"Representation matters and the origination of civically engaged art by Arabs, BIPOC, and community-based organizations is critical to shaping the future of our neighborhoods," says Hazami Sayed.

Lauren Roberts: “Successful civic engagement is simply being an active Philadelphia resident and doing what you can to make our city even better than it already is."

She Can Win Giving Circle recently announced its first four grantees — organizations that advance equity for Black women and families in the areas of maternal health, reproductive justice, and civic engagement.

"If you are not registered [to vote], get registered and make your voice heard and your thoughts count," says guest columnist Rev. Michelle Simmons.

“We want to make sure that people don’t stumble over simple things,” says Will Gonzalez, the executive director of Ceiba.

You'll see some favorite editorial calendar topics, like Women in Leadership and Leaders of Color, return next year. But we'll focus our reporting on some provocative new topics as well (because we like to start conversations...).

The 16th class of GAB — whose first meeting was September 7 — has already decided its funding priorities: access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and education; human trafficking; and mental health.