FEBRUARY 2018
President’s Note
A Message from Susan...
Dear Colleagues,
 
I hope your 2018 is off to a great start and I bring you warm greetings during this  #BlackHistoryMonth !

It is an interesting time in the foundation sector. We have more “advocates” on racial equity than ever before. The rhetoric out of Washington, D.C. may be fueling some of this activity, and there are those who might be in it just for the money. However, I have met more colleagues over the last several months who are genuinely trying to figure out how to help this country become a more equitable place for all.

Our recent experiences working with new partners reinforces our position at ABFE: far too many people lack a full understanding of this country’s history as it relates to racial inequity. It is important that stewards of billions of dollars of capital understand our past to help build a brighter future. As we celebrate Black History month, we want the sector to grapple with why it exists—the accurate histories of Black and indigenous populations of this country have been downplayed, rewritten or wiped away. In a world where race is not a predictor of advantage or disadvantage, we wouldn’t need to carve out one month to “recognize” a particular population’s accomplishments. While I love activities in February, I’ll take the full liberation and freedom of Black people over a “celebration month” any day.
 
Let me also take a moment to thank our members and friends. We remain inspired by all that you do; Member News is designed to share some of your stories.

Recently we announced the dates for our 2018 national convening, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,”  taking place  April 14 – 16 in Memphis, Tennessee.  If you haven’t already, please visit our new site  ABFE-CONFERENCE.ORG  for registration, updates and more. You don’t want to miss out on the largest gathering of Black professionals in philanthropy. And I do hope to see you all in Memphis this April!
Susan Taylor Batten
President and CEO, ABFE
Member Notes
What's Happening at ABFE
ABFE Conference 

Early bird registration for ABFE's 2018  “The Fierce Urgency of Now”  conference is now open!

Register today at ABFE-CONFERENCE.ORG and stay tuned for program announcements!
Featured Members
What's Happening with our Members
News in the Field
What's Happening in Philanthropy
Reception honoring local Black Foundation Leaders
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, February 13

Hosted by African American Legacy and Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy

List of honorees:
Angelique Powers
President & Board Member, Field Foundation (an ABFE Philanthropic Institutional Member)

Sharon Bush
Executive Director, Grand Victoria Foundation (an ABFE Philanthropic Institutional Member)

Shelley A. Davis
President, Forest Preserve Foundation

Dr. Na’ilah Suad Nasir
President, Spencer Foundation

Dr. Helene D. Gayle 
President & CEO, Chicago Community Trust (an ABFE Philanthropic Institutional Member)

Monique Jones (an ABFE Philanthropic Individual Member)
President & CEO, Evanston Community Foundation

Patricia E. Ford (an ABFE Philanthropic Individual Member)  
Executive Director, Steans Family Foundation

Tovah McCord 
Foundation Director, Chicago Blackhawks Foundation

For more details, contact info@caaip.org or visit www.caaip.org.
ABFE's Susan Taylor Batten to Speak at Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees National Convening on Wednesday, February 28.

GCIR will hold its 2018 National Convening in Los Angeles, CA on February 27 - March 2, 2018. The conference will explore a wide range of issues facing immigrants and refugees at this critical juncture-and how diverse grantmakers across the country are responding.

ABFE's President and CEO Susan Taylor Batten will participate in a panel, "Racial Equity in America: Where Do Immigrant and Refugee Children and Families Stand?", on Wednesday, February 28.
Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation Taps Three New Trustees

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation recently welcomed three new directors—Ashleigh Gardere, Micah Gilmer and Karama Neal—whose term started in January 2018.
Dr. Jack Thomas, President of Western Illinois University, Joins Marguerite Casey Foundation as a Trustee

The Marguerite Casey Foundation recently announced its new trustees, including Dr. Jack Thomas (President, Western Illinois University), whose term started in January 2018.
ICYMI
In Case You Missed It...
Sign up to view Black Social Change Funders Network's recent webinar  "Saving Our Democracy: Philanthropy's Role in Protecting and Building Black Political Power"
Also, check out ABFE Board Chair Kenneth M. Jones' though-provoking essay  "The Business Case for Investing in Black Led Organizations for Social Change"
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New York, NY 10004
Main Number: 646.392.9877
Email: info@abfe.org

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