Client News:
Last week, Akonadi Foundation premiered their short film featuring the 2026 Racial Justice Poster Project artist Thi Bui. The Racial Justice Poster, “Get In Where You Fit In,” celebrates each of our unique roles in the journey towards collective liberation. In Thi’s words, “even when the days are dark, we can find courage together. Take heart; there’s room for all kinds of courage. Get in where you fit in.” Get your copy of this year’s poster by requesting one here and watch the short film featuring Thi below.
More than a year after the Eaton fire, many Black families in Altadena still cannot return home because recovery systems are failing them. Persistent insurance delays, rising costs, and bureaucratic barriers are stalling rebuilding and putting residents at risk of displacement, while investors increasingly purchase damaged properties. During a press briefing hosted by the Black Freedom Fund earlier this month, many Black homeowners expressed their frustration with certain obstacles disproportionately impacting Black residents. According to homeowner Joseph Collins: “One of the biggest challenges that we continue to face is pushback from our insurance company instead of working towards a solution.” Through the Black LA Relief and Recovery Fund, Black Freedom Fund is channeling millions of dollars into immediate aid and long-term rebuilding efforts. Read more to learn what’s at stake and how recovery efforts are unfolding in The Grio.
A Supreme Court case could change how mail-in ballots are counted, putting votes at risk in states like California where late-arriving ballots are currently accepted. Rising mail delays, new federal restrictions, and growing distrust are adding confusion ahead of the election. With voter turnout already down, Raúl Macías, Program Director for Democracy at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, is stressing the need for stronger voter education to ensure people understand how to vote and to protect participation. Read more about how state action is needed to safeguard California voting rights in his op-ed for The Sacramento Bee.
The Brotherhood of Elders Network’s Real Talk About the Town has returned with a question many have asked at some point, “Why should I care about voting?” In Episode 1, they sit down with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon to unpack power, participation, and what’s at stake locally and beyond. This season’s three episodes are designed to prepare voters for the June 2 Primary Election by talking with candidates who are on the ballot and hear from the people who are most impacted, all mixed with some OakTown flavor. Watch the full episode here and stay tuned for the next episodes in the series to be released Thursdays in April.
Change Consulting News:
This month we continue our free monthly webinar series with Digital Security for Social Justice Organizations: Live Q&A with Amro Radwan, Founder and CEO of Shake Technologies.
Join our CEO, Bilen Mesfin Packwood for a conversation with Amro Radwan, Founder and CEO of Shake Technologies, on how organizations can:
- Decode digital security
- Spot hidden dangers
- Stay safe, responsive, and effective online
📅 Date & Time: April 23, 2026 @ 2pm PT / 5pm ET
💻 Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Reserve your spot and register here!