This month, we had an opportunity to interview CFBMoC member Diego Bravo, Program Director of Liberty Hill’s Ready to Rise Program. 

Diego works with government, foundation, and dedicated community-based organization partners to expand opportunities, resources, community-defined practices, and enrichment services for thousands of young people across LA County. The goal of Ready to Rise is to build a system that replaces the traditional and harmful structures of punishment and incarceration with emerging best practices centered on healing, learning, and opportunity.

Learn more about Diego below.

What is the most pressing issue facing California’s boys and men of color today?

Finding hope, purpose, and a good income is very challenging for boys and men in our communities. We have always faced these challenges because this system is not set up for us. And in many ways, it is even set up against us, but it has weighed heavily on us these past few years. It is time to reimagine systems for our young people and provide them with bright alternatives. 

What is one call to action for philanthropic peers to support and sustain the movement to build thriving communities for boys and men of color?

Look around you and see who else is stepping up in this moment when others are backing down. We’re living through a period of incredible systems change, both good and bad. And as funders, we need to empower brave organizations that are seizing this moment to organize, change policy, and ensure our young people not only survive these big shifts but really have the conditions to succeed and thrive.

What keeps you hopeful about the future?

Violence and gun deaths in our communities across California are at their lowest levels since the 1960s. This is a direct result of investment in community-based organizations that deeply and inherently understand the needs of those they serve. While we’re not there yet, we have the model that works, and we need to continue investing in it.   

Is there something you have recently read, watched, or listened to that inspires you or your work?

Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Pedagogy of Hope, and Pedagogy of Freedom by Paulo Freire. I am also inspired by early-2000s Bay Area hip hop.