The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CariPhilAlliance) Board members attended the inaugural CariPhilAlliance Board Convening with stakeholders in Puerto Rico for 2024. They also participated in a Racial Equity Builders Dialogue (REBIA), a collaborative effort by the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), Casey Family Programs, the MacArthur Foundation, the San Francisco Foundation, The California Endowment, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Susan Taylor Batten, CEO of the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), and Dr. Nelson I. Colón Tarrats, President & CEO of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, were the primary conveners of REBIA. Its core objective was to establish and strengthen a network of Afro-descendant leaders capable of influencing public policy initiatives in the Americas.
Ms. Taylor Batten, also the Vice President of CariPhilAlliance, emphasized the importance of collaboration and solidarity with the Black communities of the Caribbean and Latin America. She acknowledged the crucial role of U.S. African Americans and Blacks who have been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights, standing in solidarity with others throughout the world.
Over two days, presenters explored how Afro-descendant leaders within the philanthropic sector can unite in solidarity. This comes as world events and movements dismantle structures that have historically held Black communities together. The gathering also examined the evolving landscape of the global Black Lives Matter movement within the Caribbean and Latin America. Key discussions centered on strategies for maintaining momentum and amplifying support for anti-racist movements in the United States and across the Americas.
CariPhilAlliance Board members, Advisory Group Members, and the CEO participated in stimulating dialogues alongside Black/Afro-descendant leaders and allies. Later, they collectively explored how race, equity, and inclusion play a crucial role in shaping and influencing the Caribbean’s current mission.
CariPhilAlliance members acknowledged the unique potential of the Alliance platform. Its’ platform can facilitate breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and amplifying voices that may have been historically marginalized. As part of future strategy discussions, the link between racial equity and sustainable development was emphasized. Future strategies should include fostering inclusivity, pursuing a collective approach and leveraging expertise and philanthropic resources to tackle racial equity issues.
The CariPhilAlliance concluded it would engage in future policy discussions like REBIA. They will strategize with stakeholders on their role in influencing systemic change and contributing to developing policies that address racial disparities. The CPA is committed to fostering critical conversations and empowering Black/Afro-descendant leaders as they work towards a more just and equitable future.
