Resisting Authoritarianism: How Donors of Color Can Support a Free Democracy
Authoritarianism will always flourish when a society refuses to address issues that are deemed to be “cultural” or “identity-based”. Falsely conceding racial justice to be an issue separate from democracy will only serve to hasten democracy’s erosion.
The dangers of American authoritarianism have always been present, but their overt codification in policy seems to be more acute than ever. Accordingly, the call to mobilize is increasingly urgent – not only in response but in proactive leadership against fascism and towards a future of equity and thriving for all. Join us as we dig into our opportunity – and our mandate – as donors of color to help fortify the fight.
Join Donors of Color Network for a conversation on resisting authoritarianism, where we will hear from experts about how we got to this point and what we can do to continue mobilizing to meet the moment and safeguard democracy.
Topics discussed will include:
- Insight into authoritarian tactics, from long-term investment in law and policy to grassroots movement building to media takeover
- A renewed understanding of how authoritarianism affects communities of color in this current context
- A spotlight on ongoing efforts that build power and confront fascism
- An exploration of the role that donors and philanthropic leaders of color can play in supporting progressive efforts to promote justice in today’s political landscape
About the speakers:
Andrea L. Alford is the Director of External Affairs at Media Matters for America where she drives strategic partnerships and initiatives, and utilizes MMFA’s research and published content to help drive impact and policy change. Andrea focuses on a variety of topics including the spread of dis- and misinformation and their disproportionate impact on people of color – specifically Black women. Prior to joining Media Matters, Andrea was PR specialist at Sunshine Sachs’ Washington, D.C. office where she focused on racial justice and social impact issues, working with organizations and companies including the NAACP, Women’s March, Netflix, HBO, ESPN, Women’s Equality Center, March of Dimes, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and more. Andrea also worked in media relations and communications departments for the ACLU, National Abortion Federation, NAACP, PowerPAC, and The U.S. House of Representatives.
Isabelle H. Leighton is the Executive Director at Donors of Color Network. She is a cross-racial first-generation American with decades of experience in social justice fundraising, community organizing, business development, urban planning, and fighting antidemocratic forces. Isabelle is a visionary leader working to unify communities and organize the power of people of color to establish a truly feminist, multi-racial democracy and create a future we all deserve to live in.
Scot Nakagawa is a political strategist and organizer with over four decades of experience exploring questions of structural racism, white supremacy, and social justice. He is the co-founder and director of the 22nd Century Initiative, a national strategy and action hub building power at the intersection of opposition to authoritarianism and expanding democratic governance in the U.S.
Tarso Luís Ramos is an experienced social justice leader who has been investigating and challenging right-wing, anti-democratic movements for 25 years. He was the executive director of Political Research Associates, a leading national think tank that supports social justice leaders with strategic analysis of white nationalists, the Christian Right, economic libertarians, and other organized opponents of social and economic justice. At PRA, Tarso launched major initiatives on antisemitism, misogyny, authoritarianism, White nationalism, and other threats to democracy. His work has been featured in The Guardian, The New York Times, and Time Magazine, among other outlets. He is now the Principal at Paraset Advisory.
