It’s no secret that there is a need for deep, intentional healing to thoughtfully address and atone for the history of racism in the United States. But how? How do we repair the harm – economic, physical and psychological — caused to Black lives by slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, police brutality and other manifestations of systemic racism? And what is the role of philanthropy in moving this conversation forward? This series seeks to demystify the possibility of reparations. Using specific examples from philanthropy to nonprofits to community organizing, participants will leave this session with tools on how to evaluate their reparations efforts as well as better understand what role we each play in making them happen now. Join us as explore the realities and implications behind these questions and seek to identify a path towards racial healing. 

In this session, we will: 

• Seek to define reparations and reparative action  

• Dig into the precedented history of reparations within the United States   

• Grapple with the meaning and implications of a reparative framework (specifically in the context of philanthropy)

Facilitator

J Mase III

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J Mase III is a Black/Trans/queer poet and educator based in Seattle by way of Philly. As an educator, Mase has worked with community members in the US, UK and Canada on the needs of LGBTQIA+ folks, racial justice and moving towards reparations in spaces such as K-12 schools, universities, faith communities and restricted care facilities. He is the founder of awQward, the first trans and queer people of color talent agency. Passionate about moving resources to the people, he has taught Reparations Frameworks to community members around the US, has helped to move over $1.3 million to Black Trans-led projects and individuals in the last year, and serves on the advisory board of a Black-led funding organization.

J Mase is author of "And Then I Got Fired: One Transqueer’s Reflections on Grief, Unemployment & Inappropriate Jokes About Death" as well as "White Folks Be Trippin’: An Ethnography Through Poetry & Prose and Josephine: a Trans story of biblical proportions." He is the head writer for the theatrical production Black Bois. His work has been featured on MSNBC, Essence Live, Everyday Feminism, Black Girl Dangerous, the New York Times, Buzzfeed, Blavity, the Root, the Huffington Post, TEDx and more. Winner of a Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Non-Fiction and a Creative Capital Award, he is co-director of the forthcoming documentary "The Black Trans Prayer Book" and is finishing his latest solo work, "Is Your God a Violent God? Finding a Theology for Survivors."

Who Should Attend?

The Shift: Moving Philanthropy Towards Reparative Action series is open to any funder/grantmaking organization/individual donor who has a personal or organizational interest in learning more about reparative action. For the most optimal experience and holistic understanding, participants are strongly encouraged to commit to attending both the first and last sessions at a minimum. If the price of the event is a barrier to attending please reach out to Danielle Crystal.

Accessibility

Philanthropy Northwest strives to make our events accessible to everyone. On these calls, we offer closed captioning and speakers give physical descriptions of themselves in their introductions. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Taylor Coats.

Please contact Taylor Coats with any questions.