Pro-Black Philosophy
Advancing Social Welfare Through a Multi-Racial Democracy
Tides Advocacy is a Pro-Black organization committed to advancing political empowerment of Black communities as a cornerstone of a thriving multiracial democracy.
A strategy for systemic change rooted in the idea of centering Black-led advocacy to strengthen the lived experience of all people in the United States.
Tides Advocacy is a Pro-Black organization committed to advancing political empowerment of Black communities as a cornerstone of a thriving multiracial democracy. History demonstrates that when Black communities gain access to power, opportunity, and representation, society as a whole benefits. Policies and infrastructure changes driven by Black-led or other community-focused advocacy have historically benefited broad populations, much like how curb cuts—originally championed by disability rights advocates in wheelchairs—improved accessibility for millions of people beyond those with disabilities, including parents with strollers, delivery workers, and older adults. Similarly, centering Black leadership in policy and advocacy creates systems, programs, and protections that strengthen communities and opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Here are two examples of how Black-led organizations resulted in tangible benefits to people of all racial backgrounds:
During Reconstruction, Black political participation led to public schools, equitable voting systems, and early social programs—benefiting children, families, and communities beyond Black populations.
The Civil Rights movement expanded voting rights, desegregated public spaces, and protected workplaces, setting precedents that benefited women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups.
Being Pro-Black is therefore not only about achieving meaningful improvements for Black communities—it is a strategic lever for building a multi-racial democracy where all people can participate, be represented, and thrive.
Advancing social welfare through a multi-racial democracy using a Pro-Black lens also means having a rigorous commitment to compliance as a 501(c)(4) organization. This includes dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” in our legal, financial, and operational practices so that our partners have the maximum possible space to engage in permissible advocacy and organizing. By establishing clear guidelines, providing accessible tools and resources, and offering guidance on legal and regulatory compliance, we ensure that Black-led and allied organizations can advance systemic change safely, strategically, and effectively. In this way, operational discipline becomes a core part of supporting political empowerment and broad social welfare.
Being Pro-Black means respecting both the law and our shared humanity as well. Tides Advocacy has always been, and will continue to be, unwavering in our policy: we do not engage in or support violence, terrorism, or the destruction of property. We have never and will never allow funds to be used for these purposes.
Our Approach
1 | Grantmaking, Convening, and Fiscal Sponsorship to Achieve Political Empowerment
Tides Advocacy operationalizes the Pro-Black framework through our core functions:
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We provide legal, financial, human resources, and advisory assistance to fearless leaders organizing, building power, growing organizations, and advancing progressive policies. By providing guidance and operational support to Black-led and allied advocacy organizations advancing local policy initiatives—such as community-driven housing, environmental justice, or public health campaigns—we strengthen their ability to effect meaningful change. This benefits entire neighborhoods by improving access to safe housing, clean air and water, and essential services, creating more equitable, resilient, and thriving communities for everyone.
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We bring together partners, allies, and donors to share knowledge, coordinate action, and amplify impact. Convenings foster collaboration across communities, enabling policy solutions that uplift all historically marginalized groups while centering Black voices as a critical driver of systemic change.
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We invest in advocacy initiatives led by Black, BIPOC, and other organizations to strengthen grassroots campaigns, civic engagement, and policy innovation. For example, supporting Black-led voter mobilization programs increases voter turnout in historically disenfranchised communities, which benefits all residents by ensuring elections are more representative and accountable.
2 | Racial Justice at the Core of Community and Partnerships
We collaborate with Black-led, BIPOC-led, and allied organizations to dismantle oppressive systems, share resources, and amplify wins. Examples of how these efforts benefit all communities include:
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Supporting Black-led and allied organizations that defend voting rights and fair elections ensures every eligible voter—regardless of race—has access to participate.
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Policies initiated by Black-led and allied advocates to combat discriminatory policing, improve workplace protections, or expand access to public benefits create safeguards that serve all marginalized communities.
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Black-led and allied economic empowerment initiatives, such as community-based business incubators or living-wage campaigns, raise economic opportunity and stability for neighbors across racial and socioeconomic lines.
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Black-led and allied environmental justice campaigns addressing air quality, water safety, or equitable access to green space improve public health outcomes for entire communities, not only the most directly impacted.
3 | Equitable Internal Practices & Leadership Development
Internally, Tides Advocacy aspires to foster equitable decision-making, mentorship, and leadership development for all staff. Our goal is to cultivate inclusive pathways to leadership across the organization and ecosystem, ensuring diverse voices have the tools, networks, and support to influence policy, strategy, and movement-building initiatives. This approach ensures fairness, collaboration, and shared purpose without prioritizing one group of employees over another.
4 | Progressive, Social Justice Politics That Advance Systemic Change
By empowering Black and allied leaders to lead campaigns and shape policy, we create civic systems that are more inclusive, accountable, and representative. Examples include:
Advocacy to expand local participatory budgeting ensures all residents have a voice in allocating public resources.
Education equity campaigns strengthen schools in underserved communities, benefiting children across racial and economic lines.
Housing justice initiatives promote affordable housing policies that improve stability for all low-income families.
Our philosophy advances Black political power as a catalyst for an inclusive democracy.
By strengthening Black-led advocacy, defending democratic processes, and expanding access to decision-making, Tides Advocacy ensures that political empowerment benefits everyone.
The Pro-Black philosophy operationalizes Tides Advocacy’s mission, vision, strategic framework, and program areas to:
Support fearless leaders to organize, build power, grow organizations, and advance progressive policies that center equity and justice in our democracy and daily lives.
Equip historically marginalized people with tools to participate meaningfully in democracy.
Create systems, networks, and policies that strengthen opportunity, justice, and civic engagement for all.
Being Pro-Black is both a moral imperative and a strategic approach: it centers Black communities while delivering societal-wide gains, creating a democracy where every voice matters, power flows equitably, and opportunity is shared by everyone.