Racial Equity
New data highlights the persistent impact of racial discrimination on the life outcomes of many children in the United States. Brandeis University’s Child Opportunity Index 3.0 reveals the close connection between racial and ethnic inequities. It also highlights the disparities experienced by children residing in the same metropolitan areas but growing up in very different neighborhoods. Supported by WKKF, this index delves into key measures such as education, health and the environment, in addition to various social and economic factors. As covered in a recent USA Today article, an accompanying index report reveals how children in the nation’s largest metro areas experience major disparities in opportunities.
The Giiwedinong Treaty Rights & Culture Museum is Minnesota’s first museum devoted to the Indigenous perspective on treaty rights, environmental justice and culture. The museum plans host to a variety of community events, including those aimed at breaking down racial barriers. In this newly released video, Giiwedinong museum co-curator and WKKF Solidarity Council on Racial Equity member Winona LaDuke describes the museum’s role in elevating a renaissance of the Anishinaabe people: their cultural practices, values and ethics, economic systems, art and ways of healing.
Mississippi
Erica Thompson, founder of WKKF grantee Magnolia Medical Foundation, was recognized as one of WJTV’s Remarkable Women of Mississippi for her contributions to providing preventive health services to high-risk and underserved individuals and communities. Thompson has opened multiple clinics across Mississippi, offering cost-effective care focused on prevention, with a commitment to tackling social and environmental determinants of health.
Michigan
Community Action Agency of Southcentral Michigan, a Battle Creek-based grantee, is celebrating a milestone. One hundred people have successfully completed their Child Development Associate credential, part of the Early Childhood Career Pathway Program. This innovative approach provides well-trained professionals for the talent pipeline of early childhood care and education providers in the city.
Education
Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS), a grantee and partner in WKKF’s hometown, has expanded the Bearcat Advantage scholarship to include 15 private colleges and universities in Michigan. A new partnership with the Michigan College Alliance will make up the difference between private college and university tuition costs and what the Bearcat Advantage covers for public colleges and universities in Michigan and Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. This will expand opportunities available to BCPS graduates.
New Orleans
WKKF’s I Am New Orleans initiative took home three Gold ADDY Awards and a Best of Show Award for our community-inspired murals at the 2024 American Advertising Awards in New Orleans. The murals were created by local artist Jade Meyers and were informed by community listening sessions. Those sessions resulted in vibrant representations of the Gentilly and Lower 9th Ward neighborhoods, people and culture. The murals, produced by our partner Spears Group, will go on to compete with winners from other local chapters in one of 15 district competitions. Several WKKF grantee campaigns also took home ADDY awards at the March 1 ceremony, including Hope Credit Union, Covenant House, Grow Dat and Agenda for Children.
