The losses of George Floyd in June and Breonna Taylor in March have revived international conversation on the epidemic of racial injustice. Despite heightened consciousness, reading lists circulating on social media platforms, petitions, and enlightened discussion on intersectionality, Black lives continue to be taken. Rayshard Brooks. Tony McDade. Cornelius Fredericks.

Black lives matter. We at Karam Foundation believe that everyone regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or any orientation has the right to live a life without fear. But platitudes alone are not enough. The systematic oppression and disenfranchisement of Black people requires tangible action and strong leadership. We are contributing 10% of the proceeds from our World Refugee Day virtual benefit to the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHMC). Totaling $8265 for each organization, these funds show our support of these organizations dedicated to investing in the next generation of Black leaders.

My Block, My Hood, My City introduces students from under-resourced neighborhoods to STEAM-based fields, the culinary arts, healthcare, community development, and entrepreneurism. They provide community members peace grants to alleviate violence, assistance in opening bank accounts, financial literacy courses, small business and coronavirus relief funds, and more. The Inner-City Muslim Action Network, like MBMHMC is also active in the Chicago community. Their holistic initiatives are targeted towards revitalizing the conditions of inner-city communities by offering health care, programs for returning citizens and youth from underserved populations, advocacy, and  artistic expression. Through their dedication to both youth and the broader community, both MBMHMC and IMAN show what can be accomplished when strong leadership shows up.

Karam Foundation is led by committed, visionary members who have pushed past archetypal notions of what nonprofits are supposed to look like. We did not do it alone. Fighting for the unalienable right to dignity is a difficult battle. It is one that we all have a stake in and the privilege to support. We are a single movement for justice. Though we were brought together by different causes, we stand together. 

We cannot dismantle systematic oppression for ourselves, for others, and for us all without organizations that support just causes. It will take more than one lone organization to manifest change in communities. Now more than ever we need to take to heart the gravity of the non-profits, NGOs, and strong leadership leaning on each other. We must look past our surface-level differences and act together through partnerships, joint fundraising, and other projects. The time for words has passed. We must act now.