In celebration of Black History Month, CompassPoint staff members, organized by our Operations Coordinator, Jasmine Hall, have been taking time this February to learn more about the lives of Black activists and artists with ties to our home base of Oakland. These individuals, some of whom we were familiar with and others who were new to us, have all contributed to building racial and social justice in the Oakland community and beyond. We've learned a lot and thought you, too, might be interested in learning more about these champions for equity. (Note: the bios have been excerpted from Wikipedia and websites associated with the individuals.)
 

How do some structures at nonprofit organizations make it harder for people of color to thrive and survive? In this open letter to other POC leaders, Project Director Lupe Poblano explores how patriarchal, white dominant structures that prioritize hierarchy and productivity fail to support community, connection, and the ability to bring our authentic selves to work. 
 

In our blog this week, Project Coordinator Kad Smith explores the ways in which individuals can contribute to change by exercising influence, even without positional authority and the power and privilege that often go along with it. Do you agree with Kad?