Photo credit: Oaklandside
Akonadi Foundation stands in solidarity with our community to defend the rights of all people to live in safety and dignity. We are appalled to witness our community members violently separated from their loved ones as immigration agents target and raid sanctuary cities here in the Bay Area and across the country. Moreover, as peaceful protesters speak up for justice across the country, they are met with unnecessary military force by our federal government, and nonprofits are now being threatened with investigations for advocating and serving immigrant communities. This type of authoritarian abuse of power has no place in our multiracial democracy and must be challenged.
This flagrant disregard for basic human rights is rooted in white supremacy and racism and part of a concerted effort to roll back decades of progress towards a more perfect union. It is incumbent on all of us to speak up, to use our voice and our power to advocate for the America we believe in — one of possibility, one of belonging, one of justice for all. We are proud to stand with our nonprofit and philanthropic partners across the Bay Area, California, and the nation, who are fighting back, refusing to be cowed by illegal and unjustified military force and threats of government actions.
In this moment of crisis, Akonadi remains unwavering in our commitment to build a racially just Oakland. We strive to ensure every individual, regardless of race or immigration status, finds belonging and has the opportunity to dream and flourish. We reject the fear being used to further a divisive agenda that unfairly targets immigrants and people of color. We also reject the fear being used to stop organizations from serving the movement and resourcing our communities’ needs.
We have joined the Unite in Advance coalition to protect our freedom to express ourselves and our freedom to give to community members as an expression of our values. Read the joint philanthropy statement here and consider signing on with your institution.
