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Racial Healing
You can watch highlights from a special episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” dedicated to the National Day of Racial Healing any time. This hour-long special encourages people of all identities and backgrounds to come together, reflect and continue their healing journey from the impacts of racism. Featuring La June Montgomery Tabron, WKKF president & CEO and author of “How We Heal” and “Our Differences Make Us Stronger,” the episode includes insightful conversations, special celebrity guests and moments of joy and inspiration.
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.
New Mexico
Working in coalition with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, WKKF grantees – including Bold Futures, OLÉ, Enlace Communitario, Center for Civic Policy, Cuidando los Niños, ABQ Faithworks and YDI, Inc. – have launched a new advocacy campaign. The campaign, which highlights how community stability is fundamental to public safety, features several high-profile billboards. Bearing the message “Safety starts with STABILITY,” the billboards are in the Albuquerque metro area as the New Mexico legislative session begins. They are intended to counter efforts to address crime by over-policing impoverished communities and further expanding mass incarceration.
Internet availability can seem like an afterthought for those with stable broadband. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in many rural and Native American communities. But that’s changing. The Digital Equity and Opportunity Initiative (DEOI), a WKKF grantee, recently released “Reclaiming Power Through Digital Sovereignty,” which showcases innovative efforts to bridge the digital divide in New Mexico. This docu-short highlights the Santa Fe Indian School and Tribal-owned Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including SD Net, as innovators in creating scalable, community-driven solutions to close the digital divide while preserving cultural values and sovereignty.
Community Engagement
Grand Rapids-based grantee the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is conducting on-the-ground community engagement to learn what essential support Latino entrepreneurs need to scale up their businesses. Through entrepreneurial programs and the upcoming $9.3 million Center for Latino Economic and Talent Advancement, the Chamber is offering education on topics like financial management and business structure development that can aid Latino business growth. By investing in technical assistance and creating opportunities for sustainable expansion, the Chamber aims to uplift the Latino business community, strengthening both the regional and national economy.
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