August is Black Philanthropy Month, a time to celebrate our rich history of communal giving and highlight the need for funding to help address community needs.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Vera New Orleans hosted an important conversation with partner organizations about the ways that philanthropy can take bold action to support social and criminal legal system reform in ways that result in positive change in Black and Brown communities.

Since 2006, Vera New Orleans has been reforming justice systems in partnership with New Orleans’ civic and community leaders. This year, in the face of overlapping pandemics exacerbated by structural racism, Vera New Orleans is helping government leaders and community advocates respond with immediate action. This is an equally opportune and challenging time across all social institutions and the need to act with urgency has never been more compelling.

We are joined by:

• Leaders from the Vera New Orleans team
• Flozell Daniels (Foundation for Louisiana)
• Dominque Johnson (Daughters Beyond Incarceration)
• Sebastian Johnson (Arnold Ventures)
• Lisa Maria Rhodes (ALAS)

During this critical time, community leaders around the country are continuing a centuries-old discussion about the role criminal legal system should play in advancing the health and wellness of our communities.