Breaking the Wedge: Anti-Blackness, Antisemitism, and Philanthropy's Role in the Future of Democracy

When: 
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 -
10:00am to 12:00pm EST
Where: 
Philanthropy New York; 320 East 43rd Street; NYC 10017
Members of PNY & Partner Orgs: 
$0.00
Non-Members: 
$150.00
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What we need now is a collective reckoning…an honest confrontation with how antisemitism and anti-Blackness are systemic tools — not personal failings. Tools meant to divide. 

- Patrice Cullors and Eric Ward, Your Rage Is Justified, But Don't Forget Who You're Fighting 

Across civil society, we’re witnessing a rise in antisemitism that cannot be addressed without also confronting anti-Blackness. This dialogue brings both into focus, how we examine the functions of each as parallel threats to democracy, and how we can meet the challenge.

What will I learn?

Session participants will be able to:

  • Map the specific laws, funding streams, narratives, and political strategies that deploy anti-Blackness and antisemitism as interconnected tools for democratic erosion
  • Distinguish between genuine acts of antisemitism and the selective political deployment of antisemitism accusations used to silence racial and immigrant justice movements
  • Trace and recognize the specific white supremacist strategies in politics, media, and philanthropy that deliberately manufacture division between Black and Jewish communities
  • Analyze how anti-Blackness functions as the structural “floor” that legitimizes other biases, setting the conditions for antisemitism to be leveraged as a wedge or disciplinary tool 
  • Identify and articulate tested, tangible strategies from successful multiracial, multi-faith coalitions that have resisted wedge tactics and sustained governance and action through high-heat periods 
  • Articulate areas where philanthropy can strengthen democratic institutions, including protecting civic space, investing in data infrastructure, and funding coalition durability 

Speakers

Who should attend?

All interested funders, regardless of roles. What to expect: fireside chat, interspersed with small group reflections and conversations.

Registration

9:45 AM-10:00 AM Check-in
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Program

Registration is required by January 12th.

Members:  To register yourself and/or a colleague at your organization, please log in and click the Register Now link above (no fee).

Non-Member Funders:  Create an account or log in above and click the Register Now link ($150 fee).

Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.