Black Alliance for Just Immigration

News

Message from Miguel A. Santana, President and C.E.O.

January 27, 2023

We are mourning the tragic loss of life during recurrent mass shootings in our country. Today, we grieve with the communities of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. Our sincere condolence goes out to all the families that lost loved ones during these senseless tragedies and our thoughts are with all those affected.

During difficult times, we turn to community for healing and strength. We are grateful to be inspired each and every day by our community partners and their tremendous effort to provide critical services, build community power, and transform unjust systems. We invite you to learn more about our partners by reading about our latest round of funding.

Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

Young people today are leading the way in building a just and equitable future. We recently wrapped up the Youth Organizing Capacity Building Initiative, a collaborative effort with partner funders aimed at strengthening the ability of our community partners to lead youth organizing programs and establishing a peer learning community. Check out what we’ve learned and watch this video recap of the initiative: Youth Organizing Capacity Building Initiative Recap.

In step with our commitment to investing in future leaders, we’re proud to share that the applications for the John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows Program are now open. Named after the late civil rights leader and former Weingart Foundation Board Member, the John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows program aims to strengthen and develop current and emerging movement leaders to lead social and racial justice work that results in a more just and equitable Southern California region. Learn about eligibility and how to apply here. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023.

Looking ahead at the year before us, we look forward to continue to advance our mission of racial justice working hand in hand with our community partners. Their unwavering commitment to community brings us hope.

Sincerely,

Miguel A. Santana
President & C.E.O.
Recent President’s Messages

Message from Miguel A. Santana, President & C.E.O.: Reflection

I remember the first time I felt like an American. On my way cross country to New England to begin my graduate program, I stopped at Port Huron, Michigan to an address handwritten on the back of a black and white photograph of my paternal grandparents. In the 1920s it was the home of Victoria and José Santana.

Message from Miguel A. Santana, President & C.E.O.: Anti-Asian Racism and Violence Hurts Us All

On March 16, a shooter killed eight people in Atlanta; six of the victims were identified as Asian and seven were women. At least four of the people killed were of Korean descent. The Weingart Foundation stands with communities in our collective grief and outrage at these tragic deaths. We condemn the anti-Asian racism that has led to increased hate speech and violence against Asian American communities.

Message from Fred Ali, President & C.E.O.: With Gratitude and Thoughts for the Future

This is my last President’s message, and over the past few days, I have been trying to figure out what to write. Probably overthinking things, because more than anything else, I want to express my profound gratitude to our nonprofit and cross sector partners, my colleagues in philanthropy, and the Board and staff of the Weingart Foundation.