MacKenzie Scott Strengthens EdloC with Injection of New Money, EdLoC CEO, Sharhonda Bossier, Releases Statement

Amid MacKenzie Scott’s announcement about her latest round of grantmaking, EdLoC CEO, Sharhonda Bossier, released the following statement about EdLoC’s inclusion among the list of Scott’s latest grantees:

“Education Leaders of Color is thrilled to be included among the impressive list of MacKenzie Scott’s most recent grantees. Our organization was founded to break through long-standing ideological divides and fill racial leadership gaps that are symptomatic of a world in which systemic challenges make it impossible for most children of color in the United States of America to access a high-quality education and escape generational poverty.

“Over the past five years, we’ve mobilized hundreds of leaders of color in pursuit of that goal and united in the belief that education is the single best predictor of whether or not youth of color will have the opportunity to realize the highest level of academic and economic attainment. 

“Mackenzie Scott’s investment comes at a pivotal moment for our organization, as we pursue a new strategic vision, which recognizes that youth of color are better positioned to thrive when the educators who serve them collaborate with leaders across multiple sectors and understand their work must go beyond the school building. The economic barriers youth of color face are inextricably linked to their educational access and performance. The equity we hope education can foster is only possible if we confront and address the social and economic challenges that have disproportionately impacted communities of color since this nation was founded.

“With this shared understanding, our network is excited to embark on the next phase of EdLoC’s journey, building on the strong foundation of the past five years. Our new charge is to work toward the day when young people of color are thriving, building generational wealth, and facing fewer systemic barriers to capitalize on opportunities.  

“In pursuit of that goal, we will drive policy change and support senior leaders of color who are explicitly focused on dismantling systemic barriers to the academic and economic advancement and success of young people of color. 

“Mackenzie Scott’s grant is a game-changing investment toward strengthening our role in fulfilling democracy’s promise that life, liberty, and happiness may be delivered to all. We encourage her peers in philanthropy to follow her example.”