Solidarity is Power: How Donors Can Build, Block and Protect for a Multi-racial Democracy

With just 60 days until Election Day, it is crucial for us to  prepare for any and all results of the election. There are a variety of tactics that we can use to accomplish our goal of a multi-racial democracy: from building power for BIPOC communities through policy, advocacy and grassroots efforts, to blocking attempts to dismantle the hard fought rights we have won, to protecting existing democratic institutions. To achieve a just and equitable future where Black, Indigenous, and all communities of color can thrive fully in a joyful society free from violence and systemic racism, we must employ a cross-racial, cross-class, multi-pronged strategy. 

Join Donors of Color Action in a conversation with leaders who will share their powerful stories and insights into their work on-the-ground. We’ll also share a number of different ways for you to support this critical work – including DOCN’s 50-state racial justice power building strategy Solidarity is Power.

About the Speakers

Marcus Bass

Executive Director for Advance North Carolina‍

Marcus Bass currently serves as Executive Director for Advance North Carolina, a political strategy organization based in Raleigh, NC. He also holds the title of Deputy Director for the North Carolina Black Alliance, an organization serving as an intergovernmental advocate for historically black institutions of faith, education, and civic service across the state. Born and raised in Sampson County, Marcus began his professional career as a statewide organizer serving in various capacities including stints at Common Cause, the North Carolina Association of Educators, and Democracy North Carolina.

Sindy Marisol Benavides

President and CEO of Latino Victory

Sindy Marisol Benavides is the President and CEO of Latino Victory, a progressive organization dedicated to building Latino political power at the local, state, and federal levels. Sindy is a recognized national civil rights leader deeply committed to uplifting the voices of vulnerable and underserved populations. With nearly two decades in the non-profit sector, Sindy has helped build organizations to scale from the bottom up through strategy development, governance, communication, partnerships, and outreach.

Holli L. Holliday, Esq.

President, Sisters Lead Sisters Vote

‍Holli L. Holliday, Esq. currently serves as the president of Sisters Lead Sisters Vote (SLSV), a 501(c) 4 organization, founded by Black women, to expand Black women’s leadership, voices & politics. Holli has managed or advised over 300 campaigns, as a campaign manager, leading political programs, or as a consultant. Because of her expertise in equity and inclusion strategies, she is at her best when connecting people and transforming spaces to cultivate authentic leadership. Through SLSV, she works tirelessly to amplify Black women’s voices; advance Black women’s political leadership; and expand Black women’s opportunities.

Jonel Edwards Mickles

Co-Executive Director of Dream Defenders

Jonel Edwards Mickles is a 33 year older leader in the community power building organization, Dream Defenders. Originally from Miramar, Florida by way of Jamaica, Jonel entered the world of activism after the murder of Trayvon Martin, putting together marches on her college campus at the University Of Florida. During that time Jonel became politicized and involved with the Dream Defenders on her campus becoming a chapter leader. Over the past 11 years Jonel has gone from campus member, organizer, youth organizer, Wildfire Project trainer, Training & Membership Development Director, to Co Executive Director for the Dream Defenders where she plays an important role in the evolution and strategy of the Dream Defenders organization. Jonel has also been heavily influenced by the work of her siblings across the globe, from Palestine, to Brasil, to South Africa and beyond who have demonstrated what collective work towards liberation must look like! "This work has transformed me, everyday I rediscover my voice, my power, my dignity, and my community."

lola n’sangou

Executive Director of Mass Liberation Arizona

lola n’sangouc is the Executive Director of Mass Liberation Arizona, a powerful grassroots organization building a movement for abolition in the nation's 5th most incarcerated state. Lola has been organizing to change the criminal punishment system since she was incarcerated from 2003 to 2014. She is also a Reimagining Communities Fellow with the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls and an Electoral Justice Project fellow with Movement for Black Lives. Lola approaches her leadership as an abolitionist, a thinker, mother, activist, Black feminist, and Muslim.