It’s long past time to address the deep, systemic, and structural inequalities faced by black and brown people. My @FordFoundation colleagues and I are in solidarity with those calling for safety, dignity, opportunity, reform, and justice. (2/5)
We will continue to support organizations that fight tirelessly for justice & equality, like @ColorOfChange@eji_org, @pressfreedom, and many more. These organizations are demonstrating leadership by lighting a path forward and drawing on our collective power, together. (3/5)
As funders, we learn from our grantees and, in the weeks ahead, we will work to find ways to continue our support for those on the frontlines, risking their lives. (4/5)
Thank you to all those who are galvanizing and turning our collective frustration and heartbreak into bold, courageous actions for justice. You are the valiant firefighters quenching the flames of oppression and inequality. (5/5)
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In a recent interview, I used the term “tone deaf” inappropriately & out of context from its literal definition. I am deeply sorry for using this ableist language & apologize to the millions of people with disabilities and the disability community.
Since becoming the president of the Ford Foundation, we have committed to advancing justice and dignity for all people. Through this process, I have been on my own change journey to learn & understand more about the critical nature of justice and disability.
We are taking steps to center disability in all of our programmatic work to address inequality, our operations & hiring practices, but this is not enough. My use of this phrase as a pejorative was insensitive & undermines our intent to advance disability justice & inclusion.
Two years ago, @FordFoundation piloted @africanofilter to learn how to best support the amazing storytellers, culture makers, and truth finders in Africa breaking negative narratives across the continent. #AfricaNoFilter@africanofilter (1/4)
Under @mokymakura, @africanofilter will broaden the collaboration between funders in Africa and outside with the continent's storytellers, culture makers, and truth finders to amplify new narratives #AfricaNoFilter. @africanofilter (3/4)
Today we are addressing narrative change at #AfricaNoFilter Summit. A barrier that keeps Africans from reaching their full potential is the dominant narratives that unfairly portray Africa, affecting the way the continent is perceived by those outside it. @africanofilter (1/5)
We’ve heard how Western perspectives or views from the Global North can overshadow and undermine the local narratives and lived experiences that should inform our understanding of Africa. #AfricaNoFilter@africanofilter (2/5)
We’ve seen how #Africa has been treated as a monolith, rather than as a multifaceted, diverse group of nations and peoples—and how stereotypes keep everyone from reclaiming and sharing their individual stories. #AfricaNoFilter@africanofilter (3/5)
I had the pleasure of talking to @NickKristof of the @nytimes about privilege, philanthropy and justice. Growing up in a small town in Texas, I have always been confronted by the recognition of where I had privilege and where I didn’t.
@NickKristof@nytimes In order to address injustice, we cannot be afraid to grapple with the privilege we have. For me, that has meant using the privilege I have as the President of @FordFoundation as we strengthen institutions and make change.
@NickKristof@nytimes@FordFoundation That has meant reforming the way we approach philanthropy - not as charity, but as a means to create systemic change, address the root causes of the issues we seek to address and center those in the communities affected by unjust systems.
In the current age of extremes, the all or nothing approach prevents us from solving the challenges we face today. Here's the case for nuance and complexity. fordfoundation.org/ideas/equals-c… (1/6)
Without nuance and complexity, we cannot build bridges. Common goals are framed as coercive demands; potential partners & experts unnecessarily cast as victims or enemies. Oppositional, nuance-averse posture rewards ideological purity & public shame. fordfoundation.org/ideas/equals-c… (2/6)
Animosity impedes on our ambition to solve problems. Patient, inclusive, and nuanced approach leads to a more productive bridge-building and constructive solutions. fordfoundation.org/ideas/equals-c… (3/6)
As our system falters under the inequality it has produced, those of us who have benefitted from it need to look in the mirror and ask why—and how we can fix it, with justice as our objective. #FromGenerositytoJustice. fordfoundation.org/ideas/equals-c… (2/4)