We Are California is a new effort to unite our communities and movements from San Diego to the far North regions of our state, from the Bay to LA and from our coasts to our inland regions. “The right-wing won by tearing us apart from one another. As Californians, we will remind them of how powerful we are when we come together – in solidarity – to fight for a democracy that delivers real prosperity for working-class families,” said John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California and one of the many leaders in We Are California. The group is committed to standing up to the billionaires and extremists threatening working class communities everywhere. Learn more about the group in this piece for Politico, Semafor,and in Prensa Libre. Read We are California’s open letter to the movement here.
Like many of you, our team is moving through many feelings – grief, anger, fear, determination – about the outcome of the presidential election as we make meaning about what that outcome means for the future of the communities we fight for – Black, immigrant, queer and trans and working people. As we pause, reflect, read, learn and prepare for the path forward, we are finding solace and inspiration in the words of our client partners. Read a few statements below:.
- Rising to the challenge together – Akonadi Foundation
- A call for radical honesty and sustained social change – Black Collective Foundation MN
- We will continue to fight – Black Futures Lab and Black to the Future Action Fund
- Our assignment – California Black Freedom Fund
- Consistency and care in this moment and beyond – East Bay Community Foundation
- In defense of our communities – PANA
- Standing firm in our commitment to build a healthy, just and equitable California – The California Endowment
Additional highlights:
Alexsis Rodgers, Political Director of the Black to the Future Action Fund, says that understanding the election certification process can be confusing and anti-democratic. “I think part of what we are seeing right now is a way to continue to suppress our vote. Either way, we’re paying attention to how our districts are being drawn and making sure that Black people are part of that process, that our power is not being diluted.” Read more in this piece with Capital B news.
Earlier this fall, our partner Power California, an organization that harnesses the energy of young voters of color and their families to create a state that is equitable, inclusive and just for all California communities, released the findings of their Rising Electorate Survey discussing the top issues for young California voters. Chief among them: affordable housing and the economy. “Young people are still having a hard time seeing ourselves reach milestones like home ownership, savings, investments, and personal development, all the while we deal with the burden of debt, including student loans,” said Kaja Wilson, a youth member of Power California living in Fresno. Learn more in this piece for The Sacramento Observer.