BFCF ListeningReport2024 r201 - Flipbook - Page 7
LISTENING TOUR REPORT 2023 - 2024
BLACK FUTURE CO-OP FUND
Since we started the Fund, we’ve wanted to get to know and learn from Black
Washingtonians throughout the state.
•
We began with virtual meetings, bringing together inaugural Black funders
around de昀椀ning our vision, mission, and work of the Fund.
•
Spokane activist and consultant Kiantha Duncan assisted the Fund in
conducting initial research about Black people, organizations, businesses,
faith groups, and others across Washington by facilitating focus groups and
collecting data county by county.
•
During our 昀椀rst year, we also promoted an online survey asking for Black
Washingtonians’ visions of a liberated future, priorities, perceived gaps, and
opportunities for the Fund to play a role.
•
Next, we led the Black Well-being: Moving Toward Solutions Together study,
which culminated in a report and audiobook rooted in 1,000 Black voices from
across Washington to support collective organizing, inform policy change, and
direct resources into Black-led solutions.
•
Our annual We See You grants to Black-led organizations and Black leaders
around the state have expanded our understanding of community aspirations,
needs, and solutions, while connecting us with each other and building our
collective network.
Traveling statewide to listen and learn
Building on this community engagement, we’ve desired to get together in person.
And, in 2023 and 2024, as safety concerns around the COVID pandemic subsided,
we organized seven listening gatherings with communities across the state. We’ve
been honored to meet with, listen to, and learn from Black folks who are actively
dismantling systems and serving communities in ways that center Blackness and
Black people.
We continue to be incredibly grateful and humbled by the growing community of
people and partners statewide who are committed to igniting Black generational
wealth, health, and well-being in Washington and beyond.
This summary report synthesizes what we heard and how this input is shaping
our work going forward. We offer it as a tool and a guide to support ongoing
conversation and action to further Black liberation and prosperity; to hold
ourselves accountable to community aspirations and needs; and to propel
increased investment in Black-led solutions.
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