Organizations that work to strengthen democracy express feeling under siege, and communities bearing disproportionate harm feel similarly targeted. One could be forgiven for questioning whether our best days (as a nation) are behind us,” Johnson-Javois said.

“Regardless of what is happening around you, do not surrender your imagination. Every system of domination begins by narrowing what people can imagine as possible. Indeed, do not let current events dampen your anticipation. Now more than ever, people of faith must tap into anticipation and allow that anticipation to fuel their advocacy. ‘Holy Anticipation’ is a disciplined spiritual posture that prepares us to respond rightly and righteously to God’s movement and human plans before they fully unfold,” Johnson-Javois said.

“Expectation and anticipation are not the same:  Expectation is confidence in God’s character and promises. But anticipation is how that confidence takes shape in a life of faithfulness and preparation. To anticipate a future that subsequent generations can be inspired by is to accept the responsibility to act in ways that make that future real. This is a moment to assert and organize for a future that sees, protects, and welcomes all. This is not a moment to shrink in fear or hopeless resignation. As we embark on Black History Month, our remembrance and celebration should interrupt routine and outlive the limits of a 31-day cycle,” Johnson-Javois said.

“Make a list of courageous actions, both big and small, that you can take to help create the beloved community our ancestors anticipated. This may look like calling elected leaders and urging them to do what is right, not merely what is politically expedient. It may look like showing up for those the powers that be are attempting to erase, with a clear expectation of mutual responsibility, shared risk, and collective liberation. It may look like intentionally standing with those who are in harm’s way. The bottom line is this. During Black History Month, anticipate the future you want to see and prepare to act in ways that help bring it into being, understanding that freedom has always required participation and that each of us must find our way into the fight,” Harper said.

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Radical Reparations Fiercely Reimagines the Legacies of Black Americans; Paves Unifying Path Forward for the Nation

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For Immediate Release

January 20, 2026

LOS ANGELES – At the same time the nation is witnessing the erasure of the contributions of Black Americans, a prominent sociologist, Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, today announced the paperback release of his seminal work, “Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of A Nation.” The groundbreaking tome echoes the spirit of Derrick Bell’s Faces at the Bottom of the Well. It offers a radical and refreshing framework on reparations, and invites us to seriously grapple with issues of justice and repair.

In celebration of the launch of the book, Hunter will headline an event at Baldwin & Co. on January 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. CST. The event is open press; interested parties may register here.

For over a century, the idea of reparations for the descendants of formerly enslaved Black Americans has divided the nation. While the iconic phrase “40 acres and a mule” encapsulates the general notion of reparations, history has proven that the damages of enslavement on the African American community remarkably transcends what plots of land or checks could repair.

In a compelling reframing of justice, Hunter reimagines reparations and defines seven types of compensation: political, intellectual, legal, economic, spatial, social, and spiritual. He developed this framework using analysis of historical documents, comparative international cases, and speculative parables.

While highlighting the insufficiency of monetary settlement alone, Hunter presents a revolutionary manifesto to achieve holistic and prolific healing for Black communities.

As a social justice pioneer, conversation shifter, and inventor of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, Hunter invites, indeed demands, us to grapple with transformative and comprehensive solutions to repair and heal the nation’s original sin. For instance, he has spoken passionately about labor acknowledgements honoring the contributions of formerly enslaved Black Americans.

Trenchant and timely, RADICAL REPARATIONS fiercely reimagines the forthcoming legacies of Black Americans and paves a unifying path forward for us all.

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Recent Victories Show Momentum for Free Child Care Growing

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For Immediate Release

PHILADELPHIA – Support for fully funded, universal child care continues to grow. Through years of grassroots organizing, parents, child care providers and advocates, are finally being heard. In November, New Mexico became the first state to offer universal child care thanks to the work of OLE NM. In New York, citizens elected a child care champion in Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. In Ohio, advocates with The CEO Project are working with legislators to ensure child care providers have what they need to serve children and families. The advocates issued the following statement:

“Every child deserves access to high-quality child care and pre-K—and this must be a top priority for Pennsylvania,” said Tyrone Scott, Director of Government and External Affairs, First Up. “Recent victories across the country show what’s possible when communities organize. At First Up, we are committed to ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania gets the strong start they need to thrive, child care is affordable to families, and early educators are paid a living wage.”

