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Author: Jennifer R Farmer

Raising Child Care Fund Adds Three Grantees to Build Capacity to  Reform Child Care in a Total of 20 States

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For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – As child care providers and parents navigate the fallout from the end of pandemic-era budget stabilization funds, the Raising Child Care Fund, a project of the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, today announced it is investing close to half a million over two years in three new state partners who are organizing parents and child care providers to make child care affordable and equitable. The additions mean RCCF’s grantee partners are organizing in 20 states as part of a national movement to transform child care. The new grantees are located in Maine, Utah, and Virginia. Each group has earned commitments from state funders to match at least 10% of their national grant. 

At Maine People’s Alliance, Deputy Director Ben Chin believes this grant will be “transformative.” “This support will empower us to deepen our community engagement, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for policies that ensure every family has access to affordable, high-quality childcare.”

“Utah Care for Kids is thrilled for the investment from the Raising Child Care Fund to continue our work of uniting Utah around the public good of an equitable child care system,” said Brigette Weier, the Program Manager at  Utah Association for the Education of Young Children, “We will be able to double down on engaging historically silenced voices in child care and in our communities to lead and shape the movement.”

Virginia Organizing Executive Director Brian Johns stated that, “This support will allow our organizers to identify, recruit, and develop directly-affected parents and caregivers into our child care movement in Virginia.  We will be able to continue to build a powerful campaign to secure dedicated funding for the expansion of accessible affordable child care over these crucial years.” 

“To make lifting the burden of paying for child care off parents’ shoulders a priority, we have to invest in groups that amplify the voices of parents and child care providers to lead the movement,” said Rachel Schumacher, project director for the Raising Child Care Fund. “Child care educators are the workforce behind the workforce. Across the country they are joining with parents to win the public investments and program changes they know are needed to make the system work for all.”

Raising Child Care Fund expansion comes at a critical time for the cause. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act provided a boost of $40 Billion for early childhood education providers and increased access for families. But now all of the ARP child care boost in funding has been allowed to expire in Congress. The child care industry was already operating on slim margins, and the loss of this pandemic funding has already forced child care programs to close their doors or raise fees for families closure is states across the country.

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The United States Must Support Policies That Contribute to Human Flourishing Rather Than Human Suffering

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NEW YORK – United Women in Faith decried the escalating violence in the Middle East. In highlighting the horrific humanitarian crisis and the devastation visited on the people of Gaza, the organization urged an immediate and permanent ceasefire, abidance of international norms and protection of human life. It released the following statement, which coincides with the one-year mark of the Israel-Hamas war:
 
“No loss of life is acceptable and the tremendous loss of life in Gaza is devastating. More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza, more than a thousand in Israel and more than a thousand in Lebanon. Without immediate action, this war will spread across the world. Whether one lives in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon or some other part of the Middle East, we are all impacted by what is happening in the region.
 
“We condemn anti-Palestinian, antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric that has led to a rise in hate crimes targeting Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim communities in the United States and globally. 
 
“It is imperative that the United States support policies that contribute to human flourishing rather than human suffering. President Biden and the U.S. Congress must ensure that not another dollar is invested in the bombing of women, children and youth. The United States’ continued participation in this war – by explicit or implicit support – is to our national shame. History will not judge us kindly without an immediate change of course in support of the preservation of human life.
 
“As women of faith, we understand that the toll of war is unimaginably steep, and disproportionately felt by women, children and youth. In times of war and instability, women, children and youth are more likely to experience gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, displacement, infections and an interruption of access to essential resources like food, water, medicine, social services, and medical care. There is also a physical, psychological, and spiritual impact of war and instability that cannot not be minimized.
 
“We therefore affirm the tenants of The UMC Social Principles, which state, “As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them…We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities.”
 
“As world leaders contemplate this grievous situation, the voices and perspectives of women must be at the forefront. Unfortunately, women’s voices are rarely amplified during war. However, as women of faith, we know that women are not just victims but also powerful actors, generating creative and fruitful political solutions. We affirm Palestinian and Israeli women and organizations who have been working for negotiated political solutions. The status quo of continued occupation, denial of self-determination and war will not lead to just and lasting peace, freedom and security for both peoples. All negotiations must include women’s voices and concerns, including complying with the global framework laid out in Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
 
“Finally, with the presidential election just weeks away, the current and incoming administration and Congress must be committed to long-term solutions that promote just and lasting peace. We issue this urgent appeal not just as those devoted to Methodist teachings, but as women seeking to live into our foremothers’ example of tireless advocacy. Without immediate action, this escalating crisis threatens to destroy entire regions, generations, and bloodlines. This is a risk no reasonable person should embrace.”

