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MBC’s first funders briefing was attended by philanthropists, private businesses, utility companies and faith-based organizations. The virtual event included updates on MBC’s previous accomplishments, current work, and upcoming projects. The diverse industry representation illustrated both the broad interest and broad applications of MBC’s geographic information systems work. Team members framed MBC’s origin and the early core support provided by GIS pioneer, Jack Dangermond, CEO of Esri. They walked participants through the integration of GIS mapping into the BVN newsroom, highlighting its data journalism projects. The team also shared details on its ongoing work on government accountability projects like the Racism as a Public Health Crisis Dashboard. This briefing was the first in a series of future planning efforts to help MBC utilize GIS to inform multiple industries as they work to engage and serve communities throughout the state.

MBC received a $15,000 grant from SoCalGas to update its map of philanthropic giving to Black communities.  This update will help MBC expand the Black-led Organization database with the addition of fiscally sponsored Black organizations.  This grant deepens the foundational partnership between MBC and SoCalGas, as they were the first organization to provide major investments to the development of the first-of-its-kind statewide database. "The mapping project gave us better insights into our giving and support in the Black community measured against data on population needs. It also created not only a database, but a geographical visual of Black-led nonprofits serving California. Elevating this work to help more Black-led nonprofits expand their service in the community is important to me personally, and to SoCalGas," shared SoCalGas Community Relations Director, Trisha Muse. MBC is excited to continue its partnership with SoCalGas and looks forward to increasing access to reliable data on Black communities in the state.

Building on the work shared in the May edition of our newsletter, MBC is continuing to develop maps that provide critical community data that will inform Orange County’s High Road Transition Collaborative (HRTC). The collaborative is responsible for the regional development plan that will guide the dissemination of CERF funds. One of MBC’s newest maps includes the Unequal Pollution map, which provides context to the connection between environmental justice and public health.

MBC’s mapmaker bank is designed to recruit both mapmakers and data analysts. MBC’s continued work with skilled Black mapmakers places urgency behind its efforts to recruit more of these insightful talented professionals for its projects.  

If you or someone you know is interested in joining MBC's mapmaker and data analyst bank, don’t hesitate. Get involved.  Sign up here.

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