On this episode of No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast, host Cathy Albisa, Race Forward’s Vice President of Institutional and Sectoral Change sits with Nwamaka Agbo, CEO of the Kataly Foundation, discussing key issues like democracy, racial justice, and restorative economics. Nwamaka shares her extensive experience in policy advocacy and the mission of the Kataly Foundation, which focuses on redistributing resources to empower Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
The conversation revisits the significant events of 2016, particularly the calls for unity following January 6th, with Nwamaka reflecting on her piece "Rejecting False Harmony." She critiques the expectation for marginalized communities to bridge divides without adequate support and stresses the importance of redefining democracy to include everyday community governance. Through the Restorative Economies framework, Nwamaka highlights the need for deep relationships within communities as the foundation for genuine democratic participation.
As the episode concludes, Nwamaka emphasizes the resilience of community solidarity amidst political challenges and the role of mutual aid and local governance in promoting long-term strategies. She envisions a government that actively regulates markets and ensures access to essential resources, reshaping societal narratives around who has the opportunity to thrive. This discussion underscores the importance of sustained commitment to racial and economic justice, making it a must-listen for those interested in transformative change.