WIF’s Post

The June 3rd court ruling against the Fearless Fund’s grant program for Black women is about more than one program—it's a strategic move to undermine diversity initiatives and erase discussions about racial inequities. This case, and others like it, aim to create a race-blind society, but ignoring the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities will only perpetuate these inequities. Consider this: between 2009 and 2017, Black women received a mere 0.0006% of VC funding. At that rate, for every billion dollars in VC funds received by others, Black women received $6,000. If that figure matched US demographics broadly, their fair share would be more like $70M. Eliminating programs designed to address such disparities is not the path to equity. We must continue to speak openly about race and support initiatives that address historical and ongoing injustices. More thoughts from me on Forbes.com... https://lnkd.in/gWiHbvuc #RacialEquity #DiversityInclusion #FearlessFund #VCFunding #SocialJustice #SystemicRacism #EquityInAction #LegalChallenges #BlackWomenInBusiness #Philanthropy #EconomicJustice #SpeakUp #FightForEquity

Solidarity Required Attacks by racists are not new Or surprising The way forward has been articulated over and over again. These are not new or open questions and when the response centers the views of women racialized as white, it is not particularly inspiring. As the lollipop woman said in 2017, we’ve been telling y’all for a long time. Here is a comprehensive research study with an action agenda that provides root cause analysis and ways to move forward. For those interested in actually making change not talking about skirmishes. https://lnkd.in/eym2tDQx

😱 The Fearless Fund Ruling - This impacts us all! This ruling not only sets a precedent to dismantle programs that support Black people and people of color but also affects women, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups. Don’t see yourself in the list above, so you don't care? Think about it—what could be next? ⁉ Maybe programs for veterans and the disabled. After all, those programs exclude people, right? What about initiatives to support low-income families or faith-based programs? Are those next? 🤔 We've opened Pandora's box. 📦 What comes out isn't going to be pretty. "The court's ruling not only halts the Fearless Fund’s crucial grant work but also sets a dangerous precedent that could jeopardize other equity-building initiatives across the country." https://lnkd.in/eQx3fY6v #StayVigilant #SupportEquity

For the white women and men focused on acknowledging and ensuring the unique gifts and perspectives black women inherently bring to the leadership table remain a part of the systemic antiracist transformation our societies need more than ever, ways we can help are by supporting: A COHORT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM with skill-building, strategy, navigating racism/sexism, authentic leadership, and fundraising sessions; informal gatherings for connection, celebration, and play; and mentorship and coaching. RETREATS that support the health and well-being of Black women leaders, and prioritize self-care, reflection, rejuvenation, and personal growth. Establishing a GENERAL FUND, that is unrestricted and dedicated to supporting Black women leaders. Funds can be used for healing, executive coaching, training, activities, events, and infrastructure. Creating LEARNING INSTITUTES for graduate-level programs tailored to Black women leaders, including management, leadership, and conflict management skills. TRAINING for FUNDERS and PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS that helps them remove the barriers to Black women leaders in fundraising. REGULAR CONVENINGS and EVENTS exclusively for Black women leaders that promotes joy, play, creativity, and celebration.

The recent 11th Circuit decision in American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund offers crucial insights for organizations implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The court ruled that the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, limited to Black women, likely violated 42 U.S.C. § 1981, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. As an attorney experienced in corporate governance and compliance, here are some key lessons: Balance DEI Goals with Legal Requirements: While DEI initiatives are deemed essential for fostering diversity and addressing historical inequities, they must be designed to avoid creating absolute barriers based on race or other protected characteristics. Instead, programs can focus on broader eligibility criteria that align with legal standards while promoting inclusivity. For example, DEI grant programs can be structured in a way as to not create a contract with grant recipients when targeting a specific racial group.  Alternatively, if the grant creates a contractual relationship based on its terms and conditions for participation, the grant may be marketed towards a certain racial group; however, the grant may not exclude participation of anyone based on race. First Amendment Considerations: The court distinguished between advocacy for racial equality and the act of racial discrimination itself, which is not protected by the First Amendment.  In the Fearless Fund case, the court found that the Fund's contest constituted a contractual relationship and was thus subject to 42 U.S.C. § 1981, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. The court ruled that the contest's exclusionary criteria were not protected expressive conduct but rather discriminatory practices. Organizations must be careful not to conflate advocacy and racially discriminatory conduct in their DEI efforts. While promoting diversity is laudable, the methods employed must not infringe upon the rights of others based on their race. Conclusion: As we plan ahead, we must elevate the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion with more innovative strategies that can hold up under legal scrutiny, especially 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Supporters of diversity, equity and inclusion principles will adjust and continue the fight to create a society that encourages and supports diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at all levels. For all of those who are feeling disappointed and defeated, be encouraged as the fight is not over. Fearless Fund and those who share its mission will regroup and come back stronger than ever in the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion. Fearless Fund, we stand with you and encourage you to remain fearless in the fight to economically empower Black women founders as you have and undoubtedly will continue. Arian and her team at Fearless Fund may lose some battles along the way, but I guarantee you that they will not lose the war. #DEI #business #FearlessFund #ariansimone

Check out our latest blog post highlighting women in our own backyard!

Goldman Sachs says it's invested over $2.3billion in Black women in the three years since it started its One Million Black Women initiative. I'm curious - who are the Black female founders that $2.3billion has gone to? And if Goldman invested over $2.3billion in Black female founders starting in 2021, why was funding for Black founders down in 2023 for the third year in a row (Dominic-Madori Davis TechCrunch https://lnkd.in/epJiU4e7) when an injection of $2.3billion would surely have reversed that trend? 'The One Million Black Women initiative, a program the company started in 2021, aims to dedicate $10bn in investment and $100m in philanthropic spending to address racial and gender inequality over the course of 10 years. The firm said it has spent over $2.3bn in investment capital and another $33m towards philanthropic since the initiative launched.' Lauren Aratani The Guardian https://lnkd.in/evwtfr5W

Black women leaders bring expertise and perspectives that boost results and impact but face wildly unrealistic expectations due to racism and misogyny. #claudinegay is the latest example. This piece is a reminder of what’s possible when we support and defend Black women leaders. https://lnkd.in/ef2bD3aW

As we work to find safety & liberation for our community in a time of increased violence and discrimination, it is clear that we are continuing our fight alone. Defunding LGBTQIA+ centers is a move towards inequity and is an act of violence as it removes funding from necessary community programs that offer so much to those they serve. Programs that save the lives of those who can utilize them. The bill revokes $3.62 million in funding for three LGBTQIA+ community centers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, stating they have programs in place supporting communism, drag shows, and the administration of hormone replacement therapy to young people. As misinformation and purposeful misunderstanding spread we are being asked to again survive despite our government blatantly rejecting the liberation and wellbeing of our communities. This bill, along with the 674 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that have been drafted this year to date, is violence against our community and highlights the belief that our voices should be silenced and our lives aren't valued. We cannot echo the words of Tandra La Grone enough and stand alongside our community to fight back against bigotry and hatred.

On International Women's Day, we honor the women in Mary's Pence network and worldwide who work and have worked for social justice. Read this article to know more about how our grantees and partners are fighting oppression. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD #FundWomen