Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It's the joy of a people who kept their culture, their community, and their spirit alive through the unimaginable horrors of being enslaved. It’s also a celebration for all who have been building toward freedom ever since.

At a moment where Black people's dignity, rights, and economic futures are under increasing attack, BFF is meeting the moment by fueling additional leaders in even more communities throughout the state. Read more about the work and the future our communities deserve. https://bit.ly/43GA8iY

What does Black Freedom mean to you? This year, as we approach Juneteenth, we’re holding that question with curiosity, urgency, and hope. These answers from our community of leaders, grantees, and supporters inspire us.

Juneteenth! at the Museum is happening next Friday! It’ll be a day of Black joy and creativity through live music, art, food, & family-friendly fun.⁠ ⁠ 📍The Oakland Museum of California 🗓️ June 19 | 11AM–4PM⁠ ⁠Tickets $10 | Free for kids 12 & under 🔗 https://bit.ly/4uIfHNS

What happens when we invest in Black communities? We create solutions, leadership, and ideas that benefit all.

In the 1960s, the City of Palm Springs deliberately destroyed the homes and community of Black and Latino families living in Section 14. Decades later, survivors are still fighting for acknowledgment, and restitution. Learn more about their ongoing fight for justice: section14survivors.com

Today is the day. California's primary election is happening right now. Polls are open until 8 PM. Need help? Questions about same-day registration? Lost your ballot? Call 1-800-345-VOTE (8683) or visit vote.ca.gov

Today, we honor Assata Shakur. Not just her memory, but her mission. The tradition she refused to let die. The fire she passed forward. The “Carry It On” Memorial program starts at 1 pm PT/4 pm ET and will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/MVNAVg7mF2o

Join us June 19 for Juneteenth! at the Museum. There will be live performances, and food from Black Bay Area vendors, turf dancing, local Black artisans, and the film premiere of Memories in Motion: The Life and Art of Mildred Howard. Tickets $10 | Free for kids 12 & under 🔗 https://bit.ly/4uIkgIL

On a recent episode of The Raid Podcast, Marc Philpart, President & CEO of Black Freedom Fund, reflected on the role communities play in shaping what comes next. Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3PCu2wx

As Jamie Allison, ED of Walter & Elise Haas Fund, put it: it’s a future where being born Black does not determine the opportunities you have access to. This is the vision behind investing in Black communities. It’s not just responding to inequity, but building the conditions for people to thrive.

The June 2 primary will determine who is on November’s ballot. There’s too much on the line to sit this one out. May 18 is the registration deadline for the primary. If you miss the deadline, don’t worry; you can get an in-person provisional ballot at certain locations. Visit vote.ca.gov for more.

BFF invests in Black-serving organizations with intention and long-term commitment. Because real change requires more than representation. It requires institutions built for us and by us.

Listen to Héctor Sánchez-Flores, Executive Director at National Compadres Network (NCN), reflects on why the work of Black Freedom Fund is essential to advancing racial justice and equity for all.

California — your primary is on June 2, and the deadline to register is May 18. This is the moment to make sure you and your people are ready. Visit sos.ca.gov/elections for registration info, your polling place, and everything you need to show up and show out at the polls.

Black Freedom Fund CEO Marc Philpart joined John Carlos Frey on The Raid Podcast to discuss the ongoing terror of ICE raids and the intersection between the fight for Black empowerment and immigrant rights. Listen to the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts: https://bit.ly/4dc1HVC

If one community is left behind, the system doesn’t work. At Blue Notes & Black Vines, Thurman V. White Jr., Metta Fund trustee (@mettafund.bsky.social), shared why the future of American prosperity is tied to how we invest in Black communities.

#tbt to when we partnered with @MOCA_LA for First Fridays: MONUMENTS. It was an evening of art, community, and conversation that felt like exactly what this moment calls for. The exhibition runs through May 3 at The Geffen Contemporary. Learn more: https://bit.ly/48wcA3b 📸: Bryan Alexander Proctor

The Supreme Court just gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Justice Kagan: it's "all but a dead letter." NAACP : "a betrayal of Black voters." @aclu.org: "one of the last seatbelts of our democracy — gone." Black freedom can't be litigated away. The work continues.

TOMORROW. Black California's Governor Candidate Forum. 8 confirmed candidates: Butch Ware, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Ramsey Robinson, & Nancy Young. April 29 · 6pm PT · Virtual · Free Register: https://bit.ly/4cxzUQB #GovernorCandidateForum

Black freedom is about access and opportunity. It’s the ability to move through the world without barriers shaping what’s possible.

California’s gubernatorial candidates will answer directly to Black voters. Virtual · Free · Register now: https://bit.ly/4cxzUQB Black Freedom Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not support or oppose any candidate for public office.

We partnered with the California Community Foundation to launch the Black LA Relief and Recovery Fund to ensure a community-led and equitable recovery for all of Dena. $3.6M distributed. 37 orgs supported. The work continues. Donate to support the ongoing recovery: https://bit.ly/43aNYv7

More than a year after the Eaton Fire, most Black homeowners in Altadena are still unable to rebuild due to insurance disputes, delayed permits, and contractor issues. “History has a word for this process, and it’s called displacement” - Lisa Odigie, Altadena housing advocate https://yhoo.it/48DzhCu

We’re proud to support @DemocracyFund’s #AllByApril campaign to ensure the nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations protecting our elections get the resources they need – early. Democracy can’t wait, and neither can those defending it. Learn more at allbyapril.org

What does Black Freedom mean to you? We're asking this question because the answer isn't singular. Black Freedom looks different depending on where you're standing, and every definition matters. Drop yours in the comments.

