The Watershed | News from the Foundation for Louisiana

Dear Asti,

Spring is here, bringing with it a fresh sense of renewal and the promise of new beginnings. March is a special time for us as it’s Women's History Month, a period to celebrate and honor the incredible contributions of women from past to present to future. I’m delighted to bring to you a special Power of Women edition of the Watershed.

This issue puts a spotlight on the amazing women who lead, inspire, and fight for a better future for all of us. We’re excited to spotlight Ashley Shelton of the Power Coalition, a shining example of leadership and advocacy. Her dedication to educating and empowering our community captures the essence of what we aim to support at the Foundation for Louisiana.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for an exciting event coming up: a screening and talkback session for As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial, a thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex issues of rap lyrics used as evidence in court and the broader questions about free speech. This event is a very special collaboration between FFL and Paramount Plus.

We’re also thrilled to introduce the 2024 TOGETHER Cohort, an incredible group of individuals reflecting our communities' strength and vision.

And of course, we’re celebrating the Power of Women in Louisiana from past to present to future. As we embrace these last few days of Women's History Month, let’s also acknowledge that it’s time for women across the state to stand up for our rights. It’s a moment to reclaim our power, to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear, and to affirm our rightful place in the heart of our society and its ongoing story. Let’s step into this challenge together with the unity, strength, and courage that have always propelled women forward.

Looking forward to all we can achieve together!

In healing and hope,

Charmel Gaulden, Foundation for Louisiana CEO and President

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SHINING A LIGHT ON: ASHLEY SHELTON

This month, we are shining a light on Ashley Shelton, the Founder, President & CEO of the Power Coalition, a statewide 501c3 table in Louisiana. The Power Coalition uses a broad-based strategy that combines community organizing, issue advocacy, and civic action, all while increasing the capacity of community organizations throughout the state to sustain and hold the work. Prior to founding the Power Coalition, Ashley was the Vice President of Programs at the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), now known as the Foundation for Louisiana.

FFL: As the Power Coalition’s founder, President, and CEO, what inspired you to start this organization, and how do you see its role in shaping social and political change within Louisiana?

Ashley Shelton: Following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike, it became very clear that even though we were moving considerable dollars in response to impacted people. Those dollars were being dwarfed by billions in federal dollars that were not making it to the ground and were being used by disaster capitalists while communities suffered. It was clear that we needed people-power to apply the pressure necessary to get more of those dollars to the ground and into the hands of those who lost everything. Power Coalition was created to build pathways to power for Black and Brown people in Louisiana, and we have been doing just that!

FFL: The Power Coalition has been recognized for its civic engagement and empowerment efforts. Can you share some of the strategies or initiatives you've implemented that you believe have had the most significant impact on communities in Louisiana?

AS: Power Coalition is anchored by base-building groups who have deep content knowledge on every issue facing Black and Brown communities. Power Coalition and its anchor partners are committed to problem-solving at the intersection of these issues, policy solutions, and power building that centers the voices of directly impacted people. Our strategies include a coordinated policy agenda, integrated civic engagement to both engage community during elections and, hold elected officials at all levels of government accountable and ensure that Black and Brown communities walk in the voice and power.

FFL: Facing the complex landscape of social justice and political advocacy, what are some of the challenges you've encountered in mobilizing and sustaining community engagement, and how have you addressed these challenges?

AS: I am so proud of the work we have been able to do with our partners, including expanding voting rights for the last five years, realizing real power through litigation on the Congressional and State redistricting maps, and supporting VOTE in ending non-unanimous juries and re-enfranchising formerly incarcerated people to name some of the most powerful wins. We accomplished all of that with people power --what no one talks about is prior to our focused efforts engaging and talking to Black voters, no one was engaging them at scale. Our work has proved that African Americans and other voters of color are ready to engage and fight for change. One challenge that remains is the ongoing, long-term nature of the fight for equity and justice. We are witnessing the dying breaths of the Southern Strategy, and we must fight to its end so that we can protect our democracy and realize the fullness of what democracy means for ourselves and our children.

FFL: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the Power Coalition in terms of growth and impact, and how do you plan to evolve the organization's strategies to meet the future needs of the communities you serve?

AS: Redistricting has given us an opportunity for greater representation at the congressional and state levels. We are committed to investing in and building a bench of leaders ready to represent and serve their communities. We need to increase voter registration, education, and participation by supporting voters in seeing how their vote is their voice and their power. Voting is truly a social determinant of health, and we seek to register more than 100,000 unregistered Black and Brown voters statewide by placing 10 community organizers across the state year-round to support community engagement. We are also seeking to continue to regrant dollars across the state to continue to build the connective tissue to strengthen statewide infrastructure by investing in small community-based nonprofits, churches and community leaders who are leading important local initiatives.

FFL: Reading?

AS:
Parable of the Sower, Octavia E. Butler
Carry On, John Lewis
How the Word is Passed, Clint Smith

FFL: Listening to?
AS:
This is Lurie Daniels Favor
1619 Project
Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations

Please click the button below for more about Ashley Shelton and the Power Coalition.

