Setting our intentions for 2024
As we enter 2024, I am reflecting on new beginnings. Beginnings signal possibility. They feel exciting and fresh — providing an opportunity to be present, focus, and set new paths forward.
At the same time, I’m learning that beginnings are not always about clearing the slate. As the principle of Sankofa reminds us, we look back on lessons from the past to make progress on the future — honoring both successes and challenges while gazing within to chart the year ahead.
After going through this reflection process myself, I’m beginning 2024 focused on one word: present. I want to be more present. Whether traveling to an unfamiliar city, zipping Beyblades with my son, proofreading college essays with my daughter, meeting with staff, or taking care of my mental and physical health, I simply want to be present. For me, this means being mindful (no multitasking!), actively listening, and extending grace to myself and our team at each new beginning.
Beginning together with intention
We, at the Black Future Co-op Fund, are also at the beginning of our journey as a new philanthropy created by and for Black Washingtonians. This past year, we took a collective look back at all we’ve heard from community in order to develop our strategic plan, defining four areas of impact on which to focus.
This plan casts our vision for connecting Black communities for collective power; promoting truthful Black narratives; investing in Black generational prosperity; and shifting the paradigm of philanthropy.
Building from early lessons
Through our first year together, we’ve learned that it’s okay to take time, slow down, and focus on creating a strong foundation. While we’re tending to relationships with one another and our community, we also must look closely at our operations and align them with our values.
In addition, we’ve learned that we’ve only scratched the surface of trust- and relationship-building with people, organizations, and groups throughout Washington — from the Olympic Peninsula and Yakima to Spokane and Bellingham. This past year we’ve been humbled and motivated by the wisdom, fortitude, and beauty of Black Washingtonians across the state as we work toward building a truly cooperative philanthropy.
Rooting ourselves in community
To this end, we’re committed to grounding our work in community wisdom. In curating the Black Well-being report, we’ve reached statewide to hear from a diversity of Black Washingtons about your visions and approaches to furthering Black generational wealth, health, and well-being. We've also been expanding our knowledge and network with We See You grants to Black-led organizations that are working in arts and culture, restorative healing, educational innovation, policy development, and more — all to further Black liberation.
Through our statewide listening tour, we’re meeting and learning from Black folks across Washington who are actively dismantling systems and serving our communities in ways that center Blackness. We’re hearing how each community is unique, yet all share the desire for connection, all want to support healing, and all need investment to build the capacity that mobilizes their visions. As we continue to broaden our reach beyond the Puget Sound area, we are looking for opportunities to connect Black-led efforts throughout Washington’s 39 counties.
Moving forward with you
We take your feedback to heart, and are integrating it into our priorities and plans as we begin 2024. We see you and hear you — and we need you to keep doing what you do best. Beyond Black Washingtonians, we also need our broader community to continue investing in this work. It is long-term, relationship-based, and essential. This endeavor requires all of us to be successful.
One thing I’m keeping in mind as we approach the work in 2024 is staying the course. We do not need to make huge shifts. In fact, most of what we have planned for this year continues to build on the work of the past three years.
As we move forward with presence and intention, we need your love, your grace, your action, and your input. So, here's to beginning the year with a clear vision and with who matters most: you, our community.
Will you join us in making 2024 the most impactful beginning yet?
In solidarity,
T’wina Nobles