To us, Black freedom is about having the power to make and shape the rules that impact us everyday; to ensure we have the tools to be the architects of our futures; and to secure the things Black people need and deserve to live with dignity, safety, opportunity, and power.

BFF is proud to be an enduring institution for the racial justice movement. This work is about making sure our communities have the infrastructure and resources to win power for the long term.

Minnesota organizers and journalists have been on the frontlines of a federal immigration enforcement crisis. Philanthropy has a critical role to play in ensuring local leaders have what they need both in moments of crisis and for the long haul. fundblackfreedom.org/navigating-c...

"We owe [young people] the chance to wonder, to wander, to be bored on a Tuesday afternoon with nothing asked of them but their own becoming. Joy is not a retreat from justice; it is the very thing justice is supposed to make possible." drtorie.substack.com/p/leadership...

In a victory for our partners at Altadena for Accountability, AG Bonta launched a civil rights investigation into the Eaton Fire response in West Altadena – examining if discrimination contributed to the devastating delays in evacuation alerts & emergency resources. www.latimes.com/california/s...

The Playbook: Culture, Capital & Community Power, was a powerful gathering of cultural leaders, policymakers & movement builders. The key takeaway? The fight for racial justice is legacy work and it demands all of us to commit to the long game. fundblackfreedom.org/the-playbook/

🎉 Congratulations to our friend and colleague Marc Philpart, CEO of @blackfreedomfund.bsky.social, who was named to TIME's 2026 "Closers" list for his bold vision and leadership in driving measurable progress toward closing racial equity gaps and shaping a more just future. time.com/collections/...

We're proud to support the Empowerment Congress as it presents a voter education forum featuring candidates running for California Governor during its 34th Annual Summit this Saturday, January 17, 2026. Register and learn more here: bit.ly/3NaG5Qj

Catalyst stands with 30 CA foundations to oppose changes to the "Public Charge" rule ➡️ The Dept of Homeland Security is proposing changes that would create widespread confusion and fear for immigrants and mixed-status families around accessing public benefits that exist to support their well-being.

Following last month's mass shooting, Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs joined several advocacy and nonprofit groups to launch the Heal Stockton Fund. BFF is proud to be an initial investor supporting both immediate and longterm recovery needs in the community. www.sacbee.com/news/local/a...

Your dollars fuel pooled, community-rooted grantmaking across California—multi-year support, statewide reach, accountable results. Help us build long-term power and give today to invest in a better future for all. Donate now: bit.ly/bffdonation

📆  December 15 at 7 PM 📍  Bram Goldsmith Theater Join us for “SOUL OF THE HOLIDAYS,” a joyful night of Motor City soul, gospel, and holiday classics — all in support of the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund. Get your tickets: thewallis.org/show-details...

In a profile for University of Washington's alumni magazine, our President and CEO, Marc Philpart highlighted how BFF is supporting grassroots movements that are advancing racial justice, democracy, and community development across California. magazine.washington.edu/feature/thro...

Major shoutout to our partners at Hill-Snowden Foundation for launching their Protect, Block, and Build initiative! In this pivotal moment for our country and our sector, when hard-won gains for justice are being rolled back, it is powerful to see philanthropy step up with bold leadership.

2024 was a defining year for Black Freedom Fund and the communities we serve. In a year marked by both challenge and transformation, we invested in the leaders, organizations, and movements shaping California’s future. Read more in our 2024 Impact Report: fundblackfreedom.org/2024-impact-...

"History will remember that the smart money wasn’t afraid—it was bold and invested with clarity, courage, and conviction." Retreating from DEI is bad for business and communities. And despite some political opposition, racial equity work is not illegal. fortune.com/2025/08/05/s...

“Racial justice is not an empty catchphrase. It’s about people flourishing, and it’s about people living lives that are filled with opportunity and promise versus peril and threat.” Read more from our feature in @insidephilanthropy.com: www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/inside-...

🎙️ This Black Philanthropy Month, Marc Philpart of @blackfreedomfund.bsky.social reminds us: racial justice needs long-term investment. Progress is under attack—now is the time to stay the course. 🎧 Listen to the new Break Fake Rules episode wherever you get podcasts

This #BlackPhilanthropyMonth, we celebrate a milestone: BFF's transition from an initiative to an institution. By resourcing and strengthening the ecosystem of Black-serving and Black power-building organizations, we’re investing in a future where our communities lead, decide, and thrive.

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 cohort of the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program. Join us in congratulating Mark-Anthony, Shimica, and Martin! Learn more about Chinedu Okobi, the program, and this year’s cohort of movement leaders: fundblackfreedom.org/okobi-sabbat...

We condemn the attacks on equity in schools, and we're proud to stand with other philanthropic leaders to protect the progress we’ve made for California’s boys and men of color. cafundersforbmoc.org/our-collecti...

ICYMI: The State of Black California report is available! The town hall series brought together legislators and Black Californians to discuss the future of Black life and reparations. fundblackfreedom.org/from-san-die...

Congratulations to our longtime partners California Black Freedom Fund now officially @blackfreedomfund.bsky.social - California’s first Black community foundation and the largest pooled fund in the U.S. for Black-serving organizations. Learn more: www.fundblackfreedom.org.

Bay Area!: Join our partners at Ella Baker Center for a community conversation on July 26. Featured speakers include Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, Ella Baker Center Action Fund's Marlene Sanchez, and Sister Warriors Action Fund's Amika Mota. Register here: heyor.ca/n5Jd5R