With everything going on around the country—from attacks against diversity, equity, and inclusion to executive orders impacting the most marginalized communities—it may be tempting to feel as though it is impossible to build power, but that is not the case. 

In this week’s newsletter, we look at how groups are organizing to build political and economic power. First, Kristin Powell, the principal at Black Futures Lab, discusses how the group, based in rural Black communities, is building momentum around its Black Economic Agenda. Next, at a Washington, DC, gathering of 1,300 racial and economic justice advocates, participants seek to build a stronger movement amid a hostile political environment. Then, we look at how tenant unions are centering those most impacted by the housing crisis. Finally, we revisit Erica Smiley’s piece from last year about how Black workers in the South are organizing and challenging corporate power.