“From Ohio to New York to New Mexico, voters are demanding child care that works for every family,” said Tamara Lunan, Organizing Director of the CEO Project. “Ohio families deserve the same—affordable, high-quality care and fair pay for the people who provide it. We’re ready for leaders who treat child care as the essential infrastructure it is.”

“Child care shows us what solidarity looks like in practice – people showing up for one another and building the conditions for liberation from the ground up. To make it truly universal is to claim it as a public good that belongs to all of us. This victory has sparked hope far beyond New York, and we intend to see that momentum grow until equity and justice are the standard everywhere,” said Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, our Co-Executive Directors of Alliance for Quality Education New York (AQE New York). 

These wins provide much-needed fuel for parents and child care educators in other states.  For more information or to book an interview, email press@spotlightpr.org.

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Revolve Fund Invests $400,000 in Detroit-Specific Grantmaking; Its Founder is Eager to Do More

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For Immediate Release

DETROIT – Revolve Fund announced it is ramping up its commitment to Detroit entrepreneurs. With recoverable grants, traditional grants, and other supports, Revolve increases capital access for small businesses owned by, or tax-exempt organizations led by, historically marginalized entrepreneurs.

“To date, Revolve Fund has deployed or committed over $1.2MM in funding nationally with over $400,000 deployed or set aside for Detroit-specific grantmaking,” said James Wahls, founder and managing director of the Revolve Fund. “Revolve’s first-mover funding has already helped with developing $15 million in additional capital access in Detroit. Catalytic capital like ours can make the difference between scaling and stagnation.”

Revolve has flexibility to support or invest at times during an entrepreneur’s journey where many loan or equity investment funding options cannot. Through its approach, Revolve can assist entrepreneurs or investors to test or scale revenue models without increasing debt or taking equity. “James deserves recognition for taking this concept of recoverable grants and growing it in different markets and understanding fundamentally that there was promise and opportunities in this space. He’s been building the ecosystem and leveraging his connections and relationships to support small businesses,” said Sharnita Johnson, Revolve Fund Board Member and Vice President of Impact, Strategy and Communications at the Victoria Foundation.

Wahls has worked for years supporting entrepreneurs and investors nationally through impact investing roles at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Mission Investors Exchange, and Revolve. But for Wahls, born and raised in Detroit, Revolve’s increased commitment to Detroit is personal. Earlier in his career while at Kellogg, Wahls led the development of the Detroit Entrepreneurs of Color Fund concept and the foundation’s seed investment to Detroit Development Fund that has resulted in millions in capital access for Detroit entrepreneurs.  Prior to his stint at Kellogg, he co-launched a Detroit-focused early career placement website that helped hundreds of area students and new graduates find meaningful employment.

Revolve’s recoverable grantee partners in Detroit include Invest Detroit Ventures to finance inclusive micro-venture investments, Black Leaders Detroit to support its expanding lending capacity for Detroit businesses, and The Mushroom Angel, an emerging vegan food manufacturer based out of Eastern Market.

“It’s important that there are groups such as the Revolve Fund that are willing to take the earliest and highest risks,” said Patti Glaza, executive vice president of Invest Detroit Ventures. “We need investors to understand that there are returns more valuable than just dollars. Investing in people and building a tech culture require groups like Revolve Fund.”

When Invest Detroit Ventures launched its Funding Access and Mentorship program, Revolve was the project’s first outside funding partner. “It was an important validation for the program to have an outside funding partner,” Glaza noted. “We were using return dollars to fund this because we knew it was risky capital. We were working with founders before they had a stable revenue stream. The partnership from Revolve was additive because it allowed us to make both investments and complimentary grants to our founders.”

