who we are

BIPOC ED Coalition unites 240+ Black, Indigenous and other nonprofit leaders of color to collectively build capacity, advance racial justice and foster thriving communities across Washington state, rooted in a strong and sustainable social ecosystem in which people truly prosper.

Our vision merges a bold spirit of abundance with a clear understanding of the challenges we face.

It remains legal to work for racial justice. Organizations around the state are working together to build communities in which everyone can belong and thrive.

the current climate

The new federal administration, falsely equating diversity initiatives with discrimination, has deployed enforcement agencies to compel private and government entities to abandon equity efforts, and has banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal workforce. This intensifies the momentum generated by the Supreme Court’s recent anti-affirmative action rulings, which had already ushered in a wave of similar actions. Here in Washington state, we have seen anti-DEI proposals put forth by conservative lawmakers.
A myriad of legal initiatives opposing DEI and race-conscious programs has included more than 100 anti-DEI bills introduced in over 30 state legislatures.

Racial Justice Work in the News: Progress, Challenges and Legal Developments

OUR vision

As well-funded adversaries do everything in their power to turn the clock back, we lift the torch handed to us by previous generations and carry it forward. We are spearheading a highly collaborative initiative that mobilizes Washington state nonprofits, funders, legal partners, and others to fortify ourselves against these attacks and sustainably secure our beloved communities in the months and years to come.

In the face of increased legal action and organized opposition to racial justice efforts, BIPOC ED Coalition is seeking to raise $1.2 million to deliver the Washington LEAD for Racial Justice Initiative.

initiative

elements

To do this work effectively, we must understand the legal and policy chessboard on which we make our moves. And, as this chessboard changes, we must closely track the changes to determine how we can most strategically serve our communities, while clearly understanding the risks we face.

Statewide Learning Community, Educational Resources, & Webinars

Provide opportunities for participants to convene, deepen their understanding of the legal climate, share learnings and strategies, build community, and offer mutual support.

Assistance Obtaining Legal Support

Help organizations connect to and obtain pro bono legal services that can support specific challenges they may face related to their equity-focused work.

Advocacy

Shape a proactive advocacy strategy for the new state administration to protect public funding and policies focused on supporting communities most impacted by inequities.

Multi-State Community of Practice

Explore best practices, develop blueprints for action, and share experiences with California LEAD, Minnesota LEAD, and other state partners embarking on similar work to enhance our collective efforts.

Media Campaign

Strengthen public awareness of the ways that supporting equity benefits society as a whole, shaping public opinion, and mobilizing support.

our team

Co-Executive Director, WA LEAD

Andrea Caupain Sanderson

"What we’re doing is movement building. This is an important ingredient in the quest for a just and equitable world."

Executive Assistant, WA LEAD

Ami Njadoe

"As a young advocate, being a part of WA LEAD is a call to action that reflects my commitment to justice and equity."

Strategist, WA LEAD

Rashad Morris

"Civil rights are under more sustained and ferocious attack today than at any time since the 1960s. Without WA LEAD and projects like it, we risk losing decades of hard-fought progress on racial justice. In this moment, it is critical that we work together to protect our rights and communities."

collaborators