Konda Mason invites Nwamaka Agbo to the Brown Rice Hour for conservation around the concept of Restorative Economics, the pros and cons of philanthropy, and much more.
Nwamaka Agbo is the CEO of the Kataly Foundation. With a background in community organizing, electoral campaigns, policy and advocacy work on racial, social and environmental justice issues, she is deeply committed to supporting projects that build resilient, healthy and self-determined communities rooted in shared prosperity. Prior to joining Kataly, Nwamaka built an independent consulting practice guided by her framework on Restorative Economics. Learn more about Nwamaka and Restorative Economics at nwamakaagbo.com.
Restorative Economics
Konda welcomes Nwamaka to the Brown Rice Hour and asks about her road to truly understanding economics and finances in the context of American capitalism. Nwamaka explains how she came up with the concept of Restorative Economics and how it shifts the framework of economics in a more expansive, just way.
“It is fundamentally rooted in the frameworks of restorative justice and reparations. Restorative Economics forces us into an intentional transition out of an extractive and exploitative capitalist economy and towards something that’s more just.” – Nwamaka Agbo
Philanthropic Institutions (24:50)
Konda and Nwamaka discuss the pros and cons of philanthropic institutions. Nwamaka breaks down the history of philanthropy and how it continues to perpetuate harm, but also talks about her work at the Kataly Foundation and how they’re carving out a new model where philanthropy can be leveraged in a positive way.
“Philanthropy has been an industry that was created for the private preservation of wealth.” – Nwamaka Agbo
Konda Mason and Jessica Norwood talk about bringing right relationship into the world of finance on Brown Rice Hour Ep. 8
The Shift From Charity to Solidarity (41:17)
Konda and Nwamaka explore how she resources herself in the role of CEO. Nwamaka talks about what she’s seeing from her vantage point in the world of economics, and how she feels there’s a shift from charity to solidarity taking place in philanthropy. Konda notes the role Black women such as Nwamaka continue to play in pushing us all forward.
“Don’t limit yourself by the smallness of someone’s inability to see you free. Dream yourself into liberation. That’s what these projects are really lifting up.” – Nwamaka Agbo
Source images via Nwamaka Agbo