Artist: Leo Kwan

Purpose

Formed in 2018, Liberation in a Generation is a national movement support organization building the power of people of color to totally transform the economy—who controls it, how it works, and most importantly, for whom. We bring together advocates, community organizers, economists, and other proven and emerging leaders of color across the country to build a Liberation Economy, within one generation. Liberation in a Generation is a fiscally-sponsored project of PolicyLink.

Mission

We aim to create political and economic change where people of color prosper. This means tearing down systems of oppression that extract from, devalue, and exploit Black, Latine, low and moderate income Asian, and Indigenous people. It means building a Liberation Economy where all people of color have our basic needs met, are safe from harm, are valued, and belong.

Vision

We believe that it is possible to create an economy where all Black, Latine, Asian, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander people thrive – in one generation. To accomplish this, we must dismantle what we call the Oppression Economy, in which elite institutions use racism to expand their wealth and power through the theft, exploitation, and exclusion of people of color. In its place, we must build a Liberation Economy in which all people of color:

  • Have basic needs met. Income to buy food and shelter, healthcare, etc.
  • Are safe and secure. Free from economic and physical exploitation or targeting.
  • Are valued. People of color reap the benefits of their labor and are compensated for all types of contributions to our economy and society.
  • Belong. Especially those with criminal records and those who have immigrated to this country.

Values

IMAGINING A WORLD THAT EXCEEDS OUR EXPECTATIONS

We need an economy that we have never seen. Because no blueprint or much precedent for ending oppression in our economy exists, LibGen and our partners are deploying courage, imagination, and collective thought to push for an economy beyond our imagination.

Leading with and building trust among leaders of color

We believe in elevating the leadership, power, and influence of leaders in color by building our capacity as agents of change. We value the importance of lifting up each other’s work and centering those most directly affected.

Fixing Systems, Not People

We understand that racial economic disparities are the result of inequities embedded within our oppressive systems and institutions – not the result of individuals’ behaviors, mentalities, or personal choices. We aim for overhauls to systems and structures that result in population-wide impact.

Bridging Across Race and Ethnicity

We celebrate and acknowledge the unique histories, contributions, experiences, and struggles of people of color across race and ethnicity. In addition, we seek to bridge across our differences to join in solidarity to dismantle white supremacy and advance racial and economic justice.