The Center on Community Philanthropy at the Clinton School of Public Service announced The Descendants of the Elaine Massacre of 1919 and L&J Empowerment as the recipients of the 2024 Advancing Equity Award on Thursday, February 8.
The gala was held at the Clinton Presidential Center and celebrated the National Day of Racial Healing.
Rev. Alvin Herring, Executive Director of Faith in Action and the Center on Community Philanthropy’s Distinguished Scholar in Racial Healing Practice, delivered remarks as part of the event.
The Advancing Equity Award is now in its seventh year and is presented annually to organizations using innovative solutions to address racial inequalities in their communities and advance progress toward inclusion. Nearly 50 organizations and individuals from across the country submitted letters of interest for the 2024 Advancing Equity Award.
The National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity for people, organizations, and communities across the country to call for racial healing, bring people together in their common humanity, and take collective action to create a more just and equitable world. It is a part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort – a national and community-based process to plan for and bring about transformational and sustainable change, and to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism.
Launched in 2007, the Center on Community Philanthropy at the Clinton School of Public Service was created to focus its teaching, research, and policy-making exclusively on the emerging field of community philanthropy, the idea of giving and sharing time, talent, and treasure from within one’s own community.
About The Descendants of the Elaine Massacre of 1919 (Elaine, Ark.)
The Descendants of the Elaine Massacre of 1919 is committed to shining a light on history, and has been at the forefront of transformative community work. Heading initiatives to tackle disparities in housing, health, and education, they’ve made significant strides in uplifting their community. Their collective dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment was instrumental in the election of its founder, Lisa Hicks Gilbert, as the first Black and elected female mayor, marking a historic milestone in their mission to honor the legacy of the Elaine Massacre in Elaine, Arkansas.
About L&J Empowerment (Atlanta, Ga.)
L&J Empowerment has masterfully harnessed adversity, pioneering change and breaking down systemic barriers to foster resilience and opportunity. Their innovative initiatives across communities have illuminated paths toward empowerment while transforming the narrative around equity and healing. Recognized for their dedication and impact, this group’s efforts have touched over 3 million lives, turning everyday spaces like barbershops into sanctuaries of support around mental health.
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