Kaci Patterson, founder and chief architect of Social Good Solutions and the Black Equity Collective, has called for California to embrace what she describes as “Black permanency” — a vision in which Black residents and institutions are not merely surviving, but have the resources, stability and power to thrive across generations.

The idea comes at a time of economic strain, climate-related disasters and political pushback against equity initiatives. Patterson argues that Black communities are facing erasure in classrooms, public language, data and historical narratives, even as Black-led organizations continue to serve as essential support systems in their communities.

Those organizations, she noted, often respond first when families need food, housing assistance or other emergency help, filling gaps left by government programs and shrinking public resources. At the same time, Black women have been pushed out of the workforce at more than three times the rate of other workers over the past 18 months, according to data cited by advocates.

Recent disasters have also underscored longstanding inequities. In Altadena, a community known for its history of Black homeownership, leaders have raised concerns about whether rebuilding from Los Angeles-area wildfires will allow longtime Black families to remain and preserve the community’s identity. The question, Patterson argues, is not simply who recovers, but who gets to stay, belong and pass stability to the next generation.

The philanthropic sector also remains under scrutiny. After the murder of George Floyd, many institutions made major pledges to support racial justice and Black communities. Advocates say many of those commitments have not been sustained. Black-led nonprofits — about two-thirds of which are led by Black women — remain among the most underfunded organizations in the nonprofit world.

That lack of investment has consequences, Patterson argues, visible in housing instability, displacement, the loss of cultural institutions and the pressure on Black-led organizations to continually take on responsibilities beyond their core missions.

Moving from temporary gains to lasting change, she said, will require more than statements of support. It would mean durable investments designed with communities, reparations, endowments for Black institutions, education that affirms Black history and humanity, and access to capital for Black founders, innovators and cultural leaders. It would also require pay equity, including addressing the gap that leaves Black women waiting until mid-July 2026 to earn what white men earned by the end of 2025.

For philanthropy, Patterson called for more multiyear general operating support and shared decision-making with the communities being served. For government, she said nonprofits should be paid market rates for contracted services so they are not forced to subsidize public safety-net work through their own limited budgets.

The issue, she argued, is not only one of racial justice but also of economic development. California’s Black-led organizations employed more than 4,000 people and generated more than $335 million in salaries in fiscal year 2023. When those organizations are properly funded, advocates say, local economies and broader community networks benefit.

Juneteenth marks the day emancipation became a reality for enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. That delay between legal freedom and lived freedom remains central to the Black experience in America.

California is the only state to have established a reparations task force, placing it in a unique position nationally. Patterson and other advocates say the state now faces a choice: celebrate Juneteenth with parades and gatherings, or pair those observances with policies and investments that make long-term Black stability possible.

For communities across Southern California and the Inland Empire, where nonprofits and civic organizations often help meet urgent needs, the question is whether public and private leaders will treat Black permanency as a lasting civic commitment rather than a seasonal message.

Original source: CalMatters

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The annual event, “Common Ground for the Common Good,” took place Aug 6 and 7 at the Riverside Convention Center.

In an era when differences can overshadow common goals, one of the summit’s goals is to offer opportunities to find a shared purpose during complex times. By creating room to “listen, learn, and work toward solutions that reflect the diverse voices of our communities,” IECF’s summit gave Inland Empire leaders time to engage in dynamic discussions and find meaningful connections.

Topics from housing and education to health and the idea of belonging were discussed at the event, which also illuminated strategies and partnerships that are transforming the Inland Empire into “a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient region.”

“We have the leaders, the vision, and the will to create lasting change in the Inland Empire,” said Michelle Decker, IECF president & CEO. “Our goal was simple: to find common ground and use it as a foundation to build stronger, more connected communities.”

Angela Glover Blackwell was the keynote speaker.

“It seems that this is a moment in which common ground is hard to get to,” Blackwell said. “And those kinds of moments are exciting. They’re exciting because people have to talk to each other, spend time and pull apart what’s going on. We have to stretch and allow that vision to be the thing we organize around.”

Blackwell, who speaks on equity and opportunity, is the founder in residence of PolicyLink, a research and action institute that strives to redesign the nation in ways that allows it to “govern for all.”

PolicyLink has been driving strategies aimed at advancing a new design of the nation’s laws and regulations, and new values that shape customs and norms.

This kind of “big picture” thinking is key at an event designed to unite people who want to make a difference.

IECF was quick to note its appreciation to several sponsors, including the Gates Foundation and the Randall Lewis, Janell Lewis & The Lewis Group of Companies for their support as presenting sponsors. Title Sponsors included U.S. Bank and Wingate Foundation.

Founded in 1941, the IECF is the oldest and largest community foundation in the region. The foundation partners with individuals, families, and corporations to help them achieve their unique charitable goals.

Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $100 million in grants and scholarships.

For inquiries about sponsorship opportunities, contact Brie Griset Smith, CSPG, chief development officer, at bgrisetsmith@iegives.org or visit www.iegives.org/policy-platform.

Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org for more information.

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