Revolve also offers smaller traditional grants to local stalwart organizations to support efforts related to Revolve’s mission, help inform Revolve’s regional activities, and assist with building Revolve’s recoverable grant applicant pool. Grantee partners include Black Tech Saturdays, one of the fastest growing tech movements in the nation, College Career & Beyond, a regional leading nonprofit supporting young adult/early adult career programming, and the Detroit Regional LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. Kevin Heard, president of the Chamber, noted in his recent social media post that “Revolve’s community grant to the Chamber is going to fund 100 hours of 1:1 business support to small businesses” in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan.

Funded by institutional grants and donors, Revolve seeks greater partnership with Detroit philanthropy and local donors committed to increasing capital access that goes beyond available loans and equity investments options in the city. Current and past funders include W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Surdna Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Max M. & Marjorie Fisher Foundation, and PNC Bank.

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Amid a Profound Backsliding on Racial Equity; Advocates for Racial Justice Must Never Relent

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For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Race Forward today celebrated Juneteenth by urging advocates for racial justice to continue organizing for a nation where all belong and all can thrive. Citing that such work strengthens democracy, the national racial equity organization released the following statement, which can be attributed to its president Glenn Harris:

“It is not lost on us that this Juneteenth, the nation is experiencing a profound backsliding on racial equity. We are witnessing an acceleration of regressionists efforts to rollback multi-racial progress. These anti-democratic efforts will not only harm Black and Brown people, they will erode the very fabric of the nation.

“However distressing the current political climate may be, we should be clear that those who favor freedom and justice have never relented. Whether we know their names or benefit from their work, in every community, there are people who are pushing back on white supremacy, and policies that harm Black and Brown communities.

“For instance, this week a coalition of federal legislators and advocates rallied for the reintroduction of key reparations measures. Rep. Summer Lee reintroduced the Reparations Now resolution, which was first introduced in 2023 by former Rep. Cori Bush . The resolution urges the federal government to allocate trillions of dollars in reparations to Black Americans to compensate for chattel slavery, and federally-sanctioned policies that harmed, and continues to harm, Black Americans.

“Earlier this month, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Cory Booker reintroduced H.R. 40, which was originally championed by the late Rep John Conyers. The measure would create a federal commission to examine the lasting impact of slavery, systemic racism and racial discrimination. It would also explore recompense such reparations.

“Our collective goal as a movement and a people should be to reclaim what has been lost or damaged; and remain resilient in the face of current attacks. We should also create the conditions for a resurgence of movements, policies and practices that ensure equal opportunity, and the strengthening of democracy.”

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Parents and Providers Gear Up for National Day Without Child Care

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As the United States faces a worsening child care crisis, parents, child care educators, and advocates today announced coast-to-coast events coinciding with the national Day Without Child Care (DWOCC). The DWOCC will be held May 12, and is designed to build support for fully funded, quality, early childhood education and care. Several parents and child care advocates from Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maine, Michigan and Minnesota, released the following statement:

“Quality child care isn’t just about economic survival, it’s about educational and developmental justice from birth,” said Alliance for Quality Education New York Co-Directors Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari. “We cannot resolve this crisis without ending poverty wages for the child care workforce. And we must make sure that all families have access to a program. In New York, our years-long fight for a permanent workforce fund goes on, and on this Day Without Child Care, we’re demanding once again that our leaders put our children, their families, and their caregivers first. The time for half-measures ended long ago. We’re demanding bold investment now.”

“Parents and providers are coming together to raise the alarm bells on the child care crisis,” said Angela Clair, director, Wilder Child Development Center in St. Paul. “Communities and families depend on childcare; and without childcare, Minnesota cannot operate. Our workforce will be devastated. Until lawmakers fully fund childcare, centers across the state will struggle to stay open. Until lawmakers fully fund childcare, parents across the state will break under the costs. Until lawmakers fully fund childcare, we are letting Minnesota children down.”

The Day Without Child Care comes on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the federal head start program. It also falls at a time when there has been upheaval in the program: Head Start staff have been cut at the federal level and in 5 regional offices. There is concern that some states may not receive current year Head Start funds because there are fewer staff to manage the program. More than 790,000 children under 5 depend on Head Start according to the Center for American Progress report.