MSNBC Host Joy-Ann Reid to Headline Race Forward’s Facing Race Conference in St. Louis: Nov. 20-22

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October 2, 2024

NEW YORK – MSNBC Host Joy-Ann Reid will headline Race Forward’s highly anticipated Facing Race conference. Reid is an MSNBC political analyst and host of “The ReidOut.” She has authored numerous books, including her most recent, “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America.”

Facing Race will be held in St. Louis, Nov. 20-22 at the America’s Center Convention Complex. It is the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference. More than 4,000 people are expected to attend this year’s conference.

“Throughout its 17-year history, Facing Race has been a one-of-a-kind space that allows community organizers, activists, and movement makers from across the country to meet up, build strategies for advancing racial justice, and receive inspiration for the work ahead,” said Race Forward President Glenn Harris. “We are excited to curate this unique space for cross-cultural collaboration. We are also delighted that attendees will have an opportunity to hear from Joy-Ann Reid who represents the strength of conviction, determination and boldness our movement needs.”

Held biennially, Facing Race provides attendees unprecedented access to resources, information, and collaborative opportunities to help them advance racial justice in their practice. In addition to Reid, audience members will also learn from the American Medical Association (AMA), who is joining the convening as a Trailblazer Sponsor. The AMA’s participation is rooted in their commitment to advancing health equity through the Rise to Health: A National Coalition for Equity in Health Care.

This is the first time since the pandemic the Facing Race conference will be held completely in-person. The organization notes they are committed to facilitating a safe and accessible event for all attendees. “There is something truly special about personal interaction in doing this work,” said Leslie Grant Spann, Race Forward’s director of Conferences and Convenings and the lead organizer of Facing Race. “No one who is fighting for justice should have to figure everything out on their own, but can join us in St. Louis and connect with other movement leaders, and receive support and encouragement.

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More than Five Dozen Black Faith Leaders Issue Open Letter Urging Ohioans to Vote ‘Yes’ on Issue 1

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COLUMBUS – Ohio is among the top 10 states where gerrymandering runs rampant. Now, a chorus of Black Faith leaders are uniting and urging Ohioans to vote yes on Issue 1, which will end gerrymandering by empowering citizens, instead of politicians, to draw fair legislative maps in an open and transparent process. More than sixty Black faith leaders released an open letter urging a  YES vote on Issue 1. 

The letter read, in part: “Historically, gerrymandering has been used as a weapon to disenfranchise communities of color, diluting our voices and diminishing our representation in government. This manipulation of voting districts has allowed politicians to choose their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives. These nefarious practices undermine the very foundation of our democracy and perpetuate systemic inequalities.” 

It continued: “The system is so flawed that the Ohio Supreme Court has deemed our current voting districts unconstitutional. In fact, during the last redistricting process, when politicians were in charge of the process, the court ruled that the lines were unconstitutional seven times. Issue 1 will remove current and former politicians from having a say in our map-creating process. Under this new plan, our redistricting commission will reflect diversity with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents working together.” 

“Regardless of our backgrounds, we value our freedoms, including our freedom to have an equal say in our elections,” said Michael Harrison, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church (Youngstown) and President of the Ohio State Baptist Convention. “Some legislators want to rule over, not represent us. That’s why it is imperative we turn out to stop the agenda to take away our freedoms and decide our futures for us. If we join together, we can make Ohio a place of freedom for all, no exceptions. That’s why it’s imperative for all of us to get involved and turn out to vote.” 

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Race Forward and Americans for the Arts to Launch ‘Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy’ in St. Louis on Sept. 27

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NEW YORK – Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced the kick-off event for the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, running from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5, 2024. The week-long series of activities across the country will kick-off in St. Louis, MO, on Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m. at The Hawthorne in St. Louis. The event will begin with a panel discussion on how arts and culture shape democracy, live performances, and viewing of the recently unveiled art installation honoring Michael Brown Jr., who was fatally shot by police in Ferguson, MO, ten years ago. The keynote speaker for the St. Louis event is Dr. Philip Woodmore. Woodmore developed the original score for Antigone in Ferguson. 

The panel discussion, moderated by Rinku Sen, Executive Director of Narrative Initiative, will include Joseph Orzal, Favianna Rodriguez, and R-SON. Performances by Gangstagrass, a nationally renowned bluegrass and hip-hop group, and local St. Louis artists will provide additional cultural inspiration to drive action toward a multi-racial democracy.

