“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” – Malcolm X
Greetings,
This month, we honor the centennial birthday of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz—Malcolm X. His legacy calls us not only to truth-telling, but to action. It reminds us that justice is not a moment, but a movement. At Kingmakers of Oakland, that movement lives in every classroom we touch, every story we amplify, and every young King we walk with toward purpose.
Earlier this month, I had the honor of co-authoring an article with Dr. David E. Kirkland, “When Supporting Black Boys Is Called Racist.” In it, we name the reality that programs like ours are not under attack for failing—but for succeeding. In a time of political reversals, we stand firm: seeing, affirming, and investing in Black boys is not radical—it is necessary. It is love in action.
And this month, love was everywhere in our programming:
- Our young people lit up Pixar Studios (May 12), with Theo leading exploration in animation and imagination.
- That same day, Kingmakers co-hosted a transformative Crowns Curriculum Crowning Ceremony with San Francisco Unified, honoring identity, growth, and leadership.
- On May 15, our Crowned Creators Student Showcase uplifted youth brilliance and creativity across fashion (Senay), animation (Theo), music (Kevin), and multimedia (Dre).
- Kahlil and Zo represented at the Oakland Museum Reparations Event (May 16), connecting history, healing, and justice.
- KOO TFI team traveled to Houston, TX, advancing our national reach.
- Coming up: Seattle Crowning Ceremony (May 30) and TFI End of Year Celebration + Alameda Block Party (May 31).
As we celebrate these wins, we also prepare. The political landscape is shifting rapidly. From state-level challenges to federal scrutiny of DEI, nonprofits advancing racial equity are being forced to both defend their missions and adapt their strategies. Kingmakers is committed to both.
To support our collective resilience, we want to highlight key resources shaping our internal strategy:
- vChief + GRF CPAs – From Uncertainty to Action: Must-Have Strategies to Strengthen Your Nonprofit webinar on youtube offered critical insights on risk-readiness, scenario planning, and navigating uncertainty. Their guidance urges nonprofits to take proactive steps now to ensure long-term impact.
- Bridgespan’s Scenario Planning Toolkit and CalNonprofits’ “Trump 2.0” Webinar stress the importance of contingency planning and advocacy preparedness.
- Tenenbaum Law Group and the Nonprofit Quarterly provide concrete legal strategies to safeguard DEI programs and remain compliant in hostile policy environments.
- A multi-state Attorney General coalition has reinforced the legality and necessity of DEIA in the workplace—powerful backing for our values and vision.
- The Harvard Business Review and Chronicle of Philanthropy articles underscore that our messaging must evolve without compromising truth.
- Lastly, guidance from NAACP-LDF and the American Council on Education makes it clear: much of our work remains legal, vital, and protected—if we remain informed and strategic.
We are not alone in this work. We are part of a growing network of justice-driven organizations refusing to be silenced or sidelined. With every lesson we teach, every crowning we celebrate, and every policy we challenge, we are building the future Malcolm dreamed of.
Let’s stay bold, stay grounded, and stay ready.
With love and purpose,
Chris Chatmon
Founder & CEO
