After the world watched the summer of 2020 erupt in protest, we all felt that collective gasp of hope. The cries for justice and equality echoed through our streets, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed like institutions were finally ready to put their money where their mouth was. Corporations and nonprofits alike rolled out pledges, vowing to invest in Black-led organizations, to amplify our voices and strengthen our communities. But here we are, years later, left with that same old disappointment — the funds promised have largely dried up, and those initial commitments feel more like a transactional gesture than a real investment in our future.
We stood on the precipice of change, buoyed by a wave of solidarity that was long overdue. But as the dust settled and the world moved on to the next news cycle, it became painfully clear that many of those promises were as ephemeral as the headlines that sparked them. Black nonprofits, which are often the backbone of our community support systems, expected sustainable partnerships and meaningful funding. Instead, they found themselves struggling to keep their doors open as the resources evaporated, leaving them to navigate the harsh realities of a post-reckoning world.
These organizations have tirelessly worked to uplift our community, providing essential services, advocating for our rights, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. They know our struggles and celebrate our triumphs, yet they were left scrambling for crumbs from tables that were willing to serve us after our outcry but are now only offering temporary handouts. The transactional nature of this funding is not just disappointing; it’s downright disrespectful. It underlines a sad truth — that many in power are more comfortable with performative allyship than with investing in the ongoing work that our communities desperately need.
As we reflect on the promises made and the realities we face, we need to amplify our calls for accountability. It’s not enough to show up and take a selfie at a protest. Real change requires sustained commitment, and that means not just funding projects but also fostering relationships built on trust and mutual support. We need to hold these organizations and corporations responsible for their pledges. We deserve long-term partnerships that honor the depth of our cultural contributions and recognize our capacity to lead.
This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect. We’ve always known that our work is worth it, and now it’s time for the rest of the world to recognize that too. The fight for equity doesn’t end with a single donation or a viral moment. We won’t settle for anything less than the transformative support our community has always deserved. Let’s make sure the next time someone makes a promise, they know we’ll be watching, and we won’t let them forget.
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