Abby Falik’s Post

May 25, 2024, marks a poignant moment to pause and reflect. For some individuals and organizations, the surge of global outrage against racial injustice was a catalyst for action—speaking out against police brutality, making donations to Black organizations, and educating themselves through books and blogs authored by African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian Americans, etc... It was a moment of awakening, lament, and solidarity. What has changed since then? * Have you engaged in those difficult conversations with loved ones who hold racist views? * Are you actively living out your commitment to eliminate policies and practices in which white supremacy and systemic racism are embedded? * Or have you retreated to the comfort whiteness provides, finding the sustained effort to eradicate racial injustice to be exhausting? Real change requires steadfast commitment and the bravery to confront uncomfortable truths within ourselves and our communities. Let us not allow our passion for justice to wane into complacency. Every day is a call to recommit, to educate, and to act. The struggle for equality and justice is ongoing, requiring us to participate actively and continuously. #RacialJustice #GeorgeFloyd #CommitmentToChange #Equality #SocialJustice

As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth this February, we at CCH know that it's essential to reflect not only on the achievements and resilience of Black Americans throughout history, but also on the persistent challenges they face today. We know that due to structures of systemic racism, homelessness disproportionately affects Black Americans. In our city, Black Chicagoans make up more than half (53%) of the total population experiencing homelessness. Nationwide, Black Americans make up roughly 13% of the general population, but they account for 39% of people experiencing homelessness and more than 50% of families with children experiencing homelessness. To CCH, honoring Black communities means working towards a future where everyone has access to secure and stable housing, because housing is a human right. Learn more about homelessness in Chicago here: https://bit.ly/3NvfPg7 #HousingIsAHumanRight #EndHomelessness #advocacy

In the coming weeks, We will feature content from our newest report, Black Homelessness in Illinois: Structural Drivers of Inequality. We are grateful to our partners and collaborators who formed the Racial Equality Roundtable on Black Homelessness. We are especially grateful to the unhoused and formerly unhoused Black individuals who spoke with us for this report and shared not only their experiences with homelessness but also their vision and hopes for better futures for themselves, others who are facing housing insecurity and homelessness, and all residents of Illinois. Read the full report here. https://lnkd.in/gcDa-rVk

PSA: 60 Years ago, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation that has played a crucial role in reducing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This Act has been vital in shaping a more just and equitable society, reinforcing the fundamental principles of democracy, then, now and in the future. While we celebrate the progress made, much work remains. Black Resilience in Colorado Fund (BRIC) will continue to push, addressing systemic racism and the inequities that continue to negatively impact Black communities in Colorado and beyond. We hope you will join effort, ensuring that the promise of equality and justice for all endures. #BlackResilience #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #SystemicChange #BlackLedOrganizations #Philanthropy #BRICFundCO #CivilRightsAct #CivilRights

In continued recognition of Black History Month, Cloudburst lifts up the strides made towards racial equity and housing justice by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Key Achievements include: • HUD continues to work with real estate agents, appraisers, states, and communities to root out bias in the appraisal process and end the practice of “low-balling” once and for all. • HUD is working on a final rule to meaningfully implement the Fair Housing Act’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing obligation to address significant disparities in housing needs for members of protected classes. • In 2023 alone, HUD granted $30 million to fair housing organizations to fight housing discrimination. • HUD’s Emergency Housing Vouchers, the first-ever federal housing voucher program specifically targeted to addressing homelessness, is helping to address the racial inequities in homelessness. Approximately 37 percent of people experiencing homelessness are Black and more than 46 percent of households assisted by Emergency Housing Vouchers are Black. Cloudburst is a honored to tirelessly work with HUD to bring an end to racial discrimination in housing. To learn more about HUD's work toward racial equity and housing justice: https://lnkd.in/d2fyv6u9 #BlackHistoryMonth #HUD #HousingEquity #CommunityDevelopment

By bridging the equity gap for Black communities, we ultimately advance the well-being of ALL communities. We do this work for those on the frontlines of racial justice, we do this work to honor the legacy of our ancestors, and we do this work so that Black communities can know a world that includes freedom and joy. We believe in the power of Black possibilities and a vision rooted in Black permanency. Black-led organizations have an average revenue of 24% less than White-led organizations, and their unrestricted net assets are 76% smaller. We know that much of this disparity is driven by inequitable funding practices. That’s why we partner with BLOs and funders to reimagine a sector that centers equity in grantmaking. Learn more about what we do and why we do it at https://lnkd.in/eFbJYfyG. #SupportBlackPhilanthropy #BlackEquityCollective #BECFollowraiser #BlackPhilanthropyMatters #BlackPermanency #BlackJoy

“Black August is an acknowledgment and commemoration of the countless organizers, activists, and freedom fighters who sacrificed their freedom and lives in the struggle for Black liberation.” Please read and share my latest newsletter and subscribe below. #BlackAugust #BlackWriters #BlackJournalists #Newsletter

Today is a day for recognition, celebration, community and reflection. On this day in 1865, the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, FINALLY received notification that they were no longer enslaved. But let's remember, slavery didn’t end that day! It continued until the 13th Amendment was ratified six months later. And the pursuit for justice, equity and the fight against Jim Crow 2.0 continues today…159 years later. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let's also remember that freedom still IS NOT fully realized. We have MUCH work to do! Here are some ways you can get involved and make a difference: 1️⃣Take time to learn about the history of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggles for racial justice. Share this knowledge with your network to raise awareness. 2️⃣Invest in Black entrepreneurs and Black-Owned Businesses and support businesses contributing to economic equity. Your dollars can make a significant impact! 3️⃣Engage with local and national leaders to push for policies that promote equality and justice. Your voice matters in the fight for systemic change. 4️⃣Join local Juneteenth celebrations and support organizations working toward racial equity. Community involvement strengthens our collective efforts. 5️⃣Reflect on how you can contribute to creating a more equitable society beginning in your corner of the world. Commit to actionable steps that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in your personal and professional life. Let's use today as a catalyst for positive change. Please, #KeepYourFootOnTheGas and DAILY take meaningful steps/actions to support justice and equity for all.  For more ways to celebrate and take action, check out this Juneteenth Celebration Guide: https://lnkd.in/gvCvnxED  #Juneteenth❤️🤍💙 #RootCauseRacism®💚❤️✊🏾✊🏻 #SilverAndServing™👸🏾 #ShesDifferent™💜 #O2TN1👣

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This historic day celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of equality. At CCF, we honor this historic day by reflecting on our progress and acknowledging the journey ahead. In February, we were excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership between the California Community Foundation (CCF) and the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) to advance racial equity, support Black-led organizations, and foster systemic change in Southern California. Through programs like BLOOM, Ready to Rise, and the Black Empowerment Fund, CCF is also supporting critical new programs and partnerships that help us address racial disparities and foster a more equitable future. We look forward to continuing our efforts to create lasting change and empower Black communities across Southern California. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth, recognizing our progress, and continuing the vital work toward a more just and equitable future. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #Progress #ChangeIsPossible #Philanthropy #RacialEquity #Justice #CommunityEmpowerment #CCF #BlackEmpowerment