Grassroots Grantmakers is pleased to announce that Majora Carter will join our anti-conference as opening reception speaker, chief learning journey facilitator, and resident scholar.
Carter is a real estate developer, urban-revitalization strategy consultant, MacArthur Fellow, and award-winning broadcaster from the South Bronx. She is a pioneer in developing resident-led and people-centric sustainable economic development projects across the country, particularly in low-income communities.
Her community development work focuses on helping to increase access, mobility and wealth-building opportunities across demographics that historically have been marginalized, disenfranchised and disconnected from economic opportunities. Carter was named one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs, received the Liberty Medal for Lifetime Achievement from Fox News, earned the Visionary in Sustainability Award from the National Building Museum, was honored with the Urban Visionary Award by the American Cities Foundation, and received numerous honorary doctoral degrees for her leadership and service for vulnerable residents and communities.
As an On The Ground participant, you will have plenty of opportunities to engage with Carter during the event. She will kick off our gathering of philanthropic leaders and residents at a special reception and our first open membership meeting, hosted by Big Car. Our host venue for the event, The Tube Factory – a public space for culture, community and creativity, will feature two art exhibits highlighting the uniqueness of Indianapolis’ residents, including those who are noncitizens, and photos of locals as well as anti-conference learning journey contributors.
Additionally, Carter will:
- Lead a small-group resident leadership workshop, “From Idea to Reality.”
- Facilitate a discussion about resident-led community development.
- Engage with philanthropic executives to explore new strategies that address systemic racism and discuss ways to implement more inclusive philanthropic and grantmaking practices.
About the On The Ground National Anti-Conference Grassroots Grantmakers’ On The Ground is different from many traditional conferences — so different that we call it an “anti-conference.” It’s a learning-exchange event led by residents and grantmakers, and it takes place in right in neighborhoods. On The Ground provides community stakeholders with enriching learning and networking experiences. Participants focus on advancing personal and professional goals for transforming community philanthropy and supporting community-based grassroots strategies.