Welcome to Season Five of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast! 

On the season premiere of Momentum, we had the privilege of being joined by Secretary Julián Castro, the newly appointed CEO of the Latino Community Foundation. In this conversation hosted by Cathy Albisa, Race Forward’s Vice President of Institutional and Sectoral Change, Cathy and Secretary Castro engage in a wide-ranging conversation about his vision for enhancing civic and economic power within Latino/a communities that will in turn, positively impact the broader multiracial electorate and the push to fight back against authoritarianism. 

Secretary Castro talks about his new role at the Latino Community Foundation, and the foundation’s mission to build a movement of civically engaged and philanthropic leaders, and the significance of investing in Latino-led organizations to unlock the full potential of Latino/a communities. He states powerfully, “America’s destiny and the destiny of Latinos are intertwined like never before.” He also emphasizes how investing in these organizations at the forefront of changing policies will have the added benefit of addressing economic disparities and decreasing the wealth gap for Latino/a communities. 

Having had a storied career in politics, as well as a memorable run as a presidential candidate, Secretary Castro provided us with his raw insights on topics related to our racial justice work from the federal level. As the former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in former President Obama’s administration, he notes the current lack of federal resources committed to creating housing opportunities and a need for a comprehensive approach to be able to tackle the nationwide crisis effectively. He also talks passionately about the longtime need for humane and compassionate immigration policies –– a debate he notes is continuously fueled by both political parties being influenced by “darker” narratives, and the importance of uplifting 

Last year, Secretary Castro and Stacey Abrams co-authored an article titled, “It’s Open Season on Civil Rights. Philanthropy Must Not Retreat”, in response to significant backlash on racial justice and equity organizations. Speaking to the theme of the article, Secretary Castro once again urges philanthropic leaders to remain committed to funding the bold work needed to continue the movement making and democracy building needed in these times where authoritarianism threatens to afflict the progress our movements have won. He advocates for a dual role where foundations are not only financial supporters but also rooted in understanding and addressing community needs through policy advocacy. 

With the next election coming up less than six months away, Secretary Castro and the Latino Community Foundation will be hard at work mobilizing Latino/a voters and having representation at the polls as they are once again set to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the election. Secretary Castro’s call to action to support organizing 24/7, 365 days a year, beyond the current election cycle is a reminder of the long term-investment and planning that goes into the wins working in partnership with our communities. 

Thank you for joining us for the season premiere of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, and make sure to follow Race Forward on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X, and to support our work, make a donation by texting RFPOD to 44-321. 

Additional Resources:

Announcing LCF’s New CEO –– Latino Community Foundation

https://bit.ly/3TYd2At

Closing the Latino wealth gap: Exploring regional differences and lived experiences (via Brookings Institute)

https://bit.ly/3xAoLwA

The Latino Community Foundation Announces Get-Out-the-Vote Investments in California, Arizona, and Nevada Ahead of 2024 General Election (via Business Wire) 

https://bwnews.pr/3UgkXrE

Eight Questions For Julian Castro, CEO Of The Latino Community Foundation (via Inside Philanthropy)

https://bit.ly/4blSnwx

Podcast –– The Democrat Saying What Others Won’t (via The New York Times) 

https://bit.ly/3TUPjRo

It’s Open Season on Civil Rights. Philanthropy Must Not Retreat (co-authored with Stacey Abrams) (via Chronicle of Philanthropy)

https://bit.ly/3PHlWzP

Addressing the prevalence of racism was always at the core of Julián Castro’s campaign (via The Washington Post) 

https://bit.ly/3xc2DId

Trump’s Support Among Latinos Grows, New Poll Shows (via The New York Times)

https://bit.ly/3L7c8fr

About Race Forward: 

Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial, democratic society, free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose.

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Executive Producers: 

Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Cato Blakemore

Associate Producer:

Freddie Beckley