Central Texas Collective for Racial Equity

Dear Community Members,

Five years ago, many of us came together during one of the most turbulent and transformative moments in Austin’s history. From that shared urgency, we built the Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities—work that ultimately evolved into the Central Texas Collective for Racial Equity (CTCRE). Together, we dared to imagine a beloved community built not just on awareness, but on accountability, healing, and belonging.

Today, we are writing to you as we enter a new and inspiring chapter of that journey.

Reclaiming Our Purpose

The world around us has changed dramatically. As our communities continue to grapple with division, misinformation, and fatigue, we remain committed to the same truth that brought us together: belonging is the antidote to bigotry.

That belief grounds our latest initiative—We Fund Belonging, Not Bigotry (https://givebutter.com/wefundbelonging-notbigotry)—a community-powered campaign to invest in hope, connection, and trust. Instead of allowing hate and fear to define our public discourse, we are turning that energy into collective action and innovation.

Through this campaign, we are inviting individuals, organizations, and institutions to fund what brings us together, ensuring that the work of inclusion and healing has sustainable support across Central Texas and beyond.

Tools for Connection: The Djembe App

To make this vision real, CTCRE has partnered to develop the Djembe app, a digital tool designed to help nonprofits, educators, and community organizations cultivate meaningful dialogue, trust, and collaboration.

Inspired by the original Djembe card deck, this new platform will include:

Interactive reflection tools for community and classroom conversations

Facilitator guides and training modules for team development

Trust-building frameworks rooted in the Listening for Belonging model

Data and evaluation tools that help organizations track their growth and social impact

By combining cultural wisdom with modern design, the Djembe app will serve as a bridge—connecting people across difference, fostering empathy, and nurturing environments where every voice is heard.

Building the Future Together

This new phase is about partnership. As we continue to develop these tools, we are actively:

Engaging with educators and nonprofit leaders to pilot Djembe experiences,

Launching small-group listening sessions to ensure community alignment, and

Building a diverse coalition of donors and allies who believe in the power of belonging.

We invite you to stand with us once again—to fund belonging, to invest in connection, and to recommit to the vision of a beloved community that bends toward justice.

In Closing

As we reflect on the work ahead, we are reminded that justice, like community, is a living practice. It requires constant tending, honest reflection, and courageous imagination.

Let us continue to be those who listen for belonging—who build bridges even when it’s hard, who lead with love even when it’s unpopular, and who believe, still, that transformation begins with us.

Together, we can turn this vision into movement.

With gratitude and renewed commitment,

The CTCRE Team
Central Texas Collective for Racial Equity
www.ctcracialequity.org

We Fund Belonging, Not Bigotry Support the Djembe app—a community-driven platform rooted in African tradition, using interactive dialogue to build trust, empathy, and healing. Help us create tech that bridges divides and brings people together.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Mark your calendars for October 15 because the Greater Austin Black Chamber (GABC) Business Awards Luncheon is coming, and it's going to be a celebration like no other! 🎉✨

Join us as we honor the trailblazers, innovators, and game-changers in our community who are making waves in business and beyond. 🌊🏆 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just love supporting local excellence, this event is for YOU! 🙌

Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:
- Inspiring Success Stories 📈
- Amazing Networking Opportunities 🤝
- Incredible Food (Because who doesn’t love a great lunch?) 🍽️
- Recognition of Austin’s Brightest Business Stars 🌟

Let’s celebrate Black excellence, innovation, and community together! See you there!

🔗 Register now and let’s make October 15 one to remember! 💼🎉

🗓️ Oct 15 | GABC Business Awards Luncheon | October 2024 |Springdale Station 11:30AM | Please join us as we celebrate our 42nd Annual Business Awards Luncheon. While many accomplishments have been garnered from our 1st member inking an $11 Million dollar deal from their hard work and attendance of a GABC private casting call to help close that deal and receive national expo...

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