Foundations of Racial Equity 2022 | Session 1: The Cultural, Historical, & Political Foundations of Racism

About the Series

Anti-Black racism and white supremacy are embedded in philanthropy and in our institutions, often invisible to the majority of us, even as we work with intention towards equity and justice. As change agents within philanthropy, we are stretching to become our best selves, rise to the moment, and progress toward racial equity. Foundations of Racial Equity is a space for guidance and fellowship on the path to racial justice. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to consider whether this entire series or individual sessions within it, will support you in making progress on your anti-racism journey.

In order to undo systems of oppression, we need to understand the foundations of systemic anti-Black racism and white supremacy in our country. We cannot shift systems or our organizations without understanding how we got here, nor without looking at ourselves, at our relationships, and at our organizations themselves. The guiding purpose of Philanthropy California’s Foundations of Racial Equity (FRE) Series is to provide training for philanthropic practitioners to understand how anti-Black racism and white supremacy influence the field of philanthropy and to provide opportunities for action in your organizations based on what you learn here.

You can register for the full series at a discounted price or the individual sessions of your choice. We recommend attending Session 1 along with any other individual sessions you choose as it lays the groundwork for all session content. 

About Session 1

In order to undo systems of oppression, it is crucial that we begin by understanding the foundations of systemic racism in our country.

This introductory session to the Foundations of Racial Equity Series will offer two modules that explore the historical, cultural, and political roots of race and racism in the U.S. Over the course of these two modules, trainers will help participants understand the origins and applications of racial hierarchies, the four interconnected levels of racism – individual, interpersonal, institutional and structural – and how to begin recognizing and addressing structural racism in the philanthropic field, using practical applications. Our trainers will also help participants explore and understand intersectionality as a form of praxis that helps us to understand and collectively address the common threads between racism and other inequalities.

This information you will learn during this session is essential to understanding the topics covered during the remainder of the series. We highly recommend attending the two modules in this session if you plan to attend the full series or any other individual sessions.

Join us to:

• Understand the historical, cultural, and political roots of race and racism within the context and frame of white supremacy and anti-Blackness
• Understand that intersectionality is a lens for seeing the connectedness of race, capitalism, and patriarchy.
• Begin learning how to normalize conversations and practices of racial equity in institutions/organizations.
• Learn and discuss relevant language, definitions, and terms.
• Learn and discuss the four levels of equity: individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural.

Cost to Participate

• Members: $150 per session or $675 for the full series
• Nonmembers: $200 per session or $950 for the full series

Session Info

The Series is made up of six sessions. Each session includes two modules. 

Module A: Tuesday, June 14 | 9:30 am – 12:00 noon PT

Module B: Tuesday, June 21 | 9:30 am – 12:00 noon PT

Target Audience

All are welcome here, advocates and aspirants alike; Foundations of Racial Equity is a space for guidance and fellowship on the path to racial justice. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to consider whether this entire series or individual sessions within it, will support you in making progress on your anti-racism journey.

We acknowledge and recognize that Philanthropy California members exist on a spectrum. Some are already well along in their racial equity journey, and others are just beginning. In this training series, we’ll provide participants with opportunities to explore the foundations of racial equity, and the ways systemic anti-Black racism most commonly plays out in philanthropy. You should join this series if:

• You are beginning your learning journey with your awareness of the impacts of systemic anti-Black racism and white supremacy in institutional philanthropy.
• You want to bolster your anti-racism efforts with content that gives you a foundational and holistic understanding of how racism shows up in philanthropy, and how to make progress towards racial equity in your institution.
• Your foundation does not squarely see racial equity as your target work but understands its importance.
• You want to act on racial equity and don’t know where to start.

Please note that all functional areas within organizations are welcome, including trustees.

If you require any accommodations to fully participate in this program, please contact [email protected].

Trainers

Cielo Cruz (they/them), Race Forward Affiliate & Lead Trainer

Cielo Cruz (they/them) is a racial justice educator, facilitator, cultural organizer, and writer. They (Cruz’s singular pronoun) have lived in New Orleans for over 20 years and in that time, worked closely with numerous organizations in the struggle for racial justice, lgbtq liberation and immigrant rights.

Cruz most recently served as Vice President of Movement and Capacity Building Race Forward, a national racial justice organization. In this role, they built a dynamic and diverse team of trainers, coaches, and consultants delivering racial equity training to thousands of employees throughout the non-profit sector.

Cruz came to that work after their tenure as Associate Director of VOTE (Voice Of The Experienced) in New Orleans. Previously, Cruz worked with Safe Streets/Strong Communities, the National Immigration Law Center,  SEIU 1991, the Hispanic Apostolate, the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of New Orleans, and People’s Youth Freedom School. Cruz began their racial justice training and facilitation work for the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond in the late 1990s.

They hold an MA in Latin American Studies from the Stone Center at Tulane University and a BA in Race and Gender Studies from New College of Florida.

MarTaze “Taz” Gaines (they/them), Race Forward Affiliate & Co-Trainer

MarTaze “Taz” Gaines (they/them)  is an organizer, student, and healer. They are a Black and Queer Southerner by birth; a country-footed and hearted, Baltimore born and raised, Atlanta and Nashville taught freedom fighter. Through the gifts of speech, singing, and caring, they fight for the realization of the “Beloved Community.” Much of their guidances comes from their teachers, their ancestors, and spirit.

Taz’s organizing mainly focuses on: the abolition of the carceral state; creating joyous and healing spaces; and fighting for justice in all realms for Black Queer and Trans folk. Taz is passionate about the importance of “memory work.” Memory work, through the oral tradition of songs, stories, and rituals, allows for the resistance of colonization. Taz uses visual and musical art to carry forth the torch for Black Liberation.

Taz Gaines earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morehouse College in 2018 and a Master of Education in Community Development and Action from Vanderbilt University in 2020. Currently, Taz works as an affiliate trainer with Race Forward providing racial equity training to people from various industries. They also serve as the Project Coordinator for 24 and None with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.

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