“As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow both locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. “Events such as this deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy, demonstrating that we all have a role to play in creating a beloved community.”

The Cultural Week of Action is a new annual initiative emphasizing the ways in which arts, culture, and creativity can be utilized to secure a just, multiracial democracy. This year’s week of activities will comprise:

  • Activities across the country that bring together local arts and cultural institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future. A list of projects and events happening during the week can be found here.
  • A national event in St. Louis with performers, leaders, and artists exploring ways to use arts and culture to advance a multiracial democracy. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
  • Seeding and popularizing national narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
  • Opportunities for local and national organizing and actions.

“The Cultural Week of Action is a powerful reminder of the role arts and culture play in shaping our collective future, said Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett Interim Co-CEOs of Americans for the Arts, “Our goal is for individuals to view the arts as a source of meaningful response to the challenges that affect our national welfare. It is only possible to create a shared, national identity for our country by celebrating the stories, symbols, sounds, and sensations that represent our cultural heritage.”

Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy remains open to organizations who would still like to be part of this national week of action. Those organizations can add their projects to our activities map by submitting this form.

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CLLCTIVLY Raised $1,123,723 Million in 24 Hours from 2,116 Donors

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BALTIMORE – CLLCTIVLY celebrated Black Philanthropy Month by hosting CLLCTIVGIVE, a 24-hour, crowd funding event. During the August 9 event, CLLCTIVLY raised $1,123,723 Million in from 2,116 Donors. The funds will benefit 119 organizations.

“This was by far an impactful event that will reach dozens of Black-led organizations in Baltimore,” said Jamye Wooten, founder, CLLCTIVLY. “Black-led organizations receive less than 2% of the $60 billion in foundation dollars. Events like this literally make the difference between staying afloat and shutting one’s doors.”

As of this writing, 119 organizations signed up to participate in CLLCTIVGIVE, and will be the beneficiaries of funds raised. The groups were featured on a donor platform, which the public then accessed to make donations.

Black donors give 25% more of their income annually than white households, according to a report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “This was an opportunity to celebrate Black-led groups in Baltimore and support their ingenuity a

 

CLLCTIVLY Kicks off Black Philanthropy Month with CLLCTIVGIVE Crowd-Fundraising Event

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BALTIMORE – CLLCTIVLY will celebrate Black Philanthropy Month by hosting CLLCTIVGIVE, a 24-hour, crowd funding event, on August 9. The organization’s founder says ‘the day is needed due to gross inequality which leaves Black families with less disposable income and Black-led businesses, with less capital than counterparts. Yet even with a staggering racial wealth gap, Black families continue to prioritize giving.

“I was inspired to create this day of giving due to gross inequality,” said Jamye Wooten, founder, CLLCTIVLY. “Black-led organizations receive less than 2% of the $60 billion in foundation dollars. Events like this literally make the difference between staying afloat and shutting one’s doors.”

As of this writing, 112 organizations have signed up to participate in CLLCTIVGIVE. These groups will be featured on a donor platform. The public will then access this platform and give to a group or groups of their choosing. In addition to the CLLCTIVGIVE day of giving, CLLCTIVLY will host a Black Business Quest which kicks off on August 7 at noon and runs through August 9. Black Business Quest participants include, but is not limited to:

  •       Ancestor’s Dream Apothecary
  •       Creole Soul
  •       Crust by Mack
  •       Cuples Tea
  •       Everyone’s Place
  •       Harp Vision
  •       Hue Café & Apothecary
  •       National Blacks in Wax Museum
  •       Paper Herald
  •       Pandora’s Box
  •       Bertha’s Soul Food Restaurant
  •       Ice Queens
  •       Kurl Bar
  •       Llamas Corner
  •       Mama Koko’s
  •       Milton’s Daughters

CLLCTIVGIVE allows residents to identify and support local Black-owned businesses. Black donors give 25% more of their income annually than white households, according to a report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

WHO:        Black-led businesses in Baltimore

                     Mayor Brandon Scott

WHAT:       Black Business Quest and CLLCTIVGIVE

WHEN:      August 7 through 9

EVENTS:

  • August 7 at 12:00 p.m.
  • August 9, 12pm – 6pm: Black and Social at R. House (301 W 29th Street Baltimore, MD 21211)- Public invited to stop by R. House to enjoy food and music, patronize the Black businesses onsite, and donate to CLLCTIVGIVE via onsite donation stations. 
  • August 9, 12pm – 6pm: Made in Black at Made in Baltimore (301 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202) – Public invited to stop by to enjoy music, patronize the Black owned Made in Baltimore and Baltimore BOOST businesses, and donate to CLLCTIVGIVE via onsite donation stations.
  • August 9, 8:30pm – 12:30am: Studio Black at Collective Spaces (306 W Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21201): Ticketed celebration event to amplify CLLCTIVGIVE, participating organizations, and celebrate the dollars raised. Event website here.

