Hope and Resilience for Black & Indigenous Communities
Authors: Roquel Crutcher, Director of Strategy, Advocacy and Impact
The transition of a new presidential administration is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history: a moment that simultaneously holds both promise and uncertainty as we await the next steps from campaign promises. For Black and Indigenous communities, this transition likely causes concern about policies and rhetoric that perpetuate and push forward existing systemic racism. Given this climate, what organizations committed to equity can do next feels uncertain.
Yet, in times of uncertainty, resilience flourishes, and change feels inevitable. If we face these challenges together, we have an opportunity to create a unique path forward grounded in hope, strength and economic justice. At Common Future, despite the climate in place, we remain deeply hopeful and committed to using our resources, time and platform to center the importance of community.
Centering Community & Well-Being as a Path Forward
For many, this transition fuels fear and concerns for the communities we serve. This transition also fuels our belief that adversity sparks innovation and thus, progress. Movements like Civil Rights and Indigenous-led land and water protection efforts remind us that even when we are faced with challenges, change is possible when we come together with vision, purpose, and determination. Today, changemakers across the nation are advancing solutions rooted in equity and sustainability. Their unwavering commitment to justice inspires our work and affirms our belief in the power of collective action.
In response to the challenges and opportunities of the moment, Common Future is excited to launch a first-of-its-kind Systems Change Coalition.
The coalition is housed in Common Future’s Advocacy Team, and consists of 30+ organizations committed to economic justice and providing institutional support for Black and Indigenous communities. The purpose of this coalition is to build a community and coordinate efforts and resources toward an economic system where Black and Indigenous voices are not just heard, but centered in policy processes and decisions.
Common Future believes that the only path to a more equitable future lies in the strength of our communities. History provides countless examples of the power of collective action. We believe that out of this coalition, our communities will be better supported and empowered to push forward internal and external systems change.
Our first meeting in January marked the beginning of a year-long journey to collaboratively identify priorities, share resources, and take bold steps toward systemic change. Each month, our community will meet to discuss a topic that supports the work being done at respective organizations and the simultaneous transition into deeper systems change work. We will then spend time in delegated focus groups to discuss current on-the-ground work for feedback and thought partnership. Examples of monthly topics include narrative case studies, a deep dive into federal vs state advocacy efforts, mental health and well-being, and the limitations of funding.
Our coalition represents 26 organizations across multiple regions of the U.S., and like their many communities, have widely differing needs. A Seattle, WA coalition member wanted to explore best practices for systems change beyond the west coast, while across the country, a member based in Winston-Salem, NC mentioned simply needing like minded individuals to share and collaborate ideas. Our hope is to achieve solutions to both these needs.
By centering the well-being of changemakers and prioritizing community-driven solutions, even when all seems dark, we can meaningfully work to build a future based on our shared values of justice, equity, and inclusion. By fostering this community, we uplift and amplify our collective efforts. We, as a Systems Change Coalition, know that we are not alone in this work. Together, we can confront the challenges ahead with resilience and determination. As we move forward, let us remember that change is not only possible, but inevitable when we stand united.
Sign ups for our Systems Change Coalition close for the year on Feb 20, 2025 in preparation for our next session on Feb 27, 2025. If you’re interested in joining, please email info@commonfuture.co.
Roquel Crutcher, Director of Strategy, Advocacy and Impact
As the Director of Strategy, Advocacy and Impact at Common Future, Roquel supports the team by designing and leading key bodies of work that build organizational power and influence, ultimately shifting policy, practices and resources in partnership with majority BIPOC communities. In her capacity, Roquel is in tune with organizational strategic priorities and ensures that Common Future is working in lock step with key partners to do more than we could otherwise do alone.