Heirs' Property Issues Are Causing Black Wealth Loss. Just One Major Funder Is On the Case

 
 

Over 500,000 U.S. properties are "heirs' property"—land passed down informally without legal paperwork, leaving every descendant with equal ownership stakes. This creates vulnerabilities: predatory developers exploit fractional ownership through partition lawsuits, families struggle to access loans or FEMA benefits, and unanimous agreement is required for any decisions. Black farmers lost 90% of their land in the 20th century due to these issues.

The issue connects to health equity, disaster relief, and wealth building, yet the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the only major national funder currently addressing this problem, investing $3.4 million since 2023.

Read the full article here.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) Opinion: “Sen. Warner’s Bill Calls for Transparency in Federal Enforcement”

 
 

A commentary by Lt. Diane Goldstein, executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, in The Well News highlights Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine’s proposed legislation requiring federal officers to display visible identification during public operations.

The bill aims to curb enforcement practices that erode trust, while also protecting officers through measures like internet-scrubbing of personal data. Supporters frame the proposal as a way to strengthen accountability and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.

Read the full commentary here.

Demands for protection measures for the migrant community

The Front of Civil Society Organizations of Puerto Rico issued a public statement against President Trump's Immigration Policies and to demand protection measures for the migrant community.

Declaración pública del Frente de Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil de Puerto Rico en Contra de las Políticas Migratorias del Presidente Trump y para exigir medidas de protección para la comunidad migrante

Read more about the declaration (in Spanish) here.

How to Sabotage Your Board

 

Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images

 

Board governance can often be derailed by behaviors that undermine effective decision-making. In “How to Sabotage Your Board,” Jon Huggett and Dariusz Jemielniak identify 14 common actions—ranging from withholding critical information to creating factions—that can significantly hinder a board’s ability to function effectively.

The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these behaviors to foster a culture of trust and collaboration. By proactively managing potential disruptions, organizations can ensure that their boards remain focused on their mission and deliver meaningful impact.

Learn more about how to identify and address these challenges in board governance here.

Passing the Torch, Lighting the Way

 
 

Equal Justice USA (EJUSA) undertook a leadership transition from a White founder to a Black executive director by implementing intentional strategies focused on racial equity.

The organization prepared by revamping its mission, diversifying its staff and board, and building a strong leadership bench. Proactive engagement with funders ensured sustained financial support, allowing the new leader to focus on advancing EJUSA’s vision without the burden of proving their worth under inequitable conditions. 

The authors emphasize the importance of proactive planning and institutional readiness to mitigate the systemic challenges leaders of color often face. Read more about Jamila and Shari’s leadership transition efforts here.

Community Foundations as Leaders of Place-Based Equity Work

 
 

CFLeads and Public Equity Group (PEG) began collaborating in 2022 to document the equity journeys of 13 community foundations that participated in the CFLeads Racial Equity Network (2017-present).

Convened by CFLeads, a national network of community foundations, the Racial Equity Network aims to build the collective capacity of community foundations interested in advancing equity.

CFLeads and PEG have launched a field report and 13 case studies that spotlight how community foundations are advancing racial equity and diversity within their regions.

CFLeads Racial Equity Network Case Studies