Meet the Capital Collaborators: Meg Evans + Blue Meridian Partners
Why did you join the Capital Collaborative – what were you hoping to get from this experience?
First and foremost, I feel like as White folks we must take ownership of the fact that we:
created and perpetuate systems of racism and oppression;
have a particular responsibility to act for reparations within our spheres of influence;
must work in partnership and follow the vision for liberation set by people of color;
can cause harm in mixed race spaces and further trauma if we are not deeply thoughtful about our roles.
I was drawn to the Capital Collaborative Cohort because of the space it provided to learn and process together with other White-identifying funders about our roles and responsibilities in the movement for racial justice.
What didn't you know before the Capital Collaborative Cohort that you know now?
Whiteness and reactions that come from being conditioned by Whiteness are predictable. The phrase "Whiteness is going to White" has stuck in my head and helped me plan for and navigate hard conversations without feeling like I've done something wrong.
What do you wish colleagues at your organization had learned/experienced with you?
There are so many pieces I wish my colleagues had experienced with me. One was hearing and learning about the real harm we can cause as White funders through the context and conditions we create for BIPOC entrepreneurs. The second experience was hearing directly from community leaders about the complexity of their work and the ways in which the boxes we draw as funders limit real solutions.
Capital Collaborative Summit 2 in New Orleans, LA
What advice do you have for White-identifying funders about their equity journeys?
Find fellow travelers, accountability partners, and solidarity groups! There's such power in breaking down the individualism, isolationism, and sense of perfectionism that are deeply a part of White Supremacist Culture. There's power and deep joy to be had doing this work in partnership with others, both within and across racial lines.
The Capital Collaborative by Camelback Ventures works with White funders and social impact investors who want to deepen their individual and organizational commitment to racial and gender equity in philanthropy — but may not know how. You can learn more about how to get involved by submitting an interest form for the Capital Collaborative’s next cohort or signing up for the newsletter.