“I’m a parent, former early childhood educator and domestic abuse survivor,” said Hazel Willow in Maine. “I learned the importance of high quality, early childhood education firsthand. I saw how access improves outcomes for DV survivors and their children. In my training as an early childhood educator I learned that a secure attachment to a consistent caregiver can remediate the negative outcomes of a child’s early traumatic experiences, and my own child’s social emotional success today is a testament to the positive impact of early childhood education. All children and their families deserve to have this same access and outcome.”

“Care is the work that makes all other work possible,” said Family Forward Oregon Executive Director, Candice Vickers. “As the future of child care for tens of thousands of families and their providers hangs in the lurch, we join together to ensure that our care infrastructure is strengthened.”

Family Forward will host a Care Can’t Wait Festival as part of Oregon’s Day Without Child Care events. It will be held on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Capitol Park, 155 Waverly St NE. in Salem. The event will include personal stories from parents and child care organizers, face painting and family friendly activities.

“I would never have been able to sustain employment successfully without having accessed childcare for my children,” said Charlotte Jacobs, a parent of two and also program director, Seedlings to Sunflowers in Gorham, ME. “Additionally, I secured employment in childcare, to be able to pay for the care my children would need, because it is so expensive there was no other way. 14 years later, I wouldn’t change it for the world– this job has brought me tons of joy and laughter. I see each day the critical importance that childcare providers make in a family’s life, and I see the extreme struggles this brings parents in terms of affordability, accessibility and quality. 

“Child care providers are the quiet force holding up our families and our communities,” said Jasmine Bowles, executive director, 9to5 Georgia. “They show up every single day, often without the pay, benefits, or recognition they deserve, because they know families are counting on them. Many can’t take part in a Day Without Child Care Providers, because stepping away, even for a day, simply isn’t an option. That’s why one of the most powerful ways to honor their dedication is to take action. Invest in an equitable and sustainable child care system that works for all families and providers”

“Taking a day to honor the child care sector and the care economy is imperative,” said LaDon Love, executive director, SPACEs in Action. “Our providers deserve increased pay and benefits, and our children deserve quality care and education.”

SPACEs in Action will take parents, child care providers and children to meet with D.C. Council members on May 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will then host a rally and banner drop at the U.S. Capitol on May 14.

“The Day Without Child Care is a capstone event, marking years of organizing in support of greater investments in child care,” Lenice C. Emanuel, executive director, Alabama Institute for Social Justice. “Advocates will meet with legislators and highlight the need for funding that enables child care to be accessible, affordable, and available to all families. While the specific needs may vary from state to state – some states need more child care slots, other states need an expedited process to recruit and vet child care providers – there is broad agreement that the nation’s system of funding child care needs a revamp.”

“In the spirit of the labor movement, which hosted the Walk A Day in My Shoes, child care professionals, advocates and parents will participate in the Day Without Child Care. “This day is all about raising awareness about the fundamental need for quality, accessible child care,” said Danielle Atkinson, executive director, Mothering Justice.

“Parent Voices California will host a ‘Stand for Children’ event on May 14 that will see 350 parents and providers assembled at the state capitol,” said Mary Ignatius, executive director, Parent Voices California. “Parent leaders have designed a program declaring ‘Superheroes protect kids not Billionaires.’ In fact, if corporations and wealthy individuals paid the taxes they actually owed, we could have child care every day for every child across America.  This is a day about the civil and economic rights children have to early learning, their parents have to be able to work and pursue higher education, and for early educators to earn a living commiserate with their profound and lasting impact on their communities.”

On May 12 and 13, The CEO Project will bring 1,000 early childhood educators and their families to the Ohio Statehouse to urge legislators to invest in child care. If you are a member of the press in Ohio and intend to participate, you may register here.

 

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Pope Francis Was a Friend to the Poor and the Marginalized

Posted on

For Immediate Release

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith today mourned the passing of Pope Francis. It released the following statement which can be attributed to its General Secretary and CEO Sally Vonner:

“Pope Francis was singularly unique. He was a friend of the poor, the dispossessed, and the marginalized. He championed care for creation, urging attention to the climate crisis. His papacy was characterized by attempts to right many wrongs in the Catholic Church and in the world.

