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Special Message from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
During a week when we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, honor the ninth annual National Day of Racial Healing and begin the next chapter of our American story, we want to reiterate to our partners what our president and CEO said before election day: The W.K. Kellogg Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing racial equity and racial healing. Read our full statement.
U.S. National
Our thoughts are with the people of Los Angeles County as they cope with the ongoing wildfires that have devastated their communities. With relief and recovery efforts underway, many of our grantees and partners are standing up community support funds to ensure resources are equitably distributed and go where they are needed most: The National Day Laborer Organizing Network’s Immigrant Fire Relief Fund, Inclusive Action for the City’s Open Air Worker Emergency Fund and California Black Freedom Fund’s Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund. There are also a number of resources available from local aid groups on the Los Angeles County website.
Racial Equity
Noticias Telemundo Ahora presented a one-hour special, Foro Contra el Racismo: Por los Niños, in observance of the National Day of Racial Healing. The program explored critical issues facing Latino children, such as access to nutritious food, challenges associated with Afro-Latino identity and the mental health needs of high schoolers. Featuring insights from activists, authors, therapists and educators, the special highlighted how individuals and communities are working to create solutions to racial disparities. W.K. Kellogg Foundation partners including The Children’s Partnership and the Latinx Therapists Action Network were among the contributors. The special is available for streaming on Noticias Telemundo’s YouTube channel and will air on the Telemundo network on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. ET.
Colman Domingo continues engaging in meaningful endeavors on and off the screen, as highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter’s feature on the theatrical release of “Sing Sing.” The film, set against the backdrop of a real-life prison rehabilitation program, reflects Domingo’s dedication to using storytelling as a tool for social impact. This commitment aligns with his year-round racial healing partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. By championing projects that amplify marginalized voices and foster understanding, Domingo demonstrates the power of art to inspire change and bridge divides.
Civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, a native of Ruleville, Mississippi, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award recognizes her transformative contributions to the fight for voting rights and racial equity. Hamer’s fearless activism in Mississippi not only reshaped the political landscape of the South, but also laid the foundation for much of the work WKKF supports today to advance equity and community empowerment across the region. To learn more about her enduring legacy, watch the PBS documentary “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America,” supported by WKKF, which highlights her profound impact on the movement for justice and equality. As part of this year’s National Day of Racial Healing, Michigan State University hosted a special screening of the film, underscoring Hamer’s lasting influence on the fight for civil rights.
New Orleans
A new historical marker on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans commemorates the vibrant Black business district that once thrived before being displaced by the construction of the I-10 overpass. Supported by Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation, a WKKF grantee, this effort recognizes the cultural and economic contributions of the community while sparking conversations about equity and restoration. The marker is a step toward addressing past harms and envisioning a more inclusive future for the area.
Michigan
Detroit-based WKKF grantee the Color of Autism Foundation was created in 2009 to address the stigma and systemic inequities faced by parents with autistic children from communities of color. The nonprofit provides culturally tailored resources, training and support to families, addressing unique challenges such as accessing services, navigating disparities and fostering inclusive spaces. By promoting racial equity in autism care, the foundation empowers families with tools to advocate for their children and creates a community that celebrates diversity and neurodivergence.
Food Systems
Farmacy, a community-driven initiative in Battle Creek, Michigan, is fostering food sovereignty by empowering residents to grow and access healthy, locally sourced food. Run by WKKF community leadership fellow and grantee Devon Wilson, the program addresses food insecurity and promotes self-reliance through urban gardening programs, educational workshops and partnerships with local organizations. By prioritizing community-led solutions, Farmacy is building a sustainable food system that uplifts the health and well-being of Battle Creek residents.
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