Amidst the 2020 turmoil, on Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund was born. Led by Colorado Black community leaders, BRIC stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and determination of Black communities to take charge of their own destinies. BRIC's inception marked not just a moment but a long-term commitment to eradicate systemic oppression by investing in and directing resources to build community equality and equity.
During the time following the murder of George Floyd, we watched a national frenzy of pledges and promises of support from corporations and foundations. Yet, their actions have fallen short of their words and commitments. The fulfillment of support has been a mere fraction of what was promised. Data reveals the stark truth: out of the $50 billion pledged, only about 5% has materialized, according to a report by the Washington Post, leaving Black-led and Black-serving organizations struggling to fulfill their mission. This failure to deliver on these promises has exacerbated (again) efforts to end the challenges faced by Black communities, particularly backsliding across economic and political gains.
The urgency of this situation is further compounded by the plight of Black-led and serving nonprofits, which were encouraged to expand their programs and operations in response to increased needs and initial pledges. These organizations face shrinking resources today as philanthropic focus shifts to the "next shiny thing," jeopardizing progress and hindering future efforts.
In the face of these challenges, the work of the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund is more critical than ever. BRIC is paving the way for a more just and equitable society by addressing systemic barriers and investing in initiatives that empower Black voices and solutions.
As BRIC celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, it stands as a testament to Black communities' unwavering spirit despite ongoing struggles. However, the Fund cannot do it alone. It relies on the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to fulfill its mission to make meaningful change. Therefore, we invite you to join us in this crucial endeavor. By giving your 5Ts - time, talent, treasure, testimony, or social ties, your contribution to the BRIC Fund can make a tangible difference in the lives of Black individuals and communities.
Let us honor the promises made and uphold our commitment to racial justice. Let us stand in solidarity with Black communities and work towards a future where equality and equity are not just ideals but realities for all. The time to act is now. Join us in building a more resilient, equitable, and just Colorado and beyond – BRIC by BRIC!
Source: The Washington Post. "Corporate America pledged $50 billion after George Floyd's death. Where did it go?"
Comentarios