By: Quinn Delaney, Founder and Board Chair of Akonadi Foundation and Ray Colmenar, President of Akonadi Foundation
On October 10, 2025, we were honored to gather with our colleagues in philanthropy at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) to celebrate Power and Progress—a milestone marking 25 years of advancing racial justice in Oakland and beyond. The afternoon was a joyful and reflective gathering, filled with familiar faces, powerful conversations, lively musical performances, and deep gratitude for all who have contributed to Akonadi’s journey. It was also an important reminder to all of us in the philanthropic sector of the important role we play in creating a more just and inclusive society, particularly in this moment.
As we looked back, we were reminded of where this work began. In the aftermath of California’s Proposition 21, young people of color across the state rose up to challenge policies that sought to criminalize them. Their courage became the spark for Akonadi’s creation, and continues to guide its purpose: to stand shoulder to shoulder with movements transforming our communities and imagining a more just future.
Today, that vision remains as vital as ever. In a world reshaped by the pandemic and an ever-evolving political climate, Akonadi has listened closely to its partners and renewed its commitment to investing in the leaders, organizations, and movements that are fighting for freedom and liberation. As Wayne shared, “We could not have imagined the breadth and depth of the work that would grow from those early seeds. The fight for justice is ongoing, and we are here for the fight.”
And it is clear that the fight is upon us. Now more than ever, we are called to lean into the promise of what this country, this world could be — with racial justice as our moral compass. While racial justice has become akin to a third rail, as Maurice Mitchell reminded us, “third rails are powerful, and if you can harness the power of the third rail, you can harness great power.” As funders, we were reminded that this is not the time to be skittish or cautious. Now is the time for philanthropy to make the big bets and make it hurt. Because the cost of losing the fight for our future is too great.
As we lean into the fight for our future, we cannot forget the role that artists and culture bearers will play because, as Jenn Johns notes, “artists are responsible for how you imagine what is possible.”
So what does this future world look like? What does it mean for all young people and their families to find belonging and have the opportunity to dream and flourish? Throughout the Power and Progress event, we were inspired to imagine a different world by performances from local artists, such as the soulful acoustics of CO-LLAB Choir’s rendition of “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free.” As we lean into the fight for our future, we cannot forget the role that artists and culture bearers will play because, as Jenn Johns notes, “artists are responsible for how you imagine what is possible.” That is why since its founding, Akonadi has centered arts and culture as a critical strategy to building a racially just Oakland.
As we reflect on how we move forward, Heather McGhee’s words resonated deeply with all of us: “Now is the time to reclaim your power and give your gifts,” she urged. “When we do the work we are meant to do—with the people who make us feel powerful and connected—we create a force field of possibility.” It is this force field of possibility that urges us to continue to invest deeply in the people and places, making lasting change.
We move forward with a shared sense of love—for Oakland, for community, and for the ongoing struggle toward liberation and belonging. Akonadi’s story is one of persistence, partnership, and care: a belief that when we invest in people and imagination, transformation follows.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for being part of this celebration, and for walking with us in this work. Together, we will continue to build the future Oakland deserves.