“Pope Francis’ leadership required courage as he often went against the grain. For instance, the Pope was said to have sought to elevate the role of women within the Vatican. Earlier this year he named Sister Simona Brambilla to head a Vatican Office; she was the first woman to hold this position. He also called for more grace for persons who were divorced or members of the LGBTQIA community. He will be remembered as a steadfast example of Christ’s love. United Women in Faith mourns his passing and is holding the Catholic Church in our hearts during this season of transition.”

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Faces in the Movement: A Discussion with Ashley Panelli and Mica Whitfield

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Ashley Panelli

In this edition of Faces in the Movement, a virtual series to highlight people impacting change, we caught up with Ashley Panelli and Mica Whitfield to learn about their work and advocacy with 9to5–a grassroots power-building organization fighting for economic justice for women and nonbinary people of color.. Our discussion has been edited for clarity. We have also used initials to describe individual answers.

What do you want women to know about 9to5?

MW: Our organization is an expression of a national movement for women and nonbinary people of color. We take an intersectional, multi-issue approach– advocating alongside Black and Brown women and nonbinary people on a host of issues ranging from housing, child care accessibility and affordability, gender justice, and workers’ rights. While many people connect us with the film and documentary about our work, 9to5 is a movement for women who want more and are demanding more for themselves, their communities and future generations.

We advocate for issues such as paid leave, child care, voting rights, and climate justice. We care about every issue that impacts the lives of women and nonbinary folks. This work can vary by community. For instance, in SouthwestGeorgia, we work on utility justice. In some parts of Southwest Georgia, the utility bills can be as high as rent. This places an added burden on women who are already struggling to make ends meet.

READ MORE HERE.

Faces in the Movement: A Q&A with Khia Shaw-Wilson, United Women in Faith’s Transformation Officer

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Khia Shwa-Wilson

There are a host of women driving meaningful change. We don’t always see them but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist or that their work isn’t impactful. Coinciding with Women’s History Month, we are interviewing and profiling women who are advancing change.

As such, we caught up with Khia Shaw-Wilson, Transformation Officer with United Women in Faith. Shaw-Wilson has held a number of leadership positions with the organization since 2016.

Tell us about your work with United Women in Faith?

I’ve been with United Women in Faith for almost a decade. I currently serve as the Transformation Officer but previously served as the director of membership and engagement. In my current capacity, I design initiatives that align with the organization’s strategic plan, and provide oversight of the organization’s priorities: positioning the organization, engaging women to join the work, and mobilizing women to act.

What does a Transformation Officer do? 

My role is to drive innovation aligned with our organizational priorities. I work to ensure that we create short and long-term value for our members and stakeholders. This is reflected in the programming and resources that we offer.

What United Women in Faith program are you most passionate? 

United Women in Faith is a unique organization with many impactful and inspiring programs. I am most excited that we offer not just programs but experiences to meet women where they are and for every phase of a woman’s spiritual journey.

We offer Soul Care retreats for women who have prioritized their self-care and want spiritual rejuvenation, Mission u offers a transformative experience on a biblical theme through the lens of justice. We also offer a leadership track that is woven throughout our programming along with opportunities to ACT through the ongoing campaign work of advocating for “Just Energy 4 All” and “Ending mass Incarceration.” In communities, we have National Mission Institutions which serve marginalized communities and our most vulnerable populations across the U.S. We want to prepare women for mission, and offer a reading list that highlights authors and books that are important to our missional and movement work. 

Were you the architect of United Women in Faith’s Soul Care program? 

Yes, I developed Soul Care with the help of amazing colleagues. We surveyed women of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures and learned that women were seeking experiences that embody body self-care and spiritual rejuvenation. We call the merger of these ideas, Soul Care. We are intentional about including a Soul Care component in all workshops and major events. We also have held Soul Care Retreats, which offer a way to connect with other women and feed the mind, body and spirit.  

Is Soul Care available to non-members? 

Soul care retreats are designed as a welcoming event for new women to get an initial look at United Women in Faith. Our members are hosting these retreats across the country, inviting non-member friends and new women.

READ MORE HERE.

Jennifer R. Farmer, aka The PR Whisperer®, is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates.