The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund (WMG/BFF SJF) has announced its third set of grantee partners.
This new round of grants advances WMG/BFF SJF’s vision to “address systemic racism and bring about real change in the lives of historically underserved and marginalized populations,” it says.
Warner Music Group announced its $100 million Social Justice Fund in June 2020 to “support charitable causes related to the music industry, social justice, and campaigns against violence and racism.”
During the same month, Sony Music Group, Universal and YouTube also announced similar grants and funding programs to support global social justice and anti-racism initiatives.
WMG/BFF SJF completed its first two funding rounds in 2021.
In February of the same year, the first recipients included the Black Cultural Archives, the Black Futures Lab, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Howard University, the REFORM Alliance and the Rhythm & Blues Foundation.
In May, the organization named Ashé Cultural Arts Center, Overtown Youth Center (OYC) and The Africa Center as second recipients.
This third round of investments includes 15 organizations and totals $9.35 million.
The grants focus on the three pillars of the Fund – criminal justice reform, education, and arts and culture – while addressing the intersection of racial and gender inequality and the growing importance of organizing youth in racial justice movements in Warner Music Group’s Global Markets.
According to WMG/BFF SJF, almost 70% of the selected organizations are led by women and one-third of all grants address gender equity issues. This is a concerted effort to minimize the disparities faced by women in various sectors, including music.
The Fund has also given particular attention to organizations that help African diaspora communities around the world, supporting those that focus on immigrant populations in the United States, as well as early grants in Brazil, Nigeria and Colombia.
In addition to the $9.35 million investment, the WMG/BFF SJF Board of Directors created the Reservoir Fund.
This, according to WMG/BFF SJF, will provide grantees with “resources for capacity building, training, coaching and technical assistance,” to enable long-term, sustainable work and action.
Music industry pipeline organizations, such as Diversify the Stage, which provides career opportunities in live music and entertainment to underrepresented communities, and Gender Amplified, founded by Atlantic Records producer Ebonie Smith , will be among the first to receive support.
The recipients of the funds are:
Criminal justice:
Art & Culture:
Education:
Multi-pillar:
“Structural racism restricts the breath, voice and freedom of black communities.”
Lorelei Williams, WMG/BFF SJF
Lorelei Williams, Executive Director of WMG/BFF SJF, said: “Structural racism restricts the breath, voice and freedom of Black communities, particularly as it intersects with other forms of inequality.
“With this dossier, we were intentional about funding at these crossroads – where racism, poverty, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia collide with devastating impact.
“We also want to create opportunities for youth empowerment, planting seeds for future generations to thrive.”
“This grant will allow us to expand our network into new states.”
Susan Burton, A New Way of Life
Susan Burton, Founder of A New Way of Life, a Los Angeles-based program for women coming out of prison, added, “We are thrilled to receive support from the Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund. to pursue national expansion. of our SAFE housing network.
“This grant will allow us to expand our network into new states and continue to provide pathways to freedom and autonomy for formerly incarcerated women.”
“The partnership is a great demonstration of solidarity between our organizations and the diaspora.
Ana Valéria Araujo and Allyne Andrade, Brazilian Human Rights Fund
Ana Valéria Araujo and Allyne Andrade, Executive and Deputy Directors of the Brazilian Human Rights Fund, said: “The Brazilian Human Rights Fund is delighted to partner with WMG/BFF SJF to support organizations and black-led Brazilian grassroots movements in the fight against systemic problems. violence in their communities and territories.
“The partnership is a great demonstration of solidarity between our organizations and the diaspora.
“He has the potential to strengthen the racial justice movement in our country and promote democracy.”
“The Fund’s generous contribution will help us achieve our goal of supporting women and non-binary music producers around the world.”
Ebony Smith
Ebonie Smith, added, “Gender Amplified is honored to partner with the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.
“The Fund’s generous contribution will help us achieve our goal of supporting women and non-binary music producers around the world.”
The music industry around the world
