“2018 is poised to be transformational” - A Recap of #UniquelyCalifornia: Race + Politics Now
2017 showed us that California is ready to lead the nation in stopping this rising tide of race-based hatred, and that we’re not alone. An intersectional group of people are pushing beyond the resistance and focused on systemic change.
2018 is the year that we push beyond resisting Trumpism. This political moment is calling on us to orient our work towards solutions to address the racial inequities right here in our own backyard. It’s time to focus on the transformational, not the transactional.
In California, our multi-racial community of progressive advocates and social justice entrepreneurs is one of our greatest assets. Therefore, it was time for us to host our first State of the State, which was themed “Uniquely California,” to celebrate the distinctly progressive ecosystem of advocates committed to pushing the conversation around race and politics forward. It was a packed room of some of the brightest, most passionate social justice leaders and entrepreneurs in California.
The bottom line: 2018 is already shaping up to be a game-changing year. We live together in a too often silent social compact. Now, we’re living in pivotal times. We can no longer be silent. It’s time we imagine what the next California will be, and join hands as we make that vision come to life.
Read on to see what the evening had in store.
Wendy Killian, Managing Director of Organizational Development at Advancement Project California, kicks off the program to a room of nearly 250 attendees
Congresswoman Karen Bass took the stage to welcome the audience and offer the political context about the challenges ahead.
“After electing the first African American president, we realized that gaining power did not fundamentally change the structure of power.” –Congresswoman Karen Bass
Next, we had an all-star panel featuring leaders from the labor, organizing, arts and youth advocacy movement. We heard the diverse perspectives of leaders who are pushing the fight for racial justice forward in California and across the nation. Much of the energy and excitement was also captured online, check out some highlights from a few of our distinguished attendees.
We ended the evening by asking, what do YOU want to see as part of the NEXT California? What we saw left us feeling inspired and ready for the work ahead. Thanks for sharing this evening with us. Check out the full album of pictures HERE and tag a friend!
