From Journalism to Philanthropy: Centering the Experiences of Black Women

As part of our "Intersections of Resilience" series, we honor the transformative leadership of Afro-Latine voices within our comunidad during Black History Month. These stories illuminate how their lived experiences and visionary work are reshaping philanthropy's future.

For over two decades, Lori Robinson traveled throughout Latin America, capturing the stories that mainstream media often overlooked—documenting the lives of Afro-descendent communities whose very existence challenges the myth of racial democracy. What began as journalistic curiosity evolved into something far more powerful: a movement to address gaps in support for Black women-led organizations across the region. Today, as the founder of VidaAfrolatina, Robinson works at the intersection of storytelling and social change, inviting philanthropy to transform how it engages with Afro-Latine communities.

"As a journalist for two decades, what most excited me was covering Black communities in Latin America," Robinson shares with conviction. "So many people in the U.S. have little or no awareness of the presence of people of African descent in the region due to socio-political factors like their significant exclusion from Latin American media and the myth of racial democracy."

This erasure fueled Robinson's determination to shine a light on the brilliance often obscured by systemic barriers. Throughout her career, she witnessed firsthand the determination of countless women artists, entrepreneurs, academics, and grassroots leaders transforming their communities against incredible odds.

Building on a Legacy of Brilliance 

Robinson stands firmly in the tradition of those who came before her, acknowledging that her work builds upon foundations laid by other visionaries. She points to Veda Byrd-Perez, an African American attorney who, after witnessing the stark lack of resources available to Afro-Ecuadorian women, created When and Where I Enter, Inc. This groundbreaking organization disbursed grants to Black women's organizations throughout Latin America, and Robinson—who served on its board—sought Byrd-Perez's blessing to continue and expand her vision with the founding of VidaAfrolatina. 

Robinson also draws strength from the late Miriam Jiménez Román, an Afro-Puerto Rican intellectual who championed the study of Afro-Latine life in the US, and Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, whose "fierce truth-telling, international advocacy and legacy of thriving institutions" continue to shape cultural spaces across the diaspora.

These connections across generations and geographies remind us that Robinson’s work today is neither isolated nor new—it is part of a continuing lucha for recognition, resources, and respect.

A Personal Mission with Global Impact: Turning Pain into Poder

At the heart of her work lies a deeply personal truth. As a rape survivor, she channeled her experience into extensive reporting on sexual violence and its disproportionate impact on Black communities—examining both its historical roots during slavery and its persistent legacy today. Her book, "I Will Survive: The African American Guide to Healing from Sexual Assault and Abuse," established her as a trusted voice in trauma recovery.

With VidaAfrolatina, Robinson has created "a unique opportunity to continue disseminating resources for survivors and communities, now through grantmaking instead of journalism." This strategic shift allows her to direct resources to Afro-descendent women-led, grassroots organizations providing healing services and creating initiatives to eliminate sexual violence ultimately.

As an emerging international women’s fund, they beautifully envision a world where Black women flourish because safety and wellness are their everyday reality. "I was blessed to have had access to healing resources," Robinson reflected, "and I remain motivated to make sure other survivors do, too." This commitment to healing forms the backbone of VidaAfrolatina's approach, recognizing that personal recovery and community transformation go hand in hand.

The Data Behind the Disparities

This advocacy is rooted in a stark reality of systemic exclusion that demands urgent attention: in Latin America and the Caribbean, 11% of women are victims of non-partner sexual violence—nearly double the global average of 6%. The World Health Organization calls gender-based violence "a global public health problem of epidemic proportions, requiring urgent action." Yet, despite this devastating reality, less than 1% of grants from human rights funders worldwide address gender-based violence. 

And despite comprising 20-30 percent of Latin America's population, Afro-descendant organizations receive less than 3% of grants from human rights funders and US foundations allocated for the region. This isn't just a funding gap—it's a manifestation of historical patterns that Lori works to disrupt.

Robinson pointed to the data from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean that demonstrates the entrenched barriers that Black women in particular, face:

• Structural inequality that severely limits access to quality housing, water, sanitation, and healthcare
• Persistent poverty rates and digital divides that restrict connectivity and opportunity
• Higher unemployment despite improved educational attainment—a clear indicator of systemic discrimination
• A philanthropy infrastructure that overwhelmingly favors large, established nonprofits while overlooking community-rooted initiatives
• Funders who address economic issues without recognizing how race and gender shape lived experiences

Behind each data point are real women –grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and sisters. Throughout her career, Lori has honored their inherent dignity and expertise. Alongside grantmaking, for example, VidaAfrolatina has been able to highlight the Undeniable Power of Black feminist leaders in Latin America to share their stories and work. 

Reimagining Philanthropy: Driven by Solidarity

When asked what true equity in philanthropy would look like, Robinson envisions a sector transformed from within: "staff and leadership speaking honestly about the state of equity in their own organizations and in the field." This requires more than superficial commitments—it calls for philanthropy to conduct rigorous internal evaluation, strategic goals for resourcing historically excluded movements, and a willingness to be held accountable.

Robinson also calls for a move toward trust-based practices that recognize the expertise of communities. Some examples of that would look like: 

• General operating support that respects organizations' ability to respond nimbly to evolving needs
• Multi-year funding that creates the stability necessary for sustainable impact
• Simplified application and reporting processes that honor the precious time of chronically under-resourced leaders

She would also call on more funders to "design grantmaking strategies specific to the unique challenges and goals of women of African descent,"—recognizing that without intentional focus, even well-meaning "inclusive" approaches often reproduce existing patterns of exclusion.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint: Sustainability in the Movement

Robinson's leadership style—which she describes as "feminist, democratic, and horizontal"—embodies the wisdom she shares with emerging leaders: "We are in a marathon, not a sprint, and we should act accordingly."

With the authority of a leader who has witnessed both burnout and resilience, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and strong relationships. It is so important to take good care of ourselves, to nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits, and to prioritize the relationships that sustain and nurture us. It is also important to honor ourselves by relentlessly seeking out spaces where we are respected and appreciated. If we are not well, we can't continue to show up for our communities."

This wisdom reflects her journey from journalist to philanthropic leader. It demonstrates how strategic action and personal experience, when honored and channeled with purpose, can catalyze movements for profound change.

VidaAfrolatina welcomes opportunities to develop creative strategies with new resource partners, thought partners, academics, civil society organizations, and others. To learn more about their work or explore collaboration opportunities to advance our collective lucha for justice and healing, please contact them directly at info@vidaafrolatina.org. 

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Interested in reading the full series? Click here to learn more about Joel and Radhy.