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Presidential Campaign Should Not Be Characterized as a Contest Between a ‘Prosecutor and Felon’

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ORLANDO – Desmond Meade, president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, today released the following statement challenging the use of the word “felon” during the 2024 presidential election:

“Nearly 20 million American citizens have a felony conviction, and 1 in 3 people across our country have some sort of record. Labeling people as “felons” or using the word as a badge of honor for political purposes is a slap in the face to the millions of impacted individuals and families. It also represents a step backward in efforts to move our country forward by embracing our shared values of forgiveness, redemption and restoration. 

Both campaigns have an opportunity to engage in a serious, statesman-like debate on issues. To resort to playground antics of name calling or reducing the election of the President of the United States to being a contest between a Prosecutor and a “F-word” is robbing this country of the serious dialogue it deserves. It also distracts from the greater question of what candidates can offer this country while working to unite and heal us.

“While I have referenced political candidates and campaigns, this message applies to members of the media as well. It is imperative that we are all mindful of the language we use and the damage it may carry.

“America deserves better.”

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Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, a graduate of Florida International University College of Law, a Ford Global Fellow, and a 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow. Remarkably, under Meade’s leadership his organization FRRC was also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2023. He helped restore voting rights for more than 1 million returning citizens in Florida through Amendment 4 which passed in 2018.

 

 

We Need Candidates Who Will Unify the Nation, Represent All Americans

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COLUMBUS – A coalition of Black-led organizations including the Ohio NAACP, the Ohio Unity Coalition, the A. Philip Randolph Institute and the Ohio Organizing Collaborative today weighed in after President Joe Biden announced that he was suspending his re-election campaign:

“We work collaboratively to ensure the voices and perspectives of Black voters are heard. The Black community needs a president who will be inclusive and work for public policies that will heal the scars of racism,” said Tom Roberts, president of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP.

“We commend President Joe Biden for his tremendous service and uncompromising commitment to this nation,” said Deidra Reese, voter engagement director for the Ohio Organizing Collaborative. “Our nation is better because of his leadership and service.”

“Our organization(s) will continue our efforts mobilizing Black voters across Ohio to ensure their voter registration status is up to date,” said Petee Talley, executive director of the Ohio Unity Coalition. “We will educate voters on the candidates’ records and positions concerning issues that Black Ohioans have prioritized. Despite efforts to suppress our votes through gerrymandered districts, we will show up and have our say of electing the best candidate who will move our community and the nation forward.” 

“Now is the time for America to mobilize in support candidates who will ensure American policies serve all people,” said Andre Washington, executive director of the A. Philip Randolph Institute. “We want a uniter in chief, and someone with a bold vision for our nation.”

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Parents and Child Care Advocates Bemoan Supreme Court Ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson

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WASHINGTON – The United States Supreme Court recently issued a ruling upholding Oregon city ordinances prohibiting persons experiencing homelessness from using blankets, pillows or cardboard boxes as protection from the elements when sleeping in public places. Advocates affiliated with the Raising Child Care Fund advised that the ruling will criminalize homelessness without addressing the underlying causes of the housing crisis such as the lack of affordable housing, the dearth of short-term or transitional housing, or the lack of mental health resources and supports, etc. They are also concerned that the ruling will disproportionately impact parents who have been impacted by homelessness and who may struggle to access affordable early childhood education and care. They released the following statement:

“The ruling will contribute to the cycle of trauma that unhoused people already experience from the lack of support,” says Danielle C. Hardeman, 9to5 Georgia Member, “As a single mother who has experienced homelessness while raising my daughter, it was already hard enough moving from place to place and not knowing if our car would be towed. Criminalizing homelessness would further trickle down to mothers like me who are trying to escape poverty but are being penalized for trying to survive in the conditions given to them.”

“The Supreme Court got it wrong,” said Mary Ignatius, executive director of Parent Voices California. “Being homeless is not a crime. What’s criminal is that the lack of affordable housing coupled with the lack of affordable child care so families can work and keep a roof over their head is causing homelessness. What’s criminal is the fastest growing segment of the homeless population is mothers with young children.  What’s criminal is the decades of underinvestment in housing and child care that disproportionately impact mothers of color.”

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