You Stepped Up Like Never Before in 2020 - Thank You!
As the year comes to a close and we reflect back on all that happened in 2020, I want to first thank you for being a part of the Liberty Hill Family.
This year brought challenges the likes of which the world hasn’t faced in a century—with a pandemic raging around the globe and ineffective leadership from the White House here at home–COVID-19 took an immeasurable toll on all of us. From the missed celebrations, holidays and life moments put on hold—to the social isolation and fear the pandemic brought our way—it took every ounce of our strength to press forward in the face of this generation-defining moment in our history.
We honor the lives and memories of the more than 300,000 Americans who were taken too soon due to this virus. Our thoughts are also with the families of the nearly 9,000 Angelenos who are dealing with the unfathomable loss of their loved ones as we head into the holiday season.
We thank all of the many activists and organizers who took to the streets—and to Zoom—amid an unprecedented national reckoning on racial justice. They led the fight for democracy during 2020, resulting in record voter turnout—even in the face of voter suppression—as well as the ravages of COVID-19 and an economic recession.They answered the call and their hard work and dedication led to some incredible victories this year.
And I’d like to personally acknowledge the incredible generosity of the Liberty Hill Community.
You stepped up like never before this year, enabling us to respond in real time to the needs of our partners during the pandemic. This year Liberty Hill more than doubled our grantmaking, distributing 1,052 grants totaling $15 million dollars. With general operating support, capacity building support, and rapid response funding, our grantee partners have continued to make transformational gains across L.A. County amid multiple crises.
We’ve seen organizers step up like never before in the face of the pandemic. From winning major victories such as voting to dismantle the largest youth probation and incarceration system in the country in favor of a care-first model of youth development, to winning eviction protections for the millions of struggling tenants trying to make rent during a financial downturn, and even advancing a policy to phase-out toxic oil drilling throughout the city—the power of activism could not be denied.
Liberty Hill Foundation and our community partners – in partnership with the L.A. County Department of Public Health – also passed and enacted innovative policy and launched a new program to support essential workers and establish worker-led Public Health Councils to prevent the spread of COVID in some of the hardest hit industries.
Thanks to organizing, philanthropy and visionary leadership fueled by supporters like you, we are continuing to ensure the people closest to the pain are closest to the power and winning the progressive policies that make L.A. a model for the nation.
On behalf of the entire Liberty Hill Community, I want to thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. We look forward to continuing our work alongside you in the New Year!
In Solidarity,
Shane Murphy Goldsmith
President/CEO
Liberty Hill Foundation