An important question throughout this process was, “How can a white-led organization step up and step back to support a Black-led initiative?” Garrett’s answer to this question is to continue asking it. “It has to stay front of mind and continually be asked and answered… to do this work, and to do it well.” She notes that every opportunity for a challenging conversation is a chance to call into question our biases and reevaluate our roles as we work to create a system, built in solidarity, where everyone can thrive—one that is equitable, loving, and just.
When The Black Fund began taking shape, the first order of business was to build a steering committee of Black leaders with diverse experiences, networks, and knowledge to guide the way. One of the biggest challenges faced by this team was narrowing the scope of their work. “There is a lot of passion and validity to every issue, but we can’t do it all,” said Garrett. Assembling a list of focus areas was all about finding the right cross-sections by listening to the community’s needs and using a data-informed approach that nurtures the growth, economic security, and wellness of Black people. With four impact areas in place and the fund successfully launched, Garrett looks forward to seeing the dollars dispersed throughout the community during The Black Fund’s first grant cycle in 2023.
She hopes that as time passes, The Black Fund will continue to challenge traditional philanthropic systems and establish relationships built in trust and solidarity with Black-led organizations and the Black community at large. “We aren’t just giving money to maintain the current social order… we are funding systems change. This is a movement, not a moment!”
In that spirit, Garrett emphasized the importance of adding new voices to The Black Fund on a periodic basis through a rotating steering committee and continually evaluating the Fund’s effectiveness as it evolves. For Garrett, this is critical for making the fund sustainable, helping it adapt to evolving community needs, and supporting change-making work for everyone’s benefit.
So, what is the ultimate significance of this launch for our community? Throughout history, systemic barriers have forced Black-led organizations to operate in scarcity and survival mode. The creation of The Black Fund, and with more than one million dollars raised, makes a clear statement that investing in the Black community is critical, both right now and for generations to come. We invite the community to join us on this journey ahead.