MORE INFO

Unapologetic | Artist: Nadiyah Oyawoye Najah

SAVE THE DATE: AS WE SPEAK SCREENING & TALKBACK

Join us on Thursday, April 4^th, for the screening of the Paramount Plus documentary, As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, followed by an engaging talkback session that delves deep into the issues of lyrics on trial, Louisiana’s RAP Act, and the essential role of freedom of speech in the arts and legal realms.

As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial is an exploration of the weaponization of rap lyrics in the US criminal justice system. The documentary follows rap artist Kemba as he journeys through meccas of hip-hop, building the case for rap lyrics and Black artist protection via intimate conversations with rappers, academics, politicians, legal experts, and music industry executives. This film features New Orleans’ own Mac Phipps, Killer Mike, John Hamasaki, Ari Melber, Jody David Armour, and more.

📅 When: Thursday, April 4th, 6pm-8:30pm

📍 Where: Location TBA

The evening promises to comprehensively explore these critical issues, with FFL’s President & CEO, Charmel Gaulden, guiding the conversation as our moderator. Whether you're a music lover, a free speech advocate, or simply eager to learn more about the power of art in societal discourse, this event is not to be missed.

Stay tuned for more details, and save the date for an unforgettable evening of dialogue, discovery, and community!

RSVP

GRATITUDE: A THANK YOU TO THE HIVE FUND

We are sending a huge THANK YOU to the folks at the Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice for featuring FFL in their Renegade Moment of Beauty newsletter section! We are incredibly grateful for the shout-out and the Hive Fund's recognizing our lovingly-curated Black Joy content.

The Hive Fund's monthly newsletter is one that we all look forward to! From uplifting partners to funding opportunities to articles that expand your minds, it is not to be missed! Sign up for their newsletter by clicking the button below.

CELEBRATE: ANNOUNCING THE 2024 TOGETHER INITIATIVE COHORT

The 2024 Cohort gathers for the first convening of the TOGETHER initiative.

Meet the Extraordinary Leaders of the 2024 TOGETHER Initiative

FFL knows that residents carry the best wisdom to build sustainable and thriving communities. The TOGETHER Initiative provides 6-weeks of intensive skills and issues-based training to best position communities to make positive changes through grantmaking, advocacy, organizing, and activism.

We are excited to announce the 2024 TOGETHER Cohort! These incredible individuals are the heart and soul of community. They bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a powerful dedication to positive change. As we welcome them, we're not just looking at a list of names— we're seeing the faces of those ready to spark meaningful action within New Orleans.

Click here to share your organization’s job or fellowship opportunities in an upcoming FFL newsletter.

OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs:

Multiple roles – New Orleans Film Society
Program Coordinator – Louisiana Bucket Brigade
Social Media and Digital Communications Contractor – Louisiana Bucket Brigade

Remote:

Multiple roles – CIVICUS
Operations coordinator – Mongabay
Research engineer – Meedan
Advocacy coordinator – The Missing Billion Initiative
Senior global movement communications specialist – Wikimedia Foundation
Digital fundraising specialist – Wikimedia Foundation
Software engineer, trust and safety product – Wikimedia Foundation

Fellowships:

Grants:

INFORM: LAUNCHING THE WEEKLY ICYMI: IN THE NEWS NEWSLETTER

Stay Informed, Stay Connected with Our Weekly ICYMI: In the News Newsletter

In a world brimming with news and information, it's easy to miss out on stories that matter most. That's why we've curated the ICYMI: In the News newsletter, a weekly digest that brings you articles of interest directly impacting the communities we deeply care about.

By opting in, you'll receive a hand-picked selection of news highlights, insights, and updates that resonate with our collective mission. These stories not only inform but inspire action, reflection, and conversation among our community members.

Subscribing is a step towards staying connected and informed about the challenges and triumphs within our communities. It's about being part of a larger conversation that values progress, equity, and the power of informed action.

Opt in today, and let's ensure no important story goes unnoticed.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

WHAT WE’RE READING: THE POWER OF WOMEN COLLECTION

Celebrate Women’s History Month with this specially curated The Power of Women reading collection. With the soul-stirring poetry of Kelly Harris-Deberry, the motivational force that is Angela Davis, and the wisdom of Christina Sharpe, our selection of 20 authors promises a wide array of perspectives and insights.

Each author in our carefully curated collection brings a unique voice and narrative, ensuring there's something for every reader. Whether seeking inspiration, knowledge, or a sense of connection, you'll find these works to be a reflection of the complexity and beauty that make up the Power of Women.

Send us a note and let us know what you're reading from this month's collection. Enjoy!

ORDER HERE

JOYFUL SOUNDS: THE POWER OF WOMEN PLAYLIST

Disclaimer: We love to cultivate conversations and expand minds. We hope that you love to do the same. As a peaceful reminder: all views, opinions, statements, feelings & vibes curated within our playlists and blogs are meant to entertain and spark conversation. Press play & enjoy!

PRESS PLAY