Critical Conversations is a series of conversations on specific topics critical to the broader Latinx community that continue to be underrepresented and underfunded by philanthropy. We centered conversations on the intersectional realities of our communities and the need to pay attention, infuse resources and learn why it is important to invest robustly in our communities and moreover the leaders within our communities as opposed to larger, often white-led institutions who purport to work at the behest or on behalf of Latinx communities. We are thrilled to have had these conversations and brought Latinx leaders across a spectrum of fields and the philanthropic community to engage in conversations that provide transparency and opportunities to shift this paradigm. 

The Ford Foundation in partnership with The Latinx House understands that Latine individuals, who often encompass multiple races and nationalities, upend the historic “black-white binary” and embody the “X” factor in America’s race debate. Latines present a crucial counter-narrative, a people that live in a world of many worlds, possessing an identity of multiple identities. To truly unlock the potential of the American New Majority, we need to lean into these complexities of race, immigration status, nationality, and gender, among others within the Latine community. Ignoring these complexities would be a detriment to our broader project of supporting a multi-racial democracy and addressing social and economic inequality. We have already witnessed the ways that the Latine community has been harmed by being stereotyped or completely ignored up to this point. We cannot and will not allow the continued disenfranchisement and marginalization of the Latine community, which stunts its growth and limits the possibilities for our entire nation.

The Latinx House has brought together a cadre of experts in the field over the course of the last six months to delve into the history, cause and perpetuated barriers – both structural and narrative driven that oppress and harm the Latinx community. This session will provide the opportunity to name clearly those overarching barriers and discuss the conditions and solutions necessary to in fact achieve equity across the spectrum of the Latinx community.

Moderator: Marina Elisa Franco, NBC Universal

Panelists:  

• Dr. Carmen Rojas, Marguerite Casey Foundation
• Hilary Pennington, Ford Foundation

This panel brought together a group to discuss the deep history and systemic issues the Latinx community faces when looking at incarceration and the criminalization of the community as a whole. They explored the history of how the community has been criminalized, the expansive impact of detention at all levels and where the opportunities for reform exist.

Moderator: Kim Guerra, Brown Badass Bonita

Panelists:  

• Maritza Perez, Director of the Office of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance
• Jerónimo Saldaña, Former Co-Director of Reenvision Justicia, Latino Justice PRLDEF

This panel was brought together to discuss The Future of Work and the Latinx Community, moderated by Rafael Bernal, The Hill. This conversation explores some of the changes that must be made to the law, how worker organizing must be supported, & why philanthropy must understand that worker organizing is connected to the overall ability of the Latinx community to thrive.

Moderator: Rafael Bernal, The Hill

Panelists:  

• Neidi Dominguez, Unemployed Workers United
• Jennifer Epps, The LIFT Fund
• Julio E. López Varona, Center for Popular Democracy

This panel was brought together to discuss the Stories that Impact Our Lives, moderated by Maria Hinojosa. This conversation explores the narratives that have been harmful, what is working, & what must change to ensure that accurate stories are told about the Latinx community. 

Moderator: Executive Producer of Latino USA, Maria Hinojosa

Panelists:  

• Elizabeth Mendez Berry, VP and Executive Editor of One World
• Odilia Romero, Co-Founder/ Executive Director of CIELO
• Mateo Guerrero, TGNCIQ Lead Organizer at Make the Road NY

The panel explored existing challenges our immigration system faces, potential solutions, and the context for driving change. Panelists discussed how to combat the harmful tropes and myths regarding immigrants and how to refrain from narratives that create a hierarchy among them.

Moderator: Actor and Activist, Chelsea Rendon

Panelists:  

• Angelica Salas, Executive Director, CHIRLA
• Maegan Llerena, Executive Director, Make the Road Pennsylvania
• Paola Mendoza, filmmaker, author, and activist

This session explored what it looks like for our Latinx community to claim our own power and narrative. We discussed useful tactics for organizing and building power, and we explored how philanthropy can show up in this work. 

Moderator: Mónica Ramírez, Co-Founder of The Latinx House

Panelist:

• Favianna Rodriguez, President of the Center for Cultural Power
• Tory Gavito, President of Way to Win
• Ana Marie Argilagos, President and CEO of Hispanics in